Communication Partners
A Sense of Irritation
Gill and John (UK 2009)
Stage: Maintenance
Recommended Tools: Motivation Tools, Communication Partners, Living Well, GROUP
Description: By being a supportive partner, John often acts as Gill’s earpiece at social gatherings. This puts an added burden on John. He often finds himself having to pay attention to many conversations that he would have probably disregarded otherwise. Gill, on the other hand, often finds herself acting complacent at social gatherings. Instead of making a concerted effort to understand and contribute, which is quite tiring, she tends to rely heavily on John.
By letting Gill and John freely talk about their hearing loss, the video uncovers some of the underlying issues they face on a daily basis. We learn of irritation at home, even when they are doing their best to employ communication strategies. We also learn of frustration, as Gill is unable to socialize with friends and family as she used to do. These “real issues” may have gone unnoticed if Gill was provided a traditional questionnaire to gauge the impact of her hearing loss. It is important to provide an individual with the time and space to freely express themselves and elaborate on how they are living with hearing loss.
There's Been Times Where I Thought, I Just Wish I Never Made That Appointment
Anthony and Elisabeth (UK 2009)
Hearing Has Become a Minor Thing in Our Lives
Geoffrey and Howard (UK 2009)
I Brought it to the Kitchen Table
Kathleen and Her Family (USA 2009)
Stage: Maintenance
Recommended Tools: Motivation Tools and Communication Partner Tools
Description: It appears Kathleen’s parents had a difficult time understanding and coming to grips with Kathleen's hearing loss. Kathleen experienced bouts of depression and loneliness during her youth, but Kathleen’s parents remained frozen. The family did not openly discuss Kathleen’s situation or take concrete action to reach out to Kathleen and assess how she was dealing with her hearing loss.
This story highlights the enormous value of encouraging families to openly discuss hearing loss and creating a space for that discussion to occur. The consequences of hearing loss can be described in terms of decibels and frequencies, but also in terms of social and emotional aftershocks. While it is not possible to address all issues related to hearing loss, it is important that one remembers to treat the whole person, the whole family, and not just the hearing loss itself.
A Lot of People Make it a Problem
Tony and Jackie (UK 2009)
Stage: Maintenance
Recommended Tools: Motivation Tools and Communication Partner Tools
Description: Tony reiterates that he has never considered his hearing loss a problem. Many people with hearing loss have similar outlooks. They learn to live with their hearing loss and do not consider it a significant problem in their life. This view must be respected and understood.
The film illustrates that communication partners, like spouses and family members, may have different perspectives on the hearing loss. We hear from Tony’s wife that there are communication challenges in the household. According to Jackie, Tony often fails to acknowledge instances where others initiate conversation. Further, he has a tendency to withdraw from social interaction when he is tired. This shows why it is often valuable to include a communication partner’s perspective into the rehabilitation process. If managed correctly, the input of a spouse or close family member can help support the development and implementation of a shared strategy to improve the general well-being of the entire family, not just the person with hearing loss.