Amplifying Voices: An Insightful Interview with the Essex County Hearing Loss Association
As we age some of our key sensory abilities such as hearing might be impacted. Hearing loss can often be difficult to detect or challenging to accept. We sat down with the local chapter of the Essex County Hearing Loss Association , primary objective is to be the voice for individuals facing hearing loss, offering them valuable advocacy, education, and support.
The Essex County Hearing Loss Association plays a major role in supporting individuals with hearing loss, even though they don't directly provide hearing or medical devices. The "Walk for Hearing" event, held every year, serves as a fundraiser to further their cause. Additionally, an Annual Convention, which is held every year in memorable cities like New Orleans, offers an excellent opportunity for education and making connections. Moreover, through their educational monthly webinars, they hope to spread knowledge and empower people experiencing hearing loss. They also work closely with deaf schools to improve students' educational experience and raise awareness. By providing these many programs and activities, they hope to improve the lives of people with hearing loss and promote community acceptance and support.
What are early signs of hearing loss? - Needing to ask others to speak up.
Frequently requesting people to repeat themselves.
Reluctant to engage in conversations.
Increasing the volume to the maximum level.
Losing interest in conversations due to difficulty in hearing
How can family members, friends, and colleagues better support individuals with hearing loss in their daily lives and social interactions?
Make Eye Contact- Doing this while speaking allows the individual to better focus on facial expressions and visual cues.
Speak Calmly-It's important to speak calmly and avoid yelling, raised voices can misrepresent sound and make it harder to understand.
Speak at Moderate Paste-This is helpful when the person with hearing loss may be reading lips to increase their understanding
Hand Gestures- Can enhance speech and help express meaning
Patience-Give them the time they need to process information and respond
Show Respect-Not interrupting or talking over them shows understanding of their needs.
Not Having Back Turned-For them to better understand what you are trying to communicate it is important for them to see your lips and hand gestures
Are there any common misconceptions or myths about hearing loss that you would like to address?
One common misconception is that individuals who are hard of hearing or experiencing hearing loss must react dramatically to every sound they encounter. In reality, this is not true. Not everyone will have an exaggerated reaction to sounds.
Another myth is that hearing aids can fully correct hearing loss. Hearing aids do not completely restore hearing to normal levels, but they are useful assistive devices that improve and make sounds easier to hear.
How can family members, friends, and colleagues better support individuals with hearing loss in their daily lives and social interactions?
Make eye contact
Speak calmly, and don’t yell
Speak at a moderate pace (In case they may be reading your lips)
Use hand gestures
Be patient
Show respect
Face the person you are speaking to
How does the Essex County Hearing Loss Association address the unique needs of different age groups, such as children, adults, and seniors, who are affected by hearing loss?
We go to schools and provide information and hygiene products for the children
By promoting awareness, offering accessible hearing healthcare, and fostering understanding and empathy, we can enhance the quality of life for people who are hard of hearing and ensure they remain connected to their communities and loved ones.
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