Bloxham Broadsheet

Deaf Awareness Week – 28th June to 4th July

Do you know someone who needs to be more deaf aware? Do you or any of your friends have problems on the phone or listening to the TV? Almost half of people over 65 have lost enough hearing to benefit from using hearing aids. Taking action is now much easier and very worthwhile, because hearing loss affects so many areas of life.
People having difficulty hearing often withdraw from social situations for fear of looking stupid when they mishear, or because of the effort needed to concentrate on what people are saying. By encouraging people to use hearing aids it is hoped to prevent them becoming socially isolated. For younger people it can help them to stay in employment, and to access healthcare and other services.
To begin with you may only find difficulties in very noisy situations like cafes and restaurants. Then you may find you have to turn up the TV, which can annoy other members of the family. You may realise you are struggling in group conversations and having to ask people to repeat what they have said.
Top of the range digital technology is now available on the NHS, and there are more attractive designs than the big old hearing aids. Your GP should refer you to your local audiology department, where you can be tested and advised on the best system for your needs. It does take time to get adjusted to using aids, so you need to build up wearing them gradually as you realise how they will help you in difficult situations.
If you think you are just having slight problems with hearing, you can take the RNID telephone hearing check by calling 0844 800 3838. Remember to do this in a quiet place away from any background noise. The Royal National Institute for the Deaf is lobbying for a national hearing screening of older people so that problems can be picked up earlier, but meanwhile the telephone test is quick and easy to take.