Q: My father’s hearing is very weak. Any suggestions for smoothing our communications so I don’t have to repeat everything over and over again?
A: First, try to be empathetic. I’m sure your father finds his hearing loss even more frustrating than you do. Here are some simple steps for communicating with someone with limited hearing:
• When speaking, be sure to face the listener and don’t be farther away than six to eight feet.
• Do not speak to the hearing-impaired person from another room or from behind a book or newspaper.
• Slow down and speak clearly and distinctly.
• Try to find a quiet place to talk. Noisy environments can be challenging for normal hearers and extremely difficult for the hearing impaired, with or without hearing aids.
• Don’t speak directly into their ear. It prevents the hearing-impaired listener from using visual cues to help understand speech. Yelling into the listener’s ear may distort speech more rather than make it clearer.
Q: Either my wife is ignoring me or her hearing is getting worse. What are the signs of hearing loss?
A: There are different signs for adults and children. I’ll start with your wife and other adults. It’s not unusual for people to experience hearing loss as they age, typically in their 50s and 60s. That’s when people can begin to have the following indicators that their hearing isn’t what it used to be:
• They can have trouble understanding people and will frequently ask for others to repeat themselves.
• They turn up the TV or radio too loud — and not just on their favorite show or song.
• They have difficulty following conversations with competing background noise, like at parties, busy restaurants and on public transit.
• They complain of muffled or plugged ears.
• They may withdraw from social situations, due in part to awkwardness due to the symptoms just mentioned.
If people are experiencing these symptoms, they should have their hearing tested by a licensed audiologist. Hearing aids can help many people experiencing diminished hearing.
Many parents joke that their children have selective hearing, but not paying attention and ignoring instructions are two of the signs of hearing loss in children. Like adults, they may also ask that things be repeated. They may exhibit behavioral problems as well.
If there is a family history of hearing loss or impairment, parents should be alert to these indicators. Early diagnosis of hearing problems is important because impaired hearing can seriously hinder a child’s learning and ability to cope in their world.
Q: Can hearing loss be associated with other health problems?
A: Yes, there are several medical conditions related to audiological problems. People can experience dizziness or balance problems triggered by inner ear troubles. We have specialized testing available to evaluate the cause(s) of dizziness, balance problems and atypical hearing loss. They can also have general or localized pain or pressure, and sometimes draining from the ears. Tests can determine if dizziness or loss of equilibrium is coming from the inner ear or from the central brain centers of balance.
Once test results lead to an appropriate diagnosis, your physician can determine the best treatment or management plan. The test results might prompt a recommendation of physical therapy for improved balance and fall prevention programs. Follow up tests can monitor the progress of therapy.
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can also be a result of hearing damage. We can perform tests to rule out serious medical conditions related to ringing in the ears. In addition, we can provide counseling and make recommendations to help manage tinnitus.
To schedule a hearing assessment, call the Audiology Department at (650) 934-7900.
Amy Nelson, M.A., CCC-A, F-AAA, is an audiologist at the Mountain View Center of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, formerly known as Camino Medical Group.
