“What was that?” If you get asked this a lot, then chances are you’re supporting a person with hearing loss.
Being hearing impaired myself, I know only too well how frustrating communication is. Mainly for me, but also for those trying to talk to me.
In celebration of Hearing Awareness Week and World Hearing Day on 3 March, here are my top tips for supporting someone living with hearing loss. They are all small things that have a big impact!
Hearing loss in Australia
You might be surprised to learn that hearing loss is extremely common.
Almost four million Australians live with this disability. But when it comes to older Australians, the stats are much higher.
According to The Department of Health and Aged Care, hearing loss impacts almost half of Australians aged 60-70. This increases to 70% over the age of 70, and for those aged 80 and older, hearing loss affects 80% of people. Due to our ageing population, the number of people living with hearing loss is set to double by 2060.
What’s more, hearing loss is the second most common physical disability after musculoskeletal issues (such as back problems and arthritis) in older Australians.
Hearing loss is all around us. If you live with it yourself, then you’ll know intimately how much it impacts your life.
The social isolation of hearing loss
One of the most distressing things about not being able to hear well, and therefore not being able to understand what’s going on and participate in conversations easily, is that you feel excluded.
Indeed, multiple studies have found that hearing loss is associated with a much higher risk of loneliness and social isolation (and here are some ideas for independent support workers to combat this).
Even a family get-together can be too hard when you can’t hear well, let alone going to the noisy shops or simply having a chat with a neighbour who is watering the garden.
The good news is, when others are aware of the challenges those with hearing loss face, and how they can help to reduce them, inclusion occurs.
Top tips for supporting people with hearing loss
Face us when you talk
Turn off all background noise
Get our attention before you talk
Speak slower, rather than louder
Sit closer
Don't assume hearing aids are the cure for hearing loss
Turn on the TV subtitles
Learn hearing aid maintenance
Make phone calls on our behalf if needed
Ask us
Never say "It doesn't matter"
Thank you for reading these tips. They will greatly improve your ability to support a person with hearing loss. Please also share them with others and help to make society more aware of hearing loss.
Awareness leads to understanding, which leads to inclusion.
Living with hearing loss? Find a support worker on Mable experienced in working with people with invisible disabilities.
Lana Hallowes is a freelance writer and mum of two boys, who are growing up much faster than she’d like. She loves writing for Mable and is an advocate for inclusion, being hearing impaired herself and living in a neurodiverse household.
