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Caring For Elderly Loved Ones With Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common condition affecting the elderly. It occurs in one out of three seniors from ages 65 to 75. This illness among older adults happens once their health declines resulting in other disabilities alongside hearing impairment. According to Sidney T. Bogardus, Jr, MD and co-authors, “Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions and has important implications for patient quality of life. However, hearing loss is substantially underdetected and undertreated.” Having the elderly suffering from this illness entails a change of lifestyle and priorities in the family to cater to the needs of the elderly relative. “Patients who are deaf or hard of hearing are at high risk of breakdowns in health care communication,” says Michael M. McKee, MD, MPH.

There are a lot of things to consider in taking care of a senior with hearing impairment. Luckily, there are viable options for healthcare services. If you have the resources, it is pretty easy to send an old disabled relative to any nursing home. But before doing so, consider what they might be experiencing beyond their disabilities.

Emotional Challenges For Seniors With Hearing Loss

Towards the onset of losing the auditory senses, elders may experience some adverse emotional and psychological effects. Hearing loss triggers negative feelings that may imply withdrawal from close friends and family, changing the way they usually socialize and causing a rift in their relationships. These are some of what they experience:

Feelings Of Inadequacy

Elders with hearing loss tend to feel ashamed because of their disability. There will be times that they will feel embarrassed around other people and thus avoid interaction.

This feeling may trigger depression that would cause them to isolate themselves from friends and family.

Feelings Of Incompetence

Upon developing hearing loss, elders also lose some capabilities they used to do before being impaired. Since their health is deteriorating, more assistance is required, and they will soon need help with their daily activities. It may lead to low self-esteem, and they would likely want to live a sedentary life like always sleeping, sitting, and resting rather than partaking in their usual activities.

High Risk Of Anxiety

Anxiety is too heavy a word because it entails critical and adverse psychological implications that often do not apply in most situations. However, constant worrying and overthinking may trigger episodes of anxiety.

A study done among deaf Norwegians shows that people with chronic diseases are four times likely to have mental problems than those who are not disabled. It may result in a heightened sense of hopelessness and lack of motivation.

Anxiety triggers among the elderly with hearing loss often come from fears such as losing significant relationships and being a burden to the family.

Choosing A Healthcare Service

In some cultures, the sons, daughters, and grandchildren are the primary caretakers of the elderly. Getting help from professional caretakers or sending older adults to a nursing home is rarely practiced in these countries.

However, each family setup varies. With the demands of work and probably raising the kids, the traditional living arrangement may not be beneficial in some cases. Thus, it is an excellent option to avail of the services of a healthcare facility that can better address the needs of your elderly relative. Should you choose a nursing facility, here are some things you should consider:

Proximity Of The Nursing Home

As much as possible, the facility should not be more than two hours away from your home. Your family should be able to visit at least three times a month to check in with your elderly relative. Frequent interactions with loved ones lessen the risk of mental health problems among the elderly such as dementia and depression according to studies.

Healthcare Facilities That Cater To Deaf Patients

This one is probably the most important thing to consider. Many deaf patients experience severe communication barriers that result in improper treatment according to studies. Most patients experience distress, fear, and mistrust because of frequent miscommunication with their general healthcare practitioner.

When choosing a facility, check the credentials of the medical staff and medical practitioners. Be sure to research if they have undergone training and programs that make them effectively communicate with deaf or patients with hearing loss. Also, make sure that the home has interpreters in their staff.

If finding the right place that can cater to the needs of your elderly relative becomes difficult, there is always the option of hiring a caretaker. Hiring a stranger into your home is quite scary, but if you think that this option is best, these should be part of your checklist:

The agency has a strong quality assurance policy.
The agency did a meticulous background check of the caretaker.
The credentials of the caretaker must meet the standard minimum for being qualified for the job (education, training, license, experience, etc.).
Caretakers should be fully insured and bonded by the agency.

Final Thoughts

Nowadays, it is easy to look past the needs of the elderly. “Sensory abilities decline with age. More than 5% of the world’s population, approximately 360 million people, have disabling hearing loss. In adults, disabling hearing loss is defined by thresholds greater than 40 dBHL in the better hearing ear,” Adrian Davis, OBE, FFPH, FSS, FRSA, PhD and collaborators wrote. Unlike babies, we are not very much hands-on in taking care of our older relatives. However, we should remember that it is more than the “responsibility” that requires us to spend time and money on their health care needs. It is more about giving back to those who took care of us when we were young.

