Social Isolation and Hearing Loss in the Midst of Covid
By ELIZABETH BRASSINE , AU . D .
Social isolation and hearing loss often go hand in hand . Conversation takes effort , so sometimes we avoid it . Communication best practices are often overlooked . Accessibility options in public spaces are often limited . The good news is that there are many simple ways to help combat this issue .
Hearing Loss is More Common than You Might Expect
According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ), more than 460 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss and that number is expected to almost double by 2050 . Hearing Loss Association of America estimates nearly 50 million Americans currently suffer from hearing loss , with 65 % of them younger than 65 .
Hearing loss is an invisible disability so it is often overlooked , particularly as hearing aids have become more discreet . Also , it can be related to many serious medical conditions including higher incidence rates of diabetes , cardiovascular disease , and falling .
When left untreated , hearing loss is also associated with a higher likelihood of dementia . Part of that link is thought to be due to the social isolation that often accompanies hearing loss . The WHO explains it well : “ Exclusion from communication can have a significant impact on everyday life , causing feelings of loneliness , isolation , and frustration .”
What Is It Like to Communicate When You Have Hearing Loss ?
Hearing loss is hard to understand if you have not experienced it . A good analogy is to think about Wheel of Fortune . Some of the letters are filled in , while others are blank . People with hearing loss must take these assorted and incomplete sounds and turn them into words or phrases that make sense in the context of the conversation .
How You Can Help People with Hearing Loss Feel Less Isolated
The good news is that common sense fixes like using best practice communication techniques make it much easier to include somebody with hearing loss in conversation .
Conversation Dos
1 . PROVIDE CONTEXT
Context makes it easier to fill in the blank spaces in the words on the Wheel of Fortune game board . If all you hear is “___ oot ,” knowing if the conversation is about owls ( hoot ) or a robbery ( loot ) is a big help ! If the subject changes abruptly , be sure to let them know .
2 . GET THEIR ATTENTION BEFORE SPEAKING
Hearing takes concentration for people with hearing loss so make sure they are ready and attentive before talking . Make sure you are facing them and , when possible , that they can see your lips for lip-reading .
3 . OPTIMIZE THE SURROUNDINGS
Keep background noise to a minimum and make sure the area is well lit so they can see your facial expressions . When meeting in public spaces , let them choose their seat first so they can minimize background noise .
4 . BE ATTUNED TO THE BODY LANGUAGE
If you notice your communication partner leaning forward to hear you or is looking confused , speak louder or repeat what you just said in different words . Being attentive to social cues can help prevent the person with hearing loss from always having to ask for assistance .
Conversation Don ’ ts
1 . RAISE YOUR VOLUME , BUT DO NOT SHOUT
Volume is only part of the problem . Shouting can distort speech . Speak at a steady pace since rapid speech is difficult to process and slower than typical speech will also make lipreading difficult .
2 . DON ’ T COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN SPEAKING
Most people with hearing loss are also lip-reading . Do not cover your mouth when you speak , and avoid talking while chewing . Although in the world of Covid and wearing masks , this may not be possible . There are clear masks available , which at least let the mouth be visible .
3 . AVOID THE DREADED “ NEVER MIND ”
A person with hearing loss may not catch everything you say the first time . Be willing to repeat or rephrase . If someone is having trouble hearing you , do not dismiss them with a “ never mind .” This is insulting and will only reinforce their feelings of not belonging .
4 . LIMIT COMPETITION Have only one person speak at a time is helpful .
5 . DON ’ T ASSUME THAT EVERYONE CAN HEAR In large venues , use a microphone when available .
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