Blog.3/ Can you hear me?
Deaf Awareness Week 2021
Did you know? 1 in 5 adults in the UK has some form of hearing loss. It impacts around 40% of people over 50, and 70% of people over 70.
It impacts our families, friends, colleagues and customers. In all likelihood, you will know someone who sometimes struggles to hear.
But, like with so many other disabilities, hearing loss is an invisible problem. It takes an average of 10 years for people to get help with hearing loss. Only 40% of people who need hearing aids have them. It is gradual, unrecognised and pushed under the carpet.
Blog.3/
Can you hear me?
I’ve had a moderate-to-severe hearing impairment since birth
It was only when I was five that my parents discovered it. It was only when I was seven that I realised I’d be stuck with it for life. So, having my hearing tested once a year has become as familiar to me as hot dinners to you. But I had my hearing tested recently and I didn’t get the result I expected. The test had been delayed due to COVID, and I wonder what impact this may have had.
I am awaiting my appointment with a consultant to help me fully understand the results. In doing so, I deeply empathise with those whose medical appointments and assessments have been delayed due to COVID. I have felt powerless in the meantime, impatiently second-guessing my results. But I quickly realised this was unconstructive, and have turned my mind to educating others about how they can protect their hearing and get help for hearing loss.
In 2020 the average adult was streaming audio content on their mobile devices for ~60 minutes a day¹
During the COVID pandemic, this will no doubt have increased as we communicate with each other remotely. There are things we can do proactively to monitor our sound levels and check our hearing, so that we can enjoy communicating with each other and listening to music safely.
Did you know?
You can check your noise exposure levels on your phone (handy for checking how loudly you are pounding the beats on your daily walk...).
For iPhone users go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Hearing Safety. You can also access through the Health app. Keep clicking "Learn more" to see your volume stats by day (compared to last week / year) and even a breakdown by each of your headsets (that's if you have more than one). Generally speaking, you want to keep your music below 70 DB. The louder the sound, the less time you should be exposed to it each day
For Android you can download the app HearAngel free from the Google Play Store. Here you can monitor and limit the sounds on your children’s devices too.
How to check your hearing: If you're worried about your hearing, the RNID offer an 8 minute telephone hearing check that you can complete to test both ears²
The test indicates whether you have some form of hearing loss and, should you require further support, it can provide you personalised results to take to your GP for a referral
It is an automated system so you won't have to speak with anyone personally
The RNID is developing an online test as well, due to be available in the next few months.
You are allowed to remove your face covering to communicate with someone who relies on facial expressions or lipreading.
Since face coverings were made mandatory on public transport and in spaces such as shops, the government has published guidance saying you do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to – for example, due to, health, age or equality reasons. This includes when you are communicating with someone with a hearing loss. These exemptions also apply to staff who have to wear a face covering at work by law
You can also ask someone else to keep a safe distance and lower their face covering if you need them to do this to communicate with you
You can find other useful communication tips on the RNID website.³
Why am I telling you this?
Because my hearing test today made me realise how much I value and want to look after the hearing I have left! I know others will feel the same, and I want my experience to help you.
Please get involved and share these tips with people you know to help us be more #deafaware.