The Stigma Against The Deaf And How To Deal With It

Lacking a fundamental sense, such as sight or hearing, is a very challenging obstacle. Dealing with such is made even more difficult by the stigma that society associates with the disabled. Even in the contemporary world, where inclusion is supposedly at its peak in human history, people still see forms of discrimination against the deaf and other disabled individuals. With millions of people around the world who are deaf or hard of hearing, this means that multitudes still suffer continuously from all the prejudice against them.

Much of the stigma associated with deafness is due to ignorance. By further understanding the plight of the deaf and how stigma against them arises, it becomes possible to create solutions that will help protect them from further discrimination.

Mechanisms Of Deafness

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Deafness is a complex condition that can be brought about by myriad factors. Irma M Munoz-Baell and co-author wrote that, “hearing loss is a very complex phenomenon, which has many and serious consequences for people and involves many factors and issues that should be carefully examined.”

Most commonly, deafness occurs gradually as a person ages. However, it may also be congenital, or it may suddenly arise anytime during the life of an individual. It may be due to genetics, infection, or exposure to overwhelmingly loud sounds. It may be a purely physical problem, caused by damage to the parts of the auditory system, or it might signify a mental disorder.

The point is that deafness is a complicated condition that can be hard to understand for some people. This misunderstanding can then give rise to stigma.

Misunderstanding And Ignorance

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When some people encounter deaf people, they tend to jump to unfair conclusions. As deaf people may have trouble understanding communication, they may be dismissed as ignorant or stupid. Unlike many other disabilities, deafness is mostly invisible, making it less likely for people to recognize that they do have a disability. People may believe that they are only pretending to not listen to them during conversations when in fact they really cannot hear the person properly.

Isolation And Discrimination

“Stigma appears to play a role in-group formation, particularly in minority group formation,” Megan A. Jones, Ph.D. said. Because of the communication hurdles of being deaf or hard of hearing, people who have auditory problems are usually forced into relative isolation. They have a harder time in social interactions than other people. Some people also believe they will be less likely to provide adequate work, less productive than other people, or be a nuisance. As a result, they may be glossed over during job applications, refused admission into social circles, or even refused entry into establishments.

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Due to their disability, the deaf may be unable to enjoy amenities other people can enjoy. Many people do not go with the trouble of ensuring their products and services are accessible to the deaf. As a result, the deaf community is further isolated from a society that does not seem to care about them.

Empowerment

However, times are changing. Governments are passing and enforcing laws that ban discrimination against the deaf. People with auditory problems are starting to form their social groups. They are speaking out for their rights, alongside their loved ones and other supporters who are fighting for greater inclusion. Many are also getting adequate help from platforms like BetterHelp, which allows them to get their message across digitally.

To be able to confront the stigma that surrounds them, they can take comfort in the fact that they are not alone in their struggles and that they are part of a caring and supportive community. Gaylene Becker, Ph.D. explains that “deaf identity and the development of a social support system are two factors that intervene positively in the management of stigma.” Finally, they need to realize that their disability does not reduce their fundamental humanity. Deaf or otherwise, they are still people who can surpass their limits and reach for their dreams.

Hearing Loss

Do you have hearing loss? Hearing impairment is challenging – faced with a lot of difficulties. Those experiencing hearing loss are struggling physically, mentally, and emotionally.

There's a struggle to interact with other people, she is holding a paper that says "i can't hear you!" to let the people who is talking to her that she has a disorder — Source: flickr.com

So without further ado, let’s discuss more about this topic.

Impairment occurs when there is a problem with the outer ear, middle ear, or inner ear, which can be caused by noise exposure, ear infections, disease control, or sudden impairment. Depending on the severity of the auditory impairment and the type of hearing loss, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended to improve hearing. Mild impairment to moderate one can make it difficult to hear soft sounds or speech in background noise, making communication challenging.

“[Those with hearing loss] certainly understand that they’re outsiders in the hearing world, and no matter how good their skills at speaking and lip-reading, they may never completely fit in,” writes David Ludden Ph.D.

Because of the partial or complete decline of their ability to listen, disorders like depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and anxiety are some causes that those with auditory impairment are facing every day.

How Hearing Loss And Auditory Impairments Impact People

People who have noise-induced hearing loss also find it difficult to communicate with their care providers, as sometimes, lip-reading isn’t enough. The communication gap is the issue, and there are only a few providers who are equipped with sign language. There are different types of hearing loss: age-related hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, severe hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, profound hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and permanent hearing loss. All of these types of hearing loss can make it difficult for people to be fully understood. Without hearing aids or cochlear implants, they cannot express themselves vocally through speech. Furthermore, the people they are trying to communicate with have limited skills for communicating with people who cannot hear. Even those with a voice find it hard to process their emotions. What more for those with complete trouble hearing or perceiving sound waves due to loud sounds or loud noise?

