Deafness ‘affects whole family’

GOING deaf makes life hard for the sufferer but it is tough on their partner too.

The partners of people losing their hearing endure frustration, anger and upset, research shows.

They have to contend with blaring TVs and must raise their voice and repeat themselves.

They also report becoming socially isolated or having to attend events alone, as their deaf spouse withdraws from social events.

They must act as interpreter and field every telephone call. The effort of speaking loudly, repeating words and avoiding misunderstandings can be exhausting.

Researchers at Nottingham University reviewed 78 studies about the impact of deafness on sufferers and those close to them.

Lead researcher Venessa Vas said: “Hearing loss affects the whole family.” Participants in the studies reviewed by the British researchers had an average age of 66. Only 11 studies related to the feelings of partners and 18 focused on both the partner and the deaf person.

One woman partner said: “By the time you’ve tried telling him what they have said, they’ve moved on.”

Another said it was harder to enjoy social occasions because of her partner’s deafness, adding: “He’s not participating in the actual conversation and there’s just all this noise going on around him – he just switches off.”

While those going deaf suffer embarrassment, worry and fear of rejection, both they and their partners experience frustration, anger and upset, says the review, published in the journal Trends In Hearing. People with hearing loss say they feel left out and isolated, with even one-on-one conversations a problem.

One sufferer who said: “When you’ve spent 40 years being able to converse easily and then one goes deaf, it’s very difficult to adjust.”

Hearing loss affects everyday life. One partner said: “When the TV gets up too high, it aggravates me. I don’t get any pleasure out of it.”

NHS England has drawn up an action plan on hearing loss, which affects more than one in six people. Chief Scientific Officer Professor Sue Hill said: “Hearing problems are a growing challenge with over 10 million people living with some form of hearing loss which impacts on their ability to fully participate in society.” – Daily Mail