jenny carrick
Marketing and Communications Director
University of California, Davis, Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Education
If you attend an event in person, whether it's a conference room meeting or a large event such as a conference keynote session, there's a good chance there will be someone in the room who is hard of hearing. And that person is likely not using hearing aids.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 5% of the world's population requires rehabilitation, such as hearing aids, to address disabling hearing loss. This number is expected to double by 2050 to more than 700 million people, or 1 in 10 people.
Unfortunately, worldwide, only 17% of people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. Access to hearing care remains a significant barrier both in the United States and around the world. Additionally, in the United States, hearing aids are typically not covered by health insurance. What makes this problem even more frustrating is the many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding hearing aids and hearing loss. Hearing aids are large, bulky devices that make a lot of noise and are not very useful.
If hearing loss is not treated, the TV will become louder and you won't just hear “What?” over and over again. Many times a day. Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, decreased engagement, loneliness, and even dementia. Inability to move can also be affected.
As someone who lives with hearing loss and uses hearing aids and other assistive devices, I am happy to share that there is much we can all do to destigmatize hearing loss and become advocates for people with hearing loss. think. As an employer, the University of California is proactive in providing hearing aid coverage and workplace accommodations.
A hearing loss friendly method [PDF]
Now, we can take the next step as colleagues, colleagues, leaders, health care providers, and educators. One easy way to do this is to plan for hearing-impaired attendees when planning your gathering or event. Don't wait for them to identify themselves – statistics show that to expect it.
microphone
Please use them. Insist that others use them too. If you have access to a microphone in the event room, use it. There will always be people who say, “I don't need a microphone because my voice comes through so well.'' mistaken. Regardless of your voice, there are probably people who can't hear you. Also, if you don't use a microphone, do you think the person speaking after you will use one?
Auxiliary equipment
Try to plan your activities in a room with good acoustics or other ways to reduce ambient noise. Even people with normal hearing have difficulty in noisy environments. At times like this, I get tired of listening and immediately drop out. You can't stay focused on understanding for long periods of time.
setting
Try to plan your activities in a room with good acoustics or other ways to reduce ambient noise. Even people with normal hearing have difficulty in noisy environments. At times like this, I get tired of listening and immediately drop out. You can't stay focused on understanding for long periods of time.
caption
If a caption is available, use it. Whether it's video or Zoom, captions are an easy way to get everyone involved.
Do not say…
Avoid saying “I'll tell you later” when asked to repeat something. Don't respond to requests with, “Aren't you wearing your hearing aids today?” Even better, don't advise people with hearing loss to “sit in front.”
For many years, I have worked to raise awareness about hearing loss among family, friends, and co-workers, and have worked on events that attract thousands of participants. I found myself moving from a place of frustration and anger to a place of surprise and amazement. It's amazing how technology continues to advance, allowing us to enjoy television, concerts, conversations in crowded restaurants, and even panel discussions at conferences. I'm grateful to those of you who are interested in hearing more from me. I also empathize with the many people who ask me why I choose to wear hearing aids or how to get them. Advocating for people with hearing loss helps people cope with their hearing loss and subsequently helps reduce the resulting health risks.
Learn more about World Hearing Day here. If you would like to contact me directly, please email me at jacarrick@ucdavis.edu.