Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

Demystifying Hearing Loss Stigma

Our society still carries a stigma around hearing impairment. In ancient times, hearing loss was often misunderstood as a lack of intelligence. Today we know that a hearing loss is simply a struggle to hear what others say and with treatment and accommodations, people can enjoy their lives to the fullest. However, this knowledge is not as commonplace as it should be and many prefer to simply try to ignore and attempt to conceal their problem, rather than engaging with it full on.

In many ways, the stigma lies in the worship of youth culture and our society’s tendency to have to disdain older generations. This may in part be due to people’s fear of growing older. However, it’s important to understand that while hearing loss is more common as we age affecting one in three people over 65 and half of those 75 and older, it can occur at any age. It’s becoming more and more common due to the popularity of personal listening devices for younger generations. People fear that wearing hearing aids will make them seem older. The reality is that having to ask people to repeat themselves and seeming confused during conversation can make you seem much older than wearing hearing aids!

Education around Hearing Impairment

To reduce this stigma, education is the key. This can start with you in your community, but it has to change on an institutional level. More education, government programs, and awareness campaigns are needed for people to understand the importance of treating hearing loss.

It’s up to you to inform people about your hearing loss. When you do you have a chance to provide important suggestions and methods to help you understand with greater clarity. Aside from informing others, it’s also in your best interest to let those around you know about your condition. The method in which you disclose your condition will influence the quality of your communication with those around you, a recent study found.

Types of disclosure methods

A 2015 study from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear hospital surveyed 337 patients with hearing loss to better understand the language they used with others to reveal their hearing impairment. The researchers were able to group participants into 3 distinct categories of disclosure: non-disclosure, basic disclosure, and multipurpose disclosure.

Non-disclosure

Non-disclosure is technically not disclosure at all. Instead, these participants attempted to mask their hearing loss. This method provided no way for those communicating to understand ideal communication styles.

Basic Disclosure

A basic disclosure is used to describe those who reveal that they are suffering from hearing loss and share an explanation for their condition. While they may let people know they have a hearing loss they provide no substantial ways or suggestions on how others in their life could better communicate with them.

Multipurpose Disclosure

This approach was identified as the most ideal for improved communication with hearing loss. It lets people know that the individual has a hearing loss and provides at least one concrete suggestion as to best communicate. For instance, one may say “ I have hearing loss, but it helps if you speak a little slower”. Or could you speak into my stronger ear please?” These suggestions can go a long way in helping the people in your life help you succeed even with a hearing loss.

Treating Hearing Loss

If you suspect you have a hearing loss and have been putting it off, don’t let it go any further. With hearing aids, you can connect to others and feel confident to enjoy the life you’ve always loved. Contact us today to schedule a hearing exam!