The solution to hearing loss may be a hearing aid. Many hearing impaired individuals resist this help because of the stigma wrongfully attached to hearing aids. Read more in our family guide to hearing loss from HearingAidHelp.com
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A family guide to hearing loss

An estimated 28 million people suffer from some degree of hearing loss, which means that either directly or indirectly, each of us is affected.

Hearing usually deteriorates very gradually.Hearing aid loss - family photo The process can be so slow that the impaired person may not even be aware of the problem until others notice it.

The hearing impaired person exhibits slight personality shifts, asking others to repeat what they say more often or turning up the TV and radio. The entire family may find they are making changes to accommodate the hearing loss.

The solution may be a hearing aid. However, many hearing impaired individuals resist this help because of the stigma wrongfully attached to hearing aids. Most hearing loss sufferers are unaware of the new technology available in hearing aids and hearing-assistive devices.

Once the hearing impaired individual accepts the advantages of a hearing aid, they may face the often frustrating task of re-learning how to listen. This often takes a period of time to redevelop. During this period, the rest of the family plays an important role in the hearing impaired person's adjustment to amplification.

These guidelines help ease the hearing aid user's transition to better communication:

  1. Some degree of lip reading is part of understanding oral communication; When possible, speak to the hearing aid user's face.

  2. Get their attention before you speak.

  3. Don't try to communicate from one room to another.

  4. Don't try to communicate in noisy environments during the first few weeks of hearing aid use. During this period, the hearing aid user is learning to sort out important sounds from the background; this can be difficult in the beginning.

  5. If you haven't been understood, rephrase rather than repeat. With each successful listening experience, the hearing aid user develops more confidence in the hearing aid.

  6. The best distance for safe, comfortable television viewing is 8 to 10 feet.

  7. Hearing is more difficult when people are tired or ill.

  8. Patience and understanding are essential as hearing aid users redevelop listening skills at their own pace. Your attitude can either discourage the use of a hearing aid, or help the hearing impaired person realize its full benefits.

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Types of hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss
Levels of hearing loss
Hearing loss questionnaire

Articles on hearing loss

Understanding hearing loss
Facts about hearing disorders
Common myths about hearing disorders

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