This Deaf Awareness week, we're exploring the many ways that hearing instrument use can lead to a more inclusive society for the deaf community.
It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss – this makes it the second most common disability in the country. And with 1 in 6 of the UK adult population affected by hearing loss, campaigns like Deaf Awareness Week are crucial for challenging stigmas and shining a light on the impact of hearing impairment.
Deaf Awareness Week 2023
This year’s Deaf Awareness Week is centred around the theme of inclusion. The deaf community often faces significant barriers to communication, which can lead to social isolation, limited employment opportunities, and reduced access to essential services.
Deaf Awareness Week aims to show how hearing loss impacts daily life and how others can support deaf people. It will encourage individuals, organisations, and governments to work together to create a more inclusive society where deaf individuals have the same access to communication as their hearing counterparts.
How can hearing instruments improve inclusion for those living with hearing loss?
There is significant research and data that shows that one of the best ways to improve inclusion for people with hearing loss is by using hearing instruments.
The latest UK Eurotrak survey data showed that 90% of hearing instrument users found that their hearing devices were useful for their job and there was a strong consensus that the use of hearing instruments was linked to improved job opportunities. In addition, it found that those using hearing instruments (compared to hearing impaired individuals without hearing technology) were less likely to get depressed and experienced a higher quality of sleep.
“These findings highlight the many ways that hearing instrument users navigate daily life and what contributes to those vital feelings of inclusion. The UK Eurotrak survey also found that people who regularly wear hearing instruments feel they communicate more effectively in most situations, have an improved social life, more confidence and participate more in group activities.” said Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman.
How can we make the acquisition of hearing instruments more accessible?
While many of the Eurotrak survey findings are promising, many of the responses showed that despite knowing potential benefits, people still weren’t taking the step to have their hearing tested and instruments fitted.
One of the biggest reasons for people not wearing hearing instruments was discomfort and lack of severity of their hearing impairment, suggesting that improvements are still needed to the fitting process to ensure users have the best possible experience. Rehabilitation and personalisation are fundamental to ensure patients get the most out of their hearing instrument.
Some people reported that they didn’t wear their hearing instrument because it did not restore their hearing ‘back to normal’. Here, we must raise more awareness around the realities of hearing instruments and what they can do for people in need.
Speaking to us about his experience working in the hearing loss industry, Dr Donal Collins, Clinical Director at BarlowCollins and a previous NHS GP for 27 years, said:
“While a hearing instrument is unlikely to restore your hearing back to how it was, it will absolutely improve it. But it takes time to adapt, and this is something that needs to be shared on a wider scale. It’s like driving a car – you won’t nail it the first time. And much like driving that car, the younger you start, the easier it will be.
“We need more people to understand that yes, they can improve their hearing and yes, they should take action to do something about it. It isn’t just about hearing things better. Hearing loss has a huge impact on mental health and loneliness, majorly impacting people’s quality, and enjoyment of life.”
Across the board, we know that waiting times play a contributing role to accessibility, with many patients told they must wait weeks or even months for an initial appointment to assess their hearing. We also find that those within poorer socioeconomic demographics, minority groups, homeless individuals and people with addictions are facing their own barriers to obtaining support for their hearing loss.
At BIHIMA we believe there is still much to be done to ensure hearing loss is better understood and treatment is more accessible, which is why we advocate for hearing care to be made a greater priority by the government.
“We want hearing care to be as big a priority as eye care – hearing tests should be included for free as part of the NHS Health Check offered to people over 40. We also want to see more research undertaken around the impact not only of hearing loss, but hearing instrument usage,” said Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman.
How can you support someone living with hearing loss?
Reassuringly, the UK Eurotrak data found that two of the biggest contributing factors to someone taking that step towards treating their hearing loss was audiologists and their spouse. This shows that we – the individuals connected to someone with hearing loss – have an influential role to play.
There are several changes that you can make to your own communication that will also help:
- Don’t say ‘it doesn’t matter’ if they don’t hear you the first time – it does matter!
- Gain their attention and maintain eye contact wherever possible.
- Speak clearly and at a normal speed.
- Use your body language and nonverbal cues.
- Don’t shout to make your point heard – it won’t help.
- If you are in a busy space with lots of different noises going on around you, find a quieter more secluded spot for your conversation.
- Don’t be afraid to ask how YOU can communicate better with them.
One of the best ways that you can support those with hearing loss is by educating yourself. Do not make assumptions, take the time to learn about that individual’s unique circumstances, because every person who experiences hearing loss or deafness will have a different experience.
