The Psychosocial Effects of Hearing Loss in Adults - Essay Example

The psychosocial effects of hearing loss in adults Introduction Hearing loss entails the impairment in hearing, which may be in degrees that vary from total deafness to mild impairments in hearing. The prevalence of hearing loss tends to be higher in adults than in young persons. Hearing loss affects communication between patients and other persons in society. It makes communication difficult thus affecting the interpersonal relationships, as well as self-esteem and self-worth. There tends to be diverse psychosocial impacts of hearing loss on adults. The various forms of hearing loss include sensory hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, mixed, or neural hearing loss. English (2000) observes "Our patients not only have damaged auditory systems, but they also present with damaged self-worth and strained interpersonal relationships." This paper will discuss the psychosocial impacts of hearing loss on adults and how it can be addressed. In addition, the paper will discuss the impacts that hearing loss has on interpersonal relationships and the self-worth of the affected individuals. Classification and severity of hearing loss Most people tend to experience hearing loss as they age; 30 % of adults between 65 and 74 years, and 47 % of adults aged 75 years and above experience hearing loss. Therefore, hearing loss in adults mainly affects older adults. Adults having this problem may experience problems such as anxiety, depression, sadness, as well as paranoia and emotional turmoil. Hearing loss may either be mild or severe; in mild cases, there adult may not be having many difficulties in hearing while in severe cases, there may be complete impairment in hearing. Hearing loss can also be classified as either bilateral or unilateral. Hearing loss is referred to as bilateral when it affects both ears and unilateral when it affects only one ear. The extent to which hearing loss occurs may be the same in both ears or different for each. Hearing loss can be severe, especially when it affects a person from birth. However, hearing loss that affects individuals when they have already become adults may not have severe consequences. Only mild impacts of hearing loss may be encountered in such form of hearing loss (Dalebout, 2009). Impacts of Hearing Loss on Patient’s damaged self-worth Hearing loss affects the self-worth of the patients and leads to the diminishing of self-esteem. A study conducted by Kristian Tambs in 2004 indicates that hearing loss has moderate effects on a patient’s wellbeing and self-esteem. According to this study, the impact on self-esteem mostly affects young and middle-aged adults. This is because older adults may accept their hearing loss unlike young adults who may live in denial because of such a condition (Tambs, 2004, p. 779). The self-worth of the patient may be affected since the patient develops feelings that they are more inadequate than other members of society. The self-worth of the patient is damaged since there is a tendency to withdraw from close family members and friends. Patients find themselves avoiding situations that require interpersonal communication since they know that they cannot fit in properly. The self-worth of a patient is also damaged since they lose a sense of belonging. Patients feel that they do not belong to the hearing world since the impairment in hearing differentiates them from other members of society (Ask, Krog, & Tambs, 2010, p.271). A notable impact of hearing loss on the self-worth of the patient encompasses the psychological solitary confinement that comes along with this condition. They feel confined in their world, and they dislike interactions and communication with other persons. Their self-worth is also damaged since they live in denial. Most patients with hearing loss disability do not accept that they suffer from the condition; they may also deny the impact that the quality has on the quality of their lives. Hearing loss results in low self-esteem since the patient feel ashamed of themselves. They experience shame and may not cope with the fact that they have impaired hearing. As a result, they may feel embarrassed and inadequate as compared to other members of society (Ask, Krog, & Tambs, 2010, p.272). Humiliation is common in patients suffering from hearing loss; the patients feel humiliated since they cannot conform to the societal rules of conventional communication. As such, they feel incomplete and see other people as ridiculing their condition. This may have far-reaching mental effects as it may lead to depression and a lot of distress. The fact that they cannot communicate with other people effectively makes them feel stupid. Consequently, they may develop negative feelings and emotions that may make them feel abnormal and everyones enemy. The self-worth of patients suffering from hearing loss may also be damaged since the patients tend to develop self-criticism. Self-criticism emanates from errors in perception that patients may make, as well as the difficulties that may stem from misunderstanding other people. Self-criticism may result in negative perceptions of oneself and feelings of unworthiness whenever in the presence of others (Dalton, 2003, p.662). Impacts of Hearing Loss on Interpersonal Relationships Hearing loss has significant impacts on the interpersonal relationships of the affected persons. Adults suffering from hearing loss may face certain challenges while relating to other members of the society. One of the impacts of hearing loss on the interpersonal relationships is that it leads to withdrawal from social contact with members of the family and the entire society. As a result, the affected adult may become lonely and isolate himself from other people in his surroundings. Adults suffering from hearing loss often find themselves in a dilemma since they may be torn between the need to socialize and interact with other society members and at the same time deal with the communication strains which they encounter. Although they may want to have contacts with other persons, they cannot achieve this social contact since they experience difficulties in understanding what other people say (Ciorba et al., 2012, p.159). Hearing