Successful Management of Hearing Loss at C.C. Young Retirement

Community

Catherine KochAlexandra HarrisCaryn McLellanLauren Mosley

Welcome!

What You Should Know About Hearing & Hearing Loss

How Hearing Works

Types of Hearing Loss: Conductive

Types of Hearing Loss: Sensory

Types of Hearing Loss: Mixed

How to Measure Hearing Loss

Severity of Hearing Loss

• Mild• Moderate• Severe• Profound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD5E88fFnxE&feature=player_popout

Who Has Hearing Loss?

• Over 28 million Americans

• As many as 40% of people over age 65

• As many as 66% of people over age 75

• More than 80% of people over age 85

Hearing Loss Due to Aging

• Called “presbyacusis”• Happens slowly• Speech sounds like

mumbling• Tinnitus [ringing/hissing in ears]• Caused by noise and the

general changes of aging

More About Hearing Loss due to Aging

• 3rd most common chronic health condition

• Most common communication disorder

What to DO About Hearing Loss

• Won’t get better on its own!• Recognize how it affects you• Learn communication strategies• See your audiologist

Hearing aids: • Do not solve all communication problems• Do not return hearing to normal • Are most effective when the speaker is up to 3 - 5 feet

from the user• Do not eliminate all background noise

Hearing Aid

Myth Busters

Remember – use communication strategies even with hearing aid users!

Social and Emotional Impact of

Communication Breakdown

What is Communication?

A meaningful exchange of information between communication partners

Who are Communication Partners?

Your communication partners may include anyone you need to exchange information with such as:

• Friends and family members• Residents and staff

members of C.C. Young• Doctors, nurses, and other

professionals

Good communication benefits both members of the communication partnership• Needs are met

• Information is exchanged

• Relationships are more fulfilling

• Feelings of competency increase

• Self esteem rises

When communication breaks down theperson with hearing loss may feel:

• Frustration• Anxiety• Impatience• Anger• Loss of competence• Self-pity• Guilt•Withdrawal• Denial

When communication breaks down the listener may feel:

• Frustration• Anxiety• Impatience• Anger• Threat to competence• Pity• Guilt•Withdrawal• Denial

Common reactions to communication difficulties:

• Passive behavior – this person may withdraw and avoid conflict with communication partners

• Aggressive behavior – this person may be hostile and demanding of communication partners

Common reactions to communication difficulties:

Assertive behavior – this person respects their communication partner and also meets their own needs

Assertiveness results in good communication!

What can you do to improve yourcommunication partnerships?

• Acknowledge that there is a problem

• Understand your communication partner’s emotional reactions

• Be assertive in expressing what you need

• Respect what your partner needs

• Remember that communication partners share responsibility for

good communication

Communication Strategies

Things to Keep in Mind

• Communication takes TWO

• Bluffing is not allowed!

• A good sense of humor goes a long way

Clear Speech

Speak slowly, but naturally

Stress important words

Pause between words and important ideas

DO NOT shout

DO NOT drop the endings of words

Good Communication Habits: Speaker

1. Get the listener’s attention

2. Do not shout

3. Slow down

4. Get close

5. Speak clearly

More Strategies for Speakers

6. Rephrase

7. State the topic

8. Use gestures

9. Confirm details

10.Note background noise

Good Communication Habits: Listener

1. Pay attention

2. Develop good listening skills

3. Watch the speaker

4. Plan ahead

5. Take breaks

More Strategies for Listeners

6. Offer specific suggestions

7. Provide feedback

8. Double check details

9. Do not bluff!

10. Set realistic expectations

Consider Your Environment• Distance:

Are you close enough to your partner?

• Lighting: Is there enough light to see visual clues?

• Size of the room: Is the room too big?

• Background Noise: Are you in a quiet place?

Anticipating Trouble

• Plan ahead for Better Communication:

– Think about things that could make it hard to understand.

– Write them down as “Possible Problems”– Think about things you could do to minimize these

problems. – Write them down as “Possible Solutions”

Don’t be afraid, be assertive!

Inform others about your hearing loss:

• Ask—but don’t demand“It would be most helpful if you would…”

• Explain “Because of my hearing loss, I would appreciate if you would…”

• Remind“Is it okay with you if I give you a hand signal to slow down and to indicate when I’m understanding you?”

Remember

• A good sense of humor goes a long way

• Bluffing is not allowed!

• Communication takes TWO

Communication with Chronically or Terminally Ill Patients

Problems and Strategies

Problems Encountered

• Softer voice• Background noises may

be louder• Eye problems• Hearing loss

Medications

• Aminoglycosides• Loop diuretics• IV antibiotics• Quinine• Anti-inflammatory drugs• Chemotherapy drugs – Cisplatin, Nitrogen

Mustard, Carboplatin

Communication

• IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE CLEARLY!

Universal Symbol for Hearing Loss

• Means they have trouble hearing

• Make sure this is visible• Request it for your

patients

How to help

• Make sure lights are on• Reduce other noise• Make sure they can see you• Have something ready to write on

Use Clear Speech

• Get patient’s attention• Look at them• Speak slowly• Speak clearly

Assistive Devices

Amplified Phone

PockeTalker

TV Devices

FM Systems

Assistive Devices Center

Callier Center- Dallas

1966 Inwood RdDallas, TX

(214) 905- 3037

Callier Center- Richardson

811 Synergy Park Blvd.Richardson, TX

(972) 883-b3637