“Prior to diagnosis and learning that their child may have hearing difficulties, parents often have difficulty understanding the needs of their baby,” writes Robert T Muller Ph.D.

Hearing Loss Statistics

Hearing impairment can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an ear infection, loud music, and occupational safety concerns. The degree of hearing impairment and type of hearing impairment can vary greatly and impact a person’s ability to hear sounds, particularly in one ear. Older adults may be more susceptible to hearing loss due to age-related changes in the auditory nerve. It’s important to take preventative measures such as regular tests and following occupational safety guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to maintain good hearing health.

About 15-26% of the population will experience hearing loss but to have a complete disorder even before learning the spoken language is such a challenge. Nearly seven in 10,000 people have hearing loss, and their only way to communicate is through sign language.

In the world today, wherein auditory is a valuable sense, struggling to fit in and function well, along with stress and prejudice may lead to developing mental health issues like depression or substance abuse in the deaf community.

Kids’ Hearing Loss

There are also students who have hearing loss that also suffer from developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder, among others. Children with hearing loss who have difficulty communicating with their families can also be affected by mental health issues. What’s worse is that these children are also more likely to be deprived of when in school and become a victim of sexual assault.

“Deaf and hard-of-hearing populations experience abuse about one and a half times more frequently than those without hearing difficulties,” writes Mellissa Withers, Ph.D., M.H.S.

Seeking Mental Wellness Services For People Who Have Auditory Impairment

People who have hearing loss find it difficult to obtain mental health services. In a small study with 54 respondents, more than half of the respondents with hearing loss weren’t able to see and access the services that they needed for healing.

There are also times when people with hearing loss who have mood disorders are underdiagnosed due to the following:

Lack of experienced sign language interpreters
Things getting astray in translation
Differentiation in how deaf people display their feelings to a mental health professional

Supplement Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can occur when electrical signals from the ear to the brain are disrupted due to damage to the tiny bones or hair cells in the ear — this is called sensorineural hearing loss. This sensorineural damage can be caused by exposing the ear to loud power tools, music, loud noise, or other loud sounds. Chemotherapy drugs can also lead to hearing loss as a side effect. In some cases, a ruptured eardrum can cause auditory impairment. It’s important to take measures to protect your ears from loud noises and seek medical attention if you experience any auditory problems.

You can’t substitute reading and writing for spoken language. Hearing loss can significantly affect vocabulary. Lip reading to communicate with those with hearing loss isn’t accurate either, with only 26-40% of adults being able to lip read.

Hearing issues: prompter doing sign language — Source: moody.af.mil

People with hearing loss who participated in the studies said that they prefer professionals with auditory impairment to give them counseling services. The problem is that there are not many specialists who have hearing loss to cater to people who’ve lost hearing. In case you run out of ideas, you may try chatting with a BetterHelp psychologist.

The only way to deal with hearing loss is to keep on moving forward. Losing one’s hearing is a lifelong challenge.

The only way to deal with hearing loss is to keep on moving forward and adapt to the best of their abilities.

How The Auditory Impaired Community Should Be Differentiated

Mental health professionals should also know how to differentiate when a person with hearing loss shows their feelings as compared to those who don’t. For people who can hear, pounding on the floor may seem like an act of aggression, but for people with auditory disabilities, this is a standard way to get attention. Those who have auditory impairment also rely on showing strong expressions of feelings as these small details indicate their change of mood. This must be noted.

know how to differentiate when a person with hearing loss shows their feelings

a boy with hearing impairment communicating via sign language. He communicate with limited skills — Source: airforcemedicine.af.mil

Being Misunderstood – An Issue Among People With Auditory Impairment

A study concluded that people with hearing loss have a fear of being misunderstood. The participants in the study stated that there are times when they were misdiagnosed.

With that, the best people to assist those who have auditory impairment with mental health issues must also have sensorineural auditory impairment, as well. The National Association of the Deaf has more information on this matter. Professionals with little to no experience in working with people with auditory impairment should be careful in treating them.

Final Thoughts: Better Lives For The Deaf Community

Losing hearing to noise is no joke. Despite several mediums that can assist with communication after an auditory test, a lot of people with damage in their inner ear, middle ear, ear canal, or auditory nerve are still struggling to interact with other people. This leads to risk factors and psychological problems that worsen their conditions. Hence, there should be more programs and tools to be developed to help the deaf community to lead better lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 types of normal hearing loss due to loud noises?
What are 3 symptoms of hearing loss?
How do I fix my auditory impairment?
What are the 4 types of auditory loss?
What are 9 causes of auditory impairment?
What is the most common cause of hearing loss?
At what age is hearing loss normal?
Is auditory impairment permanent?
Can auditory loss be cured?
Can you reverse auditory loss?
What are the signs of losing your hearing?
Is auditory impairment a disability?
What exercises improve hearing?
What food improves hearing?
Can vitamins improve hearing?

