As the pandemic continues, those with hearing problems face unique challenges but we want to help you get on with your day as you want to. We are focused on prioritising your overall health not just your hearing health in isolation.
Lockdowns, social distancing and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have posed challenges for everyone and it comes as no surprise to learn that studies are proving there is a significant connection between hearing loss, loneliness and the restrictions that have been in place due to coronavirus.
We look at some of the challenges posed and some suggestions of how this can be made easier on you and your loved ones, who may be struggling.
MASKS
Challenges:
Wearing masks sometimes make communication more difficult, especially for people who have trouble speaking or hearing. Sounds become muffled and lip-reading becomes near impossible. They can also be a little awkward for people who wear hearing aids.
How to make it easier:
• There are a range of alternatives to standard masks that can make communication slightly easier for those with communication issues – like clear panel masks, visors, and alternative face coverings.
• Using alternative forms of communication – such as writing things down or via text messages, can also be helpful depending on your situation.
• Dictation or translation apps can sometimes provide a speech–to-text option, but these vary in accuracy so should be used sparingly.
• If possible, ensure your environment for communicating is as quiet as it can be.
• If you wear a hearing aid and are finding masks uncomfortable, try securing your mask using a button extender instead of looping the mask over your ears – or choose a covering that ties behind your head as opposed to using ear loops. We can advise you on these.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Challenges:
Zoom and Teams can be a real challenge for those with hearing problems when working from home, as ‘putting a voice to the face’ may no longer work as well and sound distortion while using the technologies can make it difficult to distinguish who is talking and what’s being said.
How to make it easier:
• Reach out to your HR Department and ensure that you are able to access any resources that are available to you.
• Ensure you communicate your hearing loss at the start of the meeting so that participants know to be as accommodating as possible.
• Ask meeting partners to repeat, rephrase or speak up wherever you need.
• Ask if participants can turn their camera on to ensure you can use visual cues and watch people’s lips if needed.
• Some phones and video conferencing software has closed captioning, so ensure you’re getting access to this if needed. A few examples include: Live Transcribe, Otter Voice Meeting Notes, Speech Notes, Voice Notebook and e-Dictate.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Challenges:
Social distancing also has its share of obstacles for hearing loss. Large plastic dividers may protect us from infection but they further reduce the volume and clarity of the speaker in front of you. Background noise becomes more dominant, speech is quieter due to distance, it’s more difficult to see visual cues and we can’t lean in or get closer as we usually would when communication breakdowns happen.
How to make it easier:
• Implement active listening techniques – when speaking to someone with hearing loss, face the person you’re speaking to and ensure you have their full attention, talk a little louder and slower and ensure to keep asking if the person has understood you.
• If you are a hearing aid wearer, make sure you wear it in situations that you know you’ll need to communicate with others.
• Communicate your hearing difficulties where possible so others can accommodate you as best they can.
• Move to a quiet place to speak to others if possible.
Adhering to these regulations is slowing the spread of Covid-19 and we have already seen a lot of changes in the past few weeks. Stay in contact with family and friends where you can for physical and emotional support and contact your Audiologist/hearing care provider if things are really getting difficult to see if there’s anything they can do to help in terms of your hearing device.
Neil at Beckenham Hearing would love to meet you, please get in touch today.
