Successful Management of Hearing Loss at C.C. Young Retirement Community

1. Successful Management of Hearing Loss at C.C. Young Retirement Community Catherine Koch Alexandra Harris Caryn McLellan Lauren Mosley

2. Welcome!

3. What You Should Know About Hearing & Hearing Loss

4. How Hearing Works

5. Types of Hearing Loss: Conductive

6. Types of Hearing Loss: Sensory

7. Types of Hearing Loss: Mixed

8. How to Measure Hearing Loss

9. Severity of Hearing Loss • Mild • Moderate • Severe • Profound http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD5E88fFnxE&feature=player_popout

10. 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

11. 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

12. More About Hearing Loss due to Aging • 3rd most common chronic health condition • Most common communication disorder

13. What to DO About Hearing Loss • Won’t get better on its own! • Recognize how it affects you • Learn communication strategies • See your audiologist

14. 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!

15. Social and Emotional Impact of Communication Breakdown

16. What is Communication? A meaningful exchange of information between communication partners

17. 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

18. 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

19. When communication breaks down the • person with hearing loss may feel: • Frustration • Anxiety • Impatience • Anger • Loss of competence • Self-pity • Guilt • Withdrawal • Denial

20. When communication breaks down the • listener may feel: • Frustration • Anxiety • Impatience • Anger • Threat to competence • Pity • Guilt • Withdrawal • Denial

21. 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

22. Common reactions to communication difficulties: Assertive behavior – this person respects their communication partner and also meets their own needs Assertiveness results in good communication!

23. 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

24. Communication Strategies

25. Things to Keep in Mind • Communication takes TWO • Bluffing is not allowed! • A good sense of humor goes a long way

26. 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

27. Good Communication Habits: Speaker • Get the listener’s attention • Do not shout • Slow down • Get close • Speak clearly

28. More Strategies for Speakers • Rephrase • State the topic • Use gestures • Confirm details • Note background noise

29. Good Communication Habits: Listener • Pay attention • Develop good listening skills • Watch the speaker • Plan ahead • Take breaks

30. More Strategies for Listeners • Offer specific suggestions • Provide feedback • Double check details • Do not bluff! • Set realistic expectations

31. 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?

32. 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”

33. 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?”

34. Remember • A good sense of humor goes a long way • Bluffing is not allowed! • Communication takes TWO

35. Communication with Chronically or Terminally Ill Patients Problems and Strategies

36. Problems Encountered • Softer voice • Background noises may be louder • Eye problems • Hearing loss

37. Medications • Aminoglycosides • Loop diuretics • IV antibiotics • Quinine • Anti-inflammatory drugs • Chemotherapy drugs – Cisplatin, Nitrogen Mustard, Carboplatin

38. Communication • IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE CLEARLY!

39. Universal Symbol for Hearing Loss • Means they have trouble hearing • Make sure this is visible • Request it for your patients

40. How to help • Make sure lights are on • Reduce other noise • Make sure they can see you • Have something ready to write on

41. Use Clear Speech • Get patient’s attention • Look at them • Speak slowly • Speak clearly

42. Assistive Devices

43. Amplified Phone

44. PockeTalker

45. TV Devices

46. FM Systems

47. 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