May is Better Speech and Hearing Month

May is Better Speech and Hearing month, a time to consider the importance of the ability to communicate effectively.  Hearing is a key component of communication. Without being able to hear, we are just talking. When we are able to hear and respond appropriately, we are interacting and communicating.  The effects of hearing loss may not be as readily understood as some of the other disabilities.  Hearing loss may not be visibly identified and therefore is an invisible disability. 

What I know to be true with my patients is that reduced hearing has a significant adverse effect on understanding speech. When one struggles with understanding, they become self-conscious in environments where they have to communicate interactively. The bright and brilliant can loose self-confidence simply because they are not receiving a clear message. It is understood that for those with a hearing loss it can be fatiguing to simply follow a conversation over a period of time. This is true because these individuals are using a lot more of their intellectual resources to make sense of a conversation with missing pieces.  When you add a background of noise for these people a tough listening situation can get to be impossible. 

Those with hearing loss can compensate in many different ways, some might overcompensate by dominating a conversation not allowing others to define the direction of the communication. The majority of others, however tend to withdraw from social or difficult listening situations because they feel inadequate. The potential to feel a sense of loss and isolation is significant. It is difficult at best when a naturally social individual withdraws from taking part in one of life’s joys.

I have seen first hand the effects of better hearing allowing my patients to reconnect with family and friends. I have had patients and their families talk about how better hearing and improved communication can be life changing in a positive way. In the context of my elderly patients I often talk to them about the importance of conversation in their lives. We may have limitations to do physically what we once did but we can still have life changing and positive interactions with family and friends simply by having a conversation. May is better Speech and hearing month perhaps it is a good time to consider how well you really hear.