Gradual and/or mild hearing loss can sometimes go unnoticed, since people may adapt to the change. But this is not always the case. Inability to hear can affect the quality of our work, our relationships and our day to day lives.
James Battey, director of the National Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (under the umbrella of the National Institutes of Health) states: "We do not [yet] have the equivalent of eyeglasses for hearing loss."
Despite hearing aids' incapacity to offer a sensory improvement commensurate to that of eyeglasses for vision, our Forum facilitator elaborated how each of us can be supportive of people with hearing challenges. These measures include attention to volume, quiet, clarity, visibility, no sudden noises and patience.
Kathi spoke further about advocacy within the medical community, citing the importance of including hearing screenings with annual physicals. She continues to join other activists in educational efforts to remove obstacles (e.g., expense and vanity!) regarding obtaining and using hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
There may be times in life where the proverbial saying, "Silence Is Golden," is applicable, but the sound of silence can be deafening in the lives of hard-of-hearing people. Let's do our part in ensuring that the communication lines between all of us have a sound and respectful connection!