loss also affects the interpersonal relationships of adults since it may confine them to relationships with only close friends and family members. This is a serious impact on the interpersonal relationships since it may make the affected adult live in solitude. They can only communicate with the members of their family and close friends since these are the only people who can tolerate them. Another impact that hearing loss has on interpersonal relationships is that it leads to misunderstandings between the adults with hearing disabilities and the people they encounter in their daily lives (Dewame, 2010, p18). Another notable impact of hearing loss on the interpersonal relationships is that it may lead to the exclusion from social activities. Since adults with hearing loss experience challenges while attempting to communicate and socialize with others, they may withdraw from activities such as recreation. The affected person finds no comfort in activities that he once found crucial in his life. For instance, adults with hearing loss may distance themselves from activities like listening to music, going to parties, and watching television. This is because they do not find any positive experiences in these activities as the interest in such activities may be taken away by the impairment in hearing (Ciorba et al., 2012, p.161). The other impact of hearing loss on interpersonal relationships is that it may make an adult having such a problem to develop some distrust for close friends, as well as family members. A person having haring loss may not be informed about a certain upcoming event in the society. As a result, such a person develops some hatred and distrust for other members of society. The distrust and hatred develop as a result of being treated with disrespect by other people (Mae & Charlene, 1997). The other impact of hearing loss on interpersonal relationships is that it leads to misunderstanding of the noises in the environment. Thus, they may be unable to interpret the sounds they hear. This results to misinterpretation of the sounds and hindrances in relating with others. For example, they may interpret knock as thunder; this can have far reaching consequences whereby the relationships with other people tend to be unsettled. Hearing loss may affect interpersonal relationships in that the affected persons may project some of their feelings to other persons in order to reduce anxiety. Persons with hearing loss always portray some fear and anxiety while relating with other people. The fear inhibits and challenges interpersonal relationships of persons with hearing loss. Hearing loss also leads to strained interpersonal relationships of the patients since the society the society makes the assumption that patients have some form of cognitive deterioration. In most cases, the patients may give inappropriate responses to comments and questions that they may be asked. This emanates from the fact that these patients cannot properly understand or interpret spoken messages. Interpersonal relationships are also strained since patients suffering from hearing loss may be perceived as confused by other persons in society (National Research Council, 2004, p. 166). Hearing loss leads to strained interpersonal relationships since it may lead to difficulties in self-expression. This is because it is challenging to get the responses of the patients while interacting with them. As a result, the patients may not be able to articulate their feelings, emotions, views, and their needs. Failure to express themselves means that the relationships with the significant others will be remarkably strained. Interpersonal relationships may be affected by hearing loss since this condition leads to negative attitudes of the patients towards the other members of society. Some patients find it difficult to accept that are suffering from the condition of hearing loss (Weinstein, 2000, p.188). Hearing loss strains the interpersonal relationships between employer and employee in a work setting. As a result, the job performance of the employee tends to be affected by the hearing problems that he or she has. The communication barriers have a lasting impact on relationships and the interactions between the employees. Consequently, there may be disharmony in the workplace as a result of the misunderstandings between the employees. Interpersonal relationships can also be strained by hearing loss since the patient may feel frustrated and experience sadness while interacting with other persons. Since their ability to hear is affected, the patients may also experience fatigue as they struggle to hear and understand what other people say. There occurs strained relationships and barriers to effective communication since some patients may not admit that they have hearing problems (Weinstein, 2000, p.190). Interpersonal relationships may also be strained by hearing loss since it affects family relationships. This has a significant impact on the family dynamics since the patient and the family become impatient with the barriers involved in communicating with one another. The patient may miss out on some important information since family members perceive that he, or she has already heard what they need to hear. Consequently, there may be inaccurate attribution of the information shared between the family members. This may cause resentment between the family members and the patient due to misunderstandings that may crop in later (Miller, 2009, p.322). The everyday life of patients suffering from hearing loss is impacted since there is impairment of information exchange. This may be a risk factor for communication disorders, frustration, as well as dependence on other people. This impairs interpersonal relationships since patients may be seen as a disturbance to other members of society. The patient experiences strained relationships as they may not have an understanding of some non-verbal cues such as lip movements, as well as facial expressions. Moreover, interpersonal relationships may be strained as those communicating with the deaf persons have to shout at the top of their voices for the patient to hear. Sometimes, the patient may not hear what the other person has said, and this may be misinterpreted as lack