5 Things To Remember When Dating A Deaf Person

Differences are common causes of misunderstandings between people in romantic relationships. Because of the diversity of perspectives, it sometimes becomes difficult for two people to reconcile. It has triggered failed marriages, broken families, and even unsuccessful dating attempts.

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If people who had no physical disabilities have these difficulties, then all the more are these challenges apparent for the differently-abled ones, for instance, deaf people. They are not able to appreciate sounds and music the same way that hearing people do. It gets difficult to communicate even with the closest people because some things are always easier said than done.

Should you get to find love in the person of someone with hearing disabilities, you have to be ready to understand them in many different ways. Here are five things to take note when dating a deaf person:

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Know A Bit About Sign Language

Sign language is a way to communicate using the movement of the hands, facial expressions, and gestures to create signs that convey specific messages.

Two made sign languages are common: the American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). These are distinct from spoken languages and not mere translations. They also vary depending on the location. It pays to determine which system is used by your date for you to communicate properly. Francois Grosjean Ph.D. say that “learners of ASL become accustomed to signing and speaking at the same time when using sign language, that is they produce a sign and whisper its English translation equivalent.”

Be Sensitive, But Not Too Much

People who have no hearing problems admittedly find it difficult to be acquainted with the struggles of the deaf. Be sensitive about the small things such as making sure to get the attention of your date before starting a conversation or making sure that multiple people do not talk at the same time since this confuses them.

However, don’t overdo it to the extent of making them feel incapacitated. Yes, people who have hearing problems are differently-abled, but it never made them less of a person.

“We also need to learn to value our sensitivity and see the potential strength inherent in it. Being highly sensitive often includes being highly empathic toward those close to us. The capacity for empathic responses is a trait that benefits our relationships,” Dianne Grande Ph.D. explains.

Speak In A Normal Manner

In line with the reminder to not overdo sensitivity, don’t try too hard as well to dramatize speech. Speak naturally with clear and separate words. Give them time for them to understand what you are saying and try to gauge whether both of you are on the same side.

However, you need not shout nor speak too slowly also, as this may distort the way the mouth speaks; thereby making it hard for the deaf person to lipread. Increase only the tone of your voice or reduce the speed of speech when you are asked to do so.

Make The Proper Gestures

The non-verbal cues play a very crucial role in communicating with a deaf person. Firstly, maintain eye contact with your date. If you have glasses on, take them off. Don’t turn your head while speaking. All these allow the deaf person to focus on what you are saying.

Moreover, make good use of hand and body movements to convey your thoughts better. You may point towards a particular object, hold up something in your hand, or raise your fingers to indicate numbers or any other verbal cues that help boost the communication process.

Choose A Place That’s Quieter

Wait for the surrounding noise to tone down before starting a conversation on your date. Even better, make sure to identify particular locations with less noise. It disrupts the attention and focus of deaf people.

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For instance, a noise like the horns of a car on the road or drilling of equipment may be shunned as background noise for those who can hear. However, they can turn out to be distracting for the deaf.

Communication barriers are present, with or without hearing difficulties. While it takes patience and understanding to adjust to a relationship with a deaf person, it does not differ much with the adjustment that is required in relationships when both people can hear. “So-called disabled people are far more like us “normal” folk that most think,” Jim Taylor Ph.D. wrote.

For instance, accepting a person’s flaws, staying by their side during the most challenging moments, and loving their imperfections – these are important in all relationships, regardless of physical capacity, because ultimately, love is a universal and all-encompassing feeling we all know and desire.

Can A Deaf-Hearing Marriage Work?

It takes two to tango. In tango, all couples should work in-sync to make a perfect step. That belief also holds true in marriages. Especially for marriages from entirely different cultural backgrounds. It takes more work from both sides to make these kinds of marriages successful.

“Security about the future—commitment safety—is crucial because most people do not invest in something, whether a financial asset or a relationship, without some reasonable confidence in what is on the horizon,” writes Scott M. Stanley Ph.D.

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Marriages involving deaf and hearing individuals can also be considered in this spectrum.

This kind of marriage is as culturally diverse compared to interracial marriages. Why may you ask? The deaf has their own different set of cultural beliefs and practices.

Though the couple lives in the same country, they will initially experience many setbacks due to this diversity. Thus, that begs the question: can a deaf-hearing marriage work? The answer is a resounding YES.

It all depends on the couple themselves. Here are some of the tips successful deaf-hearing marriages share to have a successful married life.

