Newsletter Extract

The following article was written by Mary Nadig, a founding member of our chapter. 

Caregiving Challenge   By Mary Nadig

Because I was blessed in learning about HLAA, how appropriate it was for me to be able to share my new-found knowledge with Uncle Joe, Aunt Bell and Aunt Lilly. I certainly became very much aware of problems relating to their hearing aids and communication, both daily and in crisis situations. Along with two cousins, George and I were giving moral support to the folks, and had learned some great information which helped in many instances – such as confirming conversations with doctors, assessing hearing aid malfunction, and using ALDs when it was going to be difficult for them to hear someone at a special event.  We were also able to inform them of some valuable tips of the trade - watch TV from a distance of no more than 8 feet from a TV set and use the captioning option, face people when talking with them, and become assertive in asking others to repeat, repeat, so better understanding could take place. Convincing them that it was smart to “ask” was a challenge, because they, like many others, generally did not want to admit they had difficulty, and would usually blame someone else for mumbling and not speaking loud enough. During hospital events – always a crisis for those with hearing loss – we made sure they had batteries for their aids, put up a sign over their bed detailing “hearing loss patient” and encouraged hospital personnel to communicate slowly and clearly. We checked the telephone situation (not always good) so that they could stay connected with family. Also, we asked nurses and case workers to be sure our folks understood what was being done to them and for them, and to please face them when talking. It helped to make them feel more comfortable. I guess you would say that this kind of help is called “being a good advocate.” I understand that now ALDs, i.e. Pocketalkers may be available at some hospitals (you would need to ask someone for assistance it). If a patient has a profound hearing loss, the Pocketalker can make a huge difference as to whether or not a clear understanding can take place. It is a very good thing to have for a one-on-one conversation with nurses and doctors. A very distressing situation arose at an Assisted Living Facility for my Aunt Bell when she was sitting with other people in the dining room. Because of the noisy atmosphere, it was difficult for her to communicate easily – and she was a very social lady! This was one area where I felt incompetent to help very much! What to do??? We tried using the ALD, but alone without our help, she couldn’t make it function for herself! As I look back, how much more of an advocate I might have been in this area? I might have worked with the Assisted Living staff to be sure she was seated in a quiet corner of the dining room (if there was such a place???) Perhaps being seated with individuals who were aware of her hearing loss  knew how to communicate better with her. This is a real area of concern – not only in this instance - but for those with hearing loss in the general population who like to eat in restaurants and have the same problem! (Need to seek out all those restaurant tips!) We really never resolved this problem for Bell, but she managed to struggle along. At different times, Aunt Bell was so happy when I was with her and connected the ALD and she was able to converse with me and hear everything well! I wish I could have spent more time (and effort) training her how to use the ALD device on her own. Another area of concern was the large room at the facility where residents attend regular meetings and movies. How a “looped room” or FM system would have helped! This concern is something very dear to the hearts of our Steering Committee – how we can encourage all public facilities to utilize these wonderful technologies! If you become acquainted with Assisted Living or a Nursing Facility, please take the opportunity to explain to them about assisted listening devices. The members of our Steering Committee will be happy to help you in that regard if and when you identify a “situation.” We at HLAA are interested in learning and teaching about ALDs and also about tips and how to advocate for your family and friends who need “hearing help.” Let us know about your successes so that we can pass on any good news and ideas to fellow members of HLAA through our newsletter. Our biggest frustration in advocating for our folks was the fact that medical staff were not totally aware of how to handle hearing problems which needed to be addressed when we were not there to help – due diligence!!! Just the mechanics of inserting a battery into a hearing aid can be daunting when you don’t know how! I am sincerely looking forward to our April meeting to learn how our local hospital is currently making the hospital “hearing friendly.” It is a meeting where your appropriate friends and family should attend so that you all can learn what is available.