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Successful Management of Hearing Loss at C.C. Young Retirement Community . Catherine Koch Alexandra Harris Caryn McLellan Lauren Mosley. Welcome!. What You Should Know About Hearing & Hearing Loss. How Hearing Works. Types of Hearing Loss: Conductive . Types of Hearing Loss: Sensory.
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Successful Management of Hearing Loss at C.C. Young Retirement Community Catherine Koch Alexandra Harris Caryn McLellan Lauren Mosley
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 Aid Myth Busters • 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 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 the • person 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 your • communication 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
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 • Get the listener’s attention • Do not shout • Slow down • Get close • Speak clearly
More Strategies for Speakers • Rephrase • State the topic • Use gestures • Confirm details • Note background noise
Good Communication Habits: Listener • Pay attention • Develop good listening skills • Watch the speaker • Plan ahead • Take breaks
More Strategies for Listeners • Offer specific suggestions • Provide feedback • Double check details • Do not bluff! • 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 Center Callier Center- Dallas 1966 Inwood Rd Dallas, TX (214) 905- 3037 Callier Center- Richardson 811 Synergy Park Blvd. Richardson, TX (972) 883-b3637