Stay Positive

Often, the outlook of the spouses toward each other and their marriage makes or breaks the relationship. Maintaining a positive attitude in every circumstance is critical.

In a deaf-hearing marriage, adjustments can get difficult, and for some, things get even tougher. That is why it is essential to breeze through these adjustments by maintaining a positive outlook on your marriage.

“The fact that our expectations can change is important for the long term success of a marriage. Keep an optimistic outlook and a positive perspective, but at the same time keep your eyes and your mind open,” write Rob Pascale Ph.D and Lou Primavera Ph.D.

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Keep Learning

Whether it may be learning to increase your self-esteem or to learn more about your spouse’s tendencies, never stop learning. Though it can be a long process, it will be fruitful in the end.

In cross-cultural marriages, being committed to learning is essential in bridging any gap of doubt and may lead you to understand your spouse even more. Listening to testimonials of people who have gone through these same situations as well as engaging in support groups will help you learn more about how to deal with your spouse in times of uncertainty, even on a daily basis.

Adopting skills such as advanced sign language, lip reading, deaf culture should also be considered. These are only some of the things you can study together to learn more about each other’s struggles. These classes can also be great bonding activities.

“If it’s not possible to love everything about your partner (which is very likely the case), can you at least embrace—unconditionally—the overall ‘package’ that is your partner (mostly good but, admittedly, with some not-so-endearing features as well)?” writes Leon F Seltzer Ph.D.

Communicate

In any marriage, communication is key. It can get tricky in a deaf-hearing marriage, but you should try harder anyway.

Maintaining a line of communication with your spouse, no matter what kind, can strengthen the bond between the two of you. Clear communication between spouses can quickly fix growing problems and state expectations. In time, you will able to choose the kind that will work for your marriage. The trick is not to give up easily.

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Remember To Love Your Spouse Always

You can always choose how to react in any given situation. When your future together seems bleak, keep your eyes on the brighter side and work with your spouse towards a solution.

In the end, a successful marriage all boils down to everyday decisions. Communicating can get frustrating at times, especially when you cannot understand one another clearly. Some cases, misinterpretation causes other meanings to your intended words. It is easy to be misunderstood in a deaf-hearing marriage. Take heart. Choose to love always.

Starting A Relationship With A Deaf Person

Every relationship has its share of problems and challenges. This situation also holds true for relationships involving deaf people.

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A romantic relationship between a “normal” and a deaf person is called a “mixed relationship.” This kind of relationship is a mix between people who can hear and another who does not have that ability. There are a lot of adjustments on both sides for this kind of relationship to work.

“What’s most important in determining whether a marriage will succeed or fail is the amount of long-term stress the couple experiences. This stress can come from outside the marriage, for example from financial problems or work-related issues. It can also arise within the marriage, for instance from difficulties in child-rearing or health issues—whether physical or psychological,” writes David Ludden Ph.D.

Here are just some of the necessary adjustments if you’ve decided to start a relationship with a deaf person. Feel free to share with your deaf friends as well!

Learn Their Language

Your partner will have a different way of communicating with you. There are several ways the deaf communicate – using sign language, by lipreading, or by using both.

Using sign language is like speaking an entirely different language. Sign language has evolved for it to be easily used by the speakers/ users. This language has its meanings that are specific for the deaf. You may have to enroll in sign language classes to keep up with the speed of seasoned sign language users.

More importantly, communication is crucial in romantic relationships. Understanding sign language more deeply can lead to a fruitful relationship with your partner.

“Keep the communication flowing, be willing to listen, make sure you are really hearing the message your partner is sending, and don’t be afraid to say you don’t know,” writes Suzanne Degges-White Ph.D.

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Immerse Yourself In The Culture

The deaf community is unique due not only to its composition but also due to its vibrant culture. Before starting a relationship with a deaf person, research about their community and their activities.

The deaf often has cultural events for inclusivity and awareness in which you may be involved in. Participation in these events may also prove to your partner that you are invested in the relationship because you are getting to know their community more.

The uniqueness of the deaf community’s culture can also make your relationship more manageable. You will learn firsthand what the do’s and don’ts are in interacting with other deaf people.

Be In Their Position And Consider Their Situation

Since your partner has a special condition, it is imperative that you will be more considerate of their circumstances.

“In your relationship, when either of you is experiencing a difficult time, getting some support and understanding from the love of your life can make all the difference in the world,” writes Barton Goldsmith Ph.D.

The deaf has to go through life in a slightly different manner. It does not mean, however, that you will have to change your treatment towards them significantly. They want to be treated like any other person who also has specific needs and wants in life.

Try to be in their position and adjust yourself accordingly.

