The
person with a hearing loss is usually "the last one to know."
Family members and friends notice the hearing problems long before
the person with the loss does. That's why hearing loss often goes
undetected and untreated.
Hearing loss goes undetected because it usually develops so
slowly that the change is not noticeable. The loss is invisible and
painless. Also, only certain sounds are affected -- words are still
loud enough, just not clear
enough.
How can you help:
Encourage them to call us for a hearing test.
Anyone with a possible hearing loss should get an audiologic
evaluation, along with good information and professional advice.
Don't criticize. Instead, stress that you
simply want the person to be able to communicate as well as
possible...and there's nothing lost if the hearing test indicates
normal hearing.
Don't compensate. By talking louder, you're
helping the person pretend there isn't a problem. When you
do have to speak louder, let the person know that you're
speaking louder than normal.
Give them this information. Information and
knowledge are valuable tools in the effort to hear and communicate
as well as possible.