of interest or ignorance (Miller, 2009, p.323). Hearing loss also leads to strained interpersonal relationships since the breakdown in communication acts as a hindrance to the expression of love and affection. This means that interactions between spouses may also be strained by hearing loss. As a result, a partner may feel embarrassed when communicating with his or her spouse who suffers from hearing loss. Humiliation may also result, thus leading to impaired interactions and strained interpersonal relationships. Another impact of hearing loss on adults is that it leads to overreliance on technological devices. For instance, many persons with hearing loss may depend on hearing aids as a way of communicating with other persons. This affects the relationships with other people since they cannot communicate effectively with the hearing aids (National Research Council, 2004, p. 167). Mental health problems may also arise as a result of the hearing loss in adults. Patients may suffer from such conditions since they may experience depression as a result of their condition. Depression may strain interpersonal relationships since it is a health condition that has far-reaching consequences on the patient. Patients having depression may not relate effectively with members of their immediate family, close, friends, relatives, and the society at large (National Research Council, 2004, p. 168). How audiologists can address these issues A number of methods can be vital in addressing hearing loss in adults in order to reduce its consequences on the life of adults. One of the strategies that can be used in addressing hearing loss includes removal of wax blockage. Earwax can be regarded as one of the common causes of hearing loss (Dalebout, 2009). Audiologists can remove earwax by loosening it using oil and suctioning, or scooping out the loosened and softened wax. The removal of the wax ensures that a patient recovers from hearing loss since the wax, which could have caused hearing loss, will be removed (Madell & Flexer, 2008). Another method that can be used by audiologists in addressing hearing loss includes the use of cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are mostly used when a patient is suffering from severe hearing loss. A cochlear implant functions by compensating for nonworking or damaged parts of the patient’s inner ear. It is worth noting that when a cochlear implant is to be used, an audiologist should consult a medical practitioner or doctor who has adequate knowledge on ear, nose, and throat disorders. Such consultation is essential as there may be certain risks associated with the use of cochlear implants (Isaacson & Vora, 2003, p.1127). Audiologists can also address hearing loss through the use of hearing aids. This is mostly applicable in cases where the patient’s hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear. A hearing aid operates by making sounds easier and stronger so that the patient can hear (Stark & Hickson, 2004, p.391). Audiologists can also address the issue of hearing loss by recommending surgery or the use of medications. Hearing loss can also be treated through the use of text display devices, which convert sounds into written texts (National Research Council, 2004, p. 171). Conclusion In conclusion, hearing loss is a condition that affects people and impairs their hearing and listening ability. Hearing loss significantly impacts on the self-worth of individuals. It also affects interpersonal relationships between patients and other people around them. Some of the damaging impacts of self-worth on the patient include embarrassment, loss of sense of belonging, low self-esteem, and self-criticism. Hearing loss also affects interpersonal relationships since it strains relationships between patients and members of their immediate family. Interpersonal relationships can also be strained by hearing loss since it leads to withdrawal from interactions with other persons. Hearing loss may also lead to isolation and solitary confinement of the patient. Hearing loss also hinders communication between the patient and other people in his surroundings. Audiologists can use several methods in the treatment of hearing loss. Some of the methods used to address this issue include using cochlear implants, removing earwax blockage, and the use of hearing aids. References List Ask, H., Krog, N., J. & Tambs, K. (2010). Impact of hearing impairment on spousal mental health: the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, The European Journal of Public Health 20(3), pp. 271–275. Ciorba, A. et al. (2012). The impact of hearing loss on the quality of life of elderly adults, Clinical Interventions in Aging 7 (4), pp.159-163. Dewame, C. (2010). Hearing Loss in Older Adults — Its Effect on Mental Health, Social Work Today 10 (4), p. 18. Dalton, D. S. et al. (2003). The Impact of Hearing Loss on Quality of Life in Older Adults, The Gerontologist 43 (5), pp.661–668. DalebouT, S. (2009). The Praeger guide to hearing and hearing loss: assessment, treatment, and prevention, Westport, Conn, Praeger Publishers. Isaacson, J. E. & Vora, N. M. (2003). Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss, American Family Physician 68(6), pp. 1125-1132. Miller, C. A. (2009). Nursing for wellness in older adults, Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 322-323. Mae, S. S. & Charlene, K. M. (1997). Interpersonal Relationship Implications of Hearing Loss in Persons Who Are Older, The Journal of Rehabilitation 63 (2). Madell, J. R., & Flexer, C. A. (2008). Pediatric audiology: diagnosis, technology, and management, New York, Thieme. National Research Council (2004). Hearing Loss: Determining Eligibility for Social Security Benefits, London, Academic Press. pp. 166-171. Stark, P. & Hickson, L (2004). Outcomes of hearing aid fitting for older people with hearing impairment and their significant others, International Journal of Audiology 43(7), pp. 390–398. Tambs, K. (2004). Moderate Effects of Hearing Loss on Mental Health and Subjective Well-Being: Results From the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study, Psychosomatic Medicine, 66 (5), 776-782. Weinstein, B. E. (2000). Geriatric audiology, New York, NY [u.a.], Thieme. pp.188-190. Read More