Give Your 100% Always

In every relationship, both partners should give their best. In starting a relationship with a deaf person, you should also dedicate your best time and effort to make your relationship a success.

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Just because your partner has special needs, it does not mean that you have to think of yourself as unfortunate already. If you really love your partner, view it as just another hurdle to overcome. In time, things will become easier for you both.

Love is a decision. Starting a relationship with a deaf person may be challenging, but if you love him or her, it should be worth it.

Better Deaf-Friendly World

New technologies are being developed to help the deaf and the hearing-impaired community thrive in the world of talking communities. These technologies are life-changing and have significantly helped the deaf and hearing-impaired people function normally. These new devices and development open new opportunities to the deaf community in their home, school, workplace, and community.

Hearing loss can be from mild to profound. There are estimated to be 360 million people worldwide suffering from deafness and hearing loss caused by either hereditary disorder, genetic disease, prenatal exposure to disease, use of some drugs, ear infections, exposure to excessive noise, injury, and aging. According to Vicky Zhang, PhD and co-authors, “having problems with communication in social situations, resulting in feelings of disconnection from the world around them.” Treatments are being developed to aid them. Besides treatment, many deaf-friendly communities are working together to help the deaf and hard of hearing

Educating the Deaf

Some schools are already prepared, equipped, and trained to be deaf-friendly. “School today is the place where all children learn the distinction that hunter-gatherers never knew—the distinction between work and play,” Peter Gray Ph.D. wrote. These schools use the technology of speech-to-text systems which makes studying easier for the deaf and hearing-impaired students. This technology translates spoken words to real-time texts and also provide a text file of the lecture.

Deaf in the Workplace

The Video Relay Service (also known as video interpreting service) is a system using a computer and a web camera. This service allows the deaf and hard of hearing individuals communicate over video telephone. The system is widely used in the workplace. This system allows the deaf people improve their level of communication, thus, making them more confident and productive.

Uber is one of the companies that hire deaf and hard of hearing drivers. In partnership with the Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), they developed an online video support guide that goes directly into their app. This features flashing trip request, text-only communication with the riders, notifying the riders that the drive is deaf or hard of hearing. This gives the deaf and hard of hearing drivers the opportunity to earn a living.

Alert Devices, Safety First

There are also gadgets used at home for the deaf to live a safer and comfortable life. “Exposure to technology isn’t all bad,” Jim Taylor Ph.D. says. Alarm clocks that vibrates can be placed under their pillow to wake them. It also has a flashing light. In case of fire, a fire/smoke detector with a bright flashlight that warns a deaf person if there’s smoke or fire can be installed. A phone flasher light also warns them when the phone is ringing.

Another safety gadget is the vibrating bracelet which is something a deaf person can wear. This bracelet tickles the wrist when sound is detected around the house like a phone ringing, doorbell, and sirens.

Deaf in the Social Environment

Communication is made easier with these gloves. It translated real-time sign language into readable text which is relayed via Bluetooth to a computer or smartphone. This way communicating with friends and other people around here gets better.

It’s not easy to have disabilities or live with people with impairments. People are working very hard to break the barriers through the development of these high-tech gadgets and systems. This is not only to give them hope but to make them feel that they are also part of the society. Advancement of modern technology is slowly making this world become a deaf and hearing-impaired friendly. Anyone in their own simple way can also help give them a happy, comfortable, and safe environment to live in.

Are Gene Therapy And Cell Regeneration The Future For Deaf Community?

More than 30 million Americans are deaf of which causes and severity vary with each person. Some people with hard of hearing use hearing aids to help improve their hearing. But others have to suffer the implications of being deaf, until when no one knows.

“They certainly understand that they’re outsiders in the hearing world, and no matter how good their skills at speaking and lip reading, they may never completely fit in,” writes David Ludden Ph.D.

Almost 80% of the 30 million have the irreversible type deafness. The remaining percentage have a profound hearing loss. These profoundly hearing-impaired persons have few damaged sensory receptors in their ears called hair cells.

Role of Hair Cells

A cochlear implant is surgically placing electrodes into the cochlea. These electrodes bypass hair cells, stimulates the cochlea’s hearing nerve, and transmits the impulses to the brain perceived as sound. This then allows some deaf to comprehend speech without doing lip reading, listen to music, talk to someone on the telephone, and basically, live a normal life.

“Dr. William House surgically inserted the first cochlear implant in 1961. Most considered his idea to tap into a deaf person’s auditory nerve radical and invasive. Today, thousands of formerly deaf patients around the world now have the ability to hear because of cochlear implants,” writes Jeffrey Pickens Ph.D.

