"He can always hear when he wants to. He just doesn't concentrate"

Have you ever felt like making this remark?

If you have you ever been irritated into making this sort of remark about someone with hearing loss, it would probably help to understand why it is unfair.

It may of course be that hearing-impaired people don't always concentrate. It can be very tiring for them, particularly when people aren't speaking clearly and there is background noise. It can of course also be very annoying for friends and family who are either uncertain whether or not the person has heard something or have to keep repeating things. Then, when in a quiet room, someone with a clear voice does say something that the person can hear, it is all too easy to blame him for not hearing on other occasions.

How to tackle the problem

It is difficult for people with normal hearing to understand the problem. So a good way forward is for everyone concerned to read the pages on how people with hearing loss can help themselves, the needs of people with hearing loss and how others can help them. Then have a frank discussion about how to proceed once feelings are calm.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is for a lay audience and I cannot be responsible for errors or omissions. The views, strategies, advice and suggestions etc are based on my personal experience and are not necessarily appropriate for anyone else. They should, hopefully, stimulate individuals to develop their own strategies.