HEARING
What is the relevance of hearing and hearing impairment in South Africa and OT?
Hearing impaired persons have their own culture and language
Treat with dignity
Be aware of deaf culture
S.A has own sign language
Language gives identity
What are hearing aids?
Electronic devices used at one’s ears
Takes time to get used to sounds
Difficult to understand speech in a noisy environment
In some cases, lip reading will be required
1. What are the different parts of hearing aids?
o Earpiece, custom made, fits into the ear
o Hearing aid:
Microphone
Amplifier
Volume control
On / off switch
Battery compartment
2. How do you maintain hearing aids?
o When cleaning/working with the hearing aid, use it near soft surfaces
o Keep away from water or heat
o Keep earpiece clean
o Replace earpiece when necessary
o Remove it when you are sleeping
o Replace batteries when needed
3. How does someone adapt to using hearing aids?
o Wear it in quite environments
o Listen different sounds in the environment
o Listen to conversation with one person
o Listen to the TV or radio
o At church or meetings sit in front rows
o Use it when shopping
o Try to talk on the telephone
4. How do you use hearing aids?
o Don’t be oversensitive
o Don’t isolate yourself
o Make sure you can see persons when they are talking to you
o Concentrate on one person talking
o Ask people not to shout → can speak a little bit louder, but not shout
o Light on the speakers face if possible
5. What are some of the challenges of using hearing aids?
o Whistling sound
o No reception
What is the relevance of hearing and hearing impairment in South Africa and OT?
Hearing impaired persons have their own culture and language
Treat with dignity
Be aware of deaf culture
S.A has own sign language
Language gives identity
What are hearing aids?
Electronic devices used at one’s ears
Takes time to get used to sounds
Difficult to understand speech in a noisy environment
In some cases, lip reading will be required
1. What are the different parts of hearing aids?
o Earpiece, custom made, fits into the ear
o Hearing aid:
Microphone
Amplifier
Volume control
On / off switch
Battery compartment
2. How do you maintain hearing aids?
o When cleaning/working with the hearing aid, use it near soft surfaces
o Keep away from water or heat
o Keep earpiece clean
o Replace earpiece when necessary
o Remove it when you are sleeping
o Replace batteries when needed
3. How does someone adapt to using hearing aids?
o Wear it in quite environments
o Listen different sounds in the environment
o Listen to conversation with one person
o Listen to the TV or radio
o At church or meetings sit in front rows
o Use it when shopping
o Try to talk on the telephone
4. How do you use hearing aids?
o Don’t be oversensitive
o Don’t isolate yourself
o Make sure you can see persons when they are talking to you
o Concentrate on one person talking
o Ask people not to shout → can speak a little bit louder, but not shout
o Light on the speakers face if possible
5. What are some of the challenges of using hearing aids?
o Whistling sound
o No reception