Hair Cells Regeneration

New findings show it might be possible to regrow damage hair cells. Each ear has 15,000 hair cells. Exposure to loud noises is what causes it to be irreparably damaged that lead to hearing loss. While other parts of the ear can be repaired when damaged, repair of hair cells has not yet developed. Continuous effort is being made to make this possible. The idea arose when they were able to regrow cells in the intestinal lining. Using the same method, they were able to grow hair cells in mouse cochlea successfully without inducing any drugs. Hair cells grow naturally.

It is fascinating to know that there is hope for the hearing-impaired people to be able to hear again. But even if the research turned out to be successful, not all deaf can benefit from it. It will not work for those with an inherited hearing loss. It is further explained that if a person’s hair cells damage is due to gene mutation no drug yet can fix the problem. Even if they regenerate, they will still be dead hair cells because it will have the same mutation, unless gene mutation is fixed through gene therapy.

Will Gene Therapy Works

Gene therapy is one of the newest research for recovering hearing of the deaf by fixing defective DNAs. Various tests in mice are showing positive results and giving hope to the scientists that it might be the ultimate answer to cure deafness. Gene therapy worked in mice but still needs to be tested to other animals and human cells first before it can be stated that gene therapy is the future for the deaf to be able to hear again.

“Not long ago, this was science fiction. But today, gene editing is possible, and recently it has become much easier with new technologies such as genome sequencing and Crispr. These are helping to develop practical, clinical applications,” writes Marty Nemko Ph.D.

More research and test are still needed to be done to conclude if these hair cells regeneration and gene therapy are the future of those individuals suffering from deafness. More patience, determination, and positivity is needed until such time that doctors can replicate hearing.

It may take more years to perfect these types of newly found ways of recovering hearing, but it is exciting to think that one important discovery of our time may help a lot of people with hearing disabilities.

5 Life-Changing Techniques for Better Living While Hard of Hearing

Like any health issue, hearing loss can lead to drastic changes in our quality of life. It’s stressful, challenging, and downright debilitating. The increased stress from needing to ask folks to speak up, repeat what they’ve said, or start over again can make us feel lethargic and apathetic. The need for hearing aids when watching television or even just stepping out for groceries can be frustrating, too, not to mention costly. Let’s take a look at five things we can do to improve ourselves when dealing with hearing loss.

Not all these things will seem especially linked to being hard-of-hearing, but every one of them can be used as a tool for destressing. In turn, you’ll live a healthier life and — to borrow a current catchphrase — “have more spoons” to deal with the hardships you’ll face from your hearing woes.

Yoga And Tai Chi

Proven sources of relaxation, yoga, and tai chi are designed to work you out in controlled motions which can calm the body and mind. They help to oxygenate you, too, by causing you to move in slow, methodical, and deliberate ways which ease your breathing. If you’ve struggled with moments where your hardness-of-hearing has brought you close to snapping at someone, you should consider pursuing one or both of these exercise routines. Mental clarity and emotional stability are improved through good health, and there are few better ways to see that happen than through this.

“Yoga is widely known for reducing stress, improving flexibility and concentration, and promoting a sense of peace—to name just a few of its possible positive outcomes,” writes Tracy S. Hutchinson, Ph.D.

You can attend a class and get direct tips from qualified instructors. Alternatively, you can look up exercise routines on YouTube; the modern information era has given us plenty of cheaper ways to discover new lifestyles.

Gardening

Like yoga and tai chi, gardening has a therapeutic quality. There’s a serene grace in helping things to grow and gradually reaping the fruit-and-vegetable rewards. While advanced landscaping is a tough gig, there are many relatively easy things you can grow for just pennies on the dollar that will only require occasional watering once the soil’s been made ready for planting. Spending several minutes each evening tending your crops will become routine for you, and you’ll know that no matter how stressful a day you’ve had dealing with people who mumble, your plants will always be there waiting for you.

Hiking

We sure are working you to the bone, aren’t we? Lots of exercise in this article. Then again, that’s intentional — get the blood flowing, get those muscles sore, all of it will help you to unwind. Hiking’s great fun, and it’s cheap, too! National parks are generally very reasonably-priced, and many of the local offerings only charge a few bucks for parking. You can wrap yourself in nature, far away from the stress of difficult communication. The sounds of birds chirping overhead and trees swaying with the breeze can both be heard at whatever volume your ears will allow, without the need to ask them to “speak up”. You’ll hear what you hear, and you can leave your aid at home; just immerse yourself in the gorgeous sights of your chosen destination.

“Being in daylight also boosts your mood and that makes it more likely that you’ll have creative thoughts and get along with your fellow hikers,” writes Sally Augustin Ph.D.

