Tips for Effective Conversations with Hearing-Impaired Loved-Ones

If someone suffers from tinnitus he has a risk of hearing loss. Chances are quite high that they have to face hearing loss. 

Communicating with someone who suffers from hearing loss can become challenging. There can be some misunderstandings that can lead to frustrations. To improve communication, a few adjustments and strategies will be discussed in this article.

We’ll see what tinnitus is, shedding light on its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies to improve the quality of life.

Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears and it affects millions of people worldwide. This sound has no external source, meaning other people cannot hear it.

Symptoms of Tinnitus:

The symptoms of tinnitus include hearing a phantom sound like

• A ring
• Buzz
• Roar
• Whistle
• Hum
• Click
• Hiss
• Or squeal

You may hear phantom sounds/ background noises in one ear, in both ears and in your head. The sound may be soft or loud and it may come and go. However, people face different symptoms.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be caused by various reasons here are some of them:

• Noise exposure: Individuals who work in loud workplaces experience tinnitus after being exposed to the noise. Among veterans, Tinnitus is also the most common service-related disability because of loud noise they may have experienced from gunfire, machinery, bomb blasts, or other similar sources.
• Ear infection or ear canal blockage: Fluid buildup due to ear infections, earwax, dirt, or other foreign materials can cause blockage of the ear canal which can lead to tinnitus.
• Medications: Drugs including non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory can become a reason for tinnitus. If taken in higher doses they can worsen tinnitus.
• Underlying health problems: Health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disorders can also be a cause of Tinnitus.

Management Strategies for Tinnitus

Tinnitus can lower the quality of a person’s life. Since there is no known cure for tinnitus it can become challenging to manage. While it’s not always possible to get rid of tinnitus, the following strategies may help ease symptoms.

•  Check underlying conditions: To effectively manage tinnitus diagnosis of the cause of tinnitus is important. Tinnitus can be caused by various factors like hearing loss or certain medications. To find the cause of your tinnitus and potentially find relief, see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
• Identifying Triggers: Keep track of when your tinnitus bothers you to identify triggers and avoid them. Some common triggers that can worsen tinnitus symptoms include exposure to loud noises, stress, and anxiety, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While they may not directly cause tinnitus, they can worsen it for some people.
• Hearing Aids: Tinnitus symptoms can be managed by wearing hearing aids. Another option is using a masking device that produces soothing sounds to distract your brain from tinnitus.
• Stress management. Stress can worsen tinnitus. Through relaxation therapy, biofeedback, or exercise you can manage stress that may provide some relief.

Effect of Tinnitus on Hearing

It becomes difficult for people with tinnitus to hear clearly because phantom sounds can mask external noise, and interfere with your hearing. Tinnitus can make it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks, especially in noisy environments.

People suffering from hearing loss and tinnitus often struggle to listen clearly. You can also find information related to hearing assessments and tinnitus treatment at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas.

Tips for Effective Conversations

Here are some tips that can help you in communicating with hear-impaired people:

Speak clearly and naturally

Your body language plays a major role in effective communication. Speak clearly and naturally but do not shout. Speak slightly louder making it easier for the other person to understand. Also, speaking naturally makes it easier for the person to read your lips.

Ensure that the other person with hearing loss can see you clearly

Many people with hearing loss rely on your facial expressions to understand what you are saying. But be careful and do not exaggerate your expressions. You can use gestures if they help improve communication. Eye contact may be your key to successful communication.

Opt for quiet and well-lighted backgrounds

A noisy background can make it even more difficult to understand what you are saying. External sounds can be interesting making it difficult to focus. Turn off the phone/ television or any other noisy device. Make sure that the room is lighted properly.

Be understanding

Try to understand the other person and be patient. While it can be frustrating to talk with a person who has a hearing impairment you can try different methods and see what works best.

Living With Tinnitus

Living with tinnitus can be challenging as it can affect the quality of life. But with cooperative effort, support, and effective communication strategies, it is possible to manage the symptoms. Visit Hearing Associates of Las Vegas for guidance on hearing and effective tinnitus management. To create a more connected and communicative environment for you and your loved ones take your first step today.