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 Adult deafness

 
 

 

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Common problem

9 million people in the UK have some hearing loss. This can be debilitating and lead to isolation and depression but many people are not aware of the loss or try and hide the problem. Presentation to us tends to be late.

The problem usually develops gradually with increasing problems understanding others when there is background noise. Higher pitched sounds tend to be affected first. Tinnitus may be the presenting problem.

We have the equipment necessary to test your hearing and will refer in to the hospital ENT (ear, nose & throat) service for consultant opinion and advice on management of any hearing loss identified.

Weblinks

Royal National Institute for the Deaf www.rnid.org.uk
British Deaf Association www.bda.org.uk 

Advice for family and friends of those with hearing problems

Attract the person's attention

bulletCall out the person's name or touch them gently
bulletWait until there is a response before beginning the conversation
bulletFace one another as the sound is clearer and visual clues from face & lips aids understanding

Adjust your speaking style so that you can be understood

bulletSpeak slowly and clearly but do not exaggerate your speech. Shouting may just seem threatening and not clearer
bulletYou may need to repeat yourself but it may be better to rephrase your sentence as different words vary in clarity
bulletMove away from sources of noise or other distraction and try not to be in shadow

Get closer to one another

bulletBackground noise interferes with hearing even when a hearing aid is used. The nearer you are the less the effect of surrounding noise and aids work best within 10 feet
bulletAllow the person to sit with their back towards the main source of noise and be aware of noise such as traffic or running water which you might not notice normally

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Homepage last modified: August 25, 2008.