Support Groups

Well, at least you can rest your legs for this one. Support groups exist for just about anything you can imagine, so you’d better believe there are plenty of open channels for folks who are hard-of-hearing! You’ve got options here; you can either do this virtually or traditionally. Online support groups, like web forums, are filled with people overcoming similar struggles. They’re a great “sound-off” venue for you to ask questions, seek suggestions, and find all sorts of answers to better living while dealing with the rigors of hearing loss. Brick-and-mortar support groups offer the same deal, and you can discuss sensitive topics in the presence of others who are almost guaranteed to understand. You can probably snag a cup of coffee and a donut, too, while you’re at it.

Another option is to gain assistance from psychologists at BetterHelp. They are trusted by many in this business, and you can reach them through Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Painting And Photography

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: a picture is worth a thousand words. I don’t know that I agree with that on a universal basis; sometimes words are more effective. But broadly speaking? Absolutely. Why not learn to communicate through beautiful tapestries and paintings? Paint to your heart’s desire. Boot up some of those aforementioned YouTube videos to learn innovative artistic techniques, then apply them as a hobby. You can also try your hand at photography. Pristine sunsets are all too fleeting, so capture them and post them all over social media. Bring your phone along, or a nice higher-end camera, while you’re hiking through parks. Take snapshots of all the beautiful scenery. Before long, your loved ones will be commenting on how great you’ve gotten at this, and you’ll be instilled with a creative confidence that will help you to move past the difficulties of your hearing loss.

Social Graces in the World of Hearing Loss

Life can be hard enough already without having to endure the rigors of hearing loss. In a world of fast talkers, mumblers, and folks who feel the need to whisper their every word, unique frustrations arise. It can be terribly demanding, to the point where those of us who suffer hearing loss may wish to retreat into our proverbial shells away from social interaction altogether.

Of course, that’s far from healthy. And most of the time, it isn’t realistic, either. So let’s speak up on how to gracefully give your best effort toward getting people to understand your ears don’t operate at optimum efficiency.

Immediately Introduce The Issue

First impressions go a long way with people. A lot can be said for the potential pitfalls of “snap judgments”, but nevertheless, we tend to deeply associate others with how they present themselves the first time we meet them. How they’re dressed, their manner of speech, their eye contact — to an extent, this will be ingrained in our minds going forward. To that end, the first words we exchange are also important.

“Positive first impressions lead to social cohesion; negative first impressions lead to biases and social prejudice,” writes Arthur Dobrin D.S.W.

Why not introduce your difficulty hearing things right alongside your name? You don’t have to be standoffish about it; you can simply say that your name is such-and-such, and “by the way, just to let you know, I’m hard-of-hearing. Please bear that in mind!” A chipper tone and a friendly smile will keep the mood warm and friendly, but you’ve instantly established the situation and saved yourself some avoidable irritation.

Periodically Reinforce The Issue

Setting aside introductions, day-to-day interaction can last for weeks, months, years, even lifetimes. Although you’ve gained a leg up on the issue if you’ve had the opportunity to address your hearing loss the moment you meet a person, you’ll likely still need to bring it up on a recurring basis.

Try not to feel too let-down or disappointed. It’s important to remember that in many cases, most of the people your friends and loved ones interact with will not have much difficulty with hearing. We all develop routines in our lives, and frequently that means building a “normal pitch” for one’s voice which is utilized in almost every social interaction. People will just need occasional reminders, gentle prodding, to remember that you’re not going to be able to understand what they’re saying unless they better-compose their voice for you.

Bring Your Issue To The Forefront

We’ve spoken about the need to reinforce your hearing loss with those you see on a regular basis, but what about all the people you’ll be briefly involved? If you’re at a restaurant and your waiter or waitress seems a bit soft-spoken, open with a few words of apology before candidly explaining the situation. It’s not that you should have a real need to apologize — after all, there’s nothing to be sorry for — but kindness has a language of its own. Take the Japanese, for example; in their culture, it seems like everybody is apologizing to everybody else every hour of the day. It can seem rather overboard, but it’s effective. It’s a sign of humbleness, and it sets things off on the right foot, so-to-speak. If your waiter is halfway decent, they’ll very likely follow up with an apology of their own, and they’ll proceed to dial up their vocal tone henceforth.

“Kindness moves us. It nourishes and heals; strengthens and uplifts,” writes Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D.

“I’m sorry, but I’m actually rather hard-of-hearing. Could you please speak up? I’d really appreciate it.” A few relatively painless words to get things under control and grant you the ability to understand. You can use this technique just about anywhere, from banks to doctor’s offices to hair salons, and so long as you monitor your own tone, you’ll find that the majority of the people you’ll be dealing with will respond warmly and cheerfully help to ensure you’re able to parse their every word.