Coping with hearing loss
"I can see why many people would not want to wear the ‘stereotypical’ hearing aids of the bygone era, such as the hearing tube that looked like a trumpet coming out of your ear, or the wires and cords – but a lot of men nowadays have hearing loss. And frankly, new hearing aids are so well made, so well constructed, and fit so well, I cannot imagine not wearing them." George Kennedy
The thought of losing your hearing is never a pleasant one, but there is a lot of help available for people with hearing loss, not just hearing aids (though only 1 in 3 of people who may benefit from hearing aids actually use them).
Equipment to help with hearing loss
Hearing aids
Modern digital hearing aids, which are now available from most NHS audiology clinics, are ‘programmed’ to suit an individual's unique hearing loss. Hearing aids can take a while to get used to, and work best in quiet situations. Background noise is often still a problem. Hearing aids don't give you perfect hearing; they only amplify your remaining hearing, but many people are helped by hearing aids. Hearing tests and hearing aids are free on the NHS, and audiology clinics provide free hearing aid batteries for NHS hearing aids. Following a hearing test, if the audiologist thinks you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids, they will discuss with you what type of aid would best suit you.
Telephones
You can get a telephone amplifier that fastens on to the handset that you can use with your existing telephone. These usually fasten to the handset of the telephone, or plug in between the telephone and the handset cord. Both types usually have an adjustable volume which you can alter to suit your hearing loss. Some amplifiers that fasten on to the handset can also be used with mobile phones. If you are a hearing aid user, you can also use a neck loop which includes an inductive coupler which plugs into your phone and allows you to use the ‘T’ setting on your hearing aid to listen to the phone. You can also get phones that are specially designed for deaf people, that have adjustable voice volume and/or a built in inductive coupler that can be used with hearing aids. Some telephones have an extra loud ringing volume or a flashing light to show you when it's ringing. You can also get equipment that alerts you that your telephone is ringing by for example flashing the house lights. There are many types of equipment available. If you are severely or profoundly deaf you may want to use a text phone or Minicom that allows you to 'talk’ to other people by typing a conversation. The RNID/British Telecom's service Typetalk↗ also allows communication between voice telephone users and text phone users.
Other alerting equipment
Other equipment can be used to alert you to other things, like when your doorbell or alarm clock is ringing, or alert you to your smoke detector or baby alarm.
Listening equipment
Listening equipment can be used to help you hear conversations, in social situations, in classes, in lectures and meetings. They can also be used to help you hear the television, radio, and music. Models are available for hearing aid users and non hearing aid users, which are wired and use either a microphone and headphones or microphone and inductive coupler that is used with a neck loop. There are also models available that are wireless and use either infra–red or radio frequency waves to transmit between a transmitting microphone and receiver which is used with either headphones or a neck loop.
Cinema and Theatre
Some cinemas have showings of films with subtitles. Theatres may have captioned or signed performances.
Banks and shops
Banks and larger shops often have induction loops built in at selected counters and checkouts. The ‘T’ sign shows where induction loops are installed.
Television, video and DVD
Though many pre–recorded videos don't include subtitles, many TV programmes and films are now subtitled, and some video recorders allow you to record TV programmes with subtitles. DVDs often have an option for showing subtitles. You can usually find this option on the main menu screen of the DVD.
Other help that may be available
Hearing therapists and support services can give you further advice and information, practical suggestions on coming to terms with your hearing loss, using hearing aids, and tips for communication with other people.
Support groups can help people with a hearing loss by allowing them to meet with other people with hearing loss. Many groups hold regular meetings, produce newsletters for their members, and have guest speakers at their meetings. The hospital's ENT department, audiology clinic, or local library should be able to tell you about local support groups.
Lip reading classes can be useful for people with a hearing loss. Your audiology clinic, local library or education department should have details of classes in your area.
Sign language classes can be useful, especially for people with a more severe hearing loss. Your audiology clinic, local library, college or education department should have details of classes in your area.
Where can I go for help and information?
- The ENT department at the hospital/audiology clinic – the audiologists and hearing therapists will be able to tell you about services in your local area and equipment that may help you in your daily life. They may also have equipment that you can try to see if it may be suitable for you.
- Local support groups are a good source of information on practical tips on coping with hearing loss and may have speakers on subjects of interest to Ddeaf people at their meetings, and often have links with other groups.
- your local library is a good source of information on local support groups, classes, and services for Ddeaf people
- Social Services can assess your needs and provide equipment to help you in your daily life. They can also assess any other support needs, and you may be eligible for Direct Payment which can be used to purchase equipment and support services
- Staff at your local Benefits Agency office will be able to tell you if you may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and send you a claim pack.
- your local Citizen's Advice Bureaux (CAB) or Law Centre will be able to advise you on legal issues, discrimination, and disability rights. They may also have advisors who may be able to help you in completing forms
- If you work, or want to look for work, the Disability Employment Advisor at your local Jobcentre can help you find suitable employment and support, including information on Access to Work, a government scheme that helps people with disabilities to find or stay in work, providing financial support towards adjustments or equipment to enable a disabled person to work, and towards transport costs.
