Monthly talk: Sally Robinson – The RNID, deafness and me
There was a disappointingly modest audience to listen the speaker at our June monthly meeting, but those who were not there, missed an excellent talk, and one which has great significance for most households.
Our guest speaker, Sally Robinson, was born deaf. In her childhood, there was not so much awareness of hearing loss for young children and so it was not until she was five that she began to use hearing aids. This is, of course, a very important issue as not being able to hear is a major issue in a child’s development.
Sally has devoted her life to helping children and now works to promote the work of the RNID as widely as possible. She stressed to all of us that if you have any concerns over hearing loss, you must not ignore this. There is a great deal of help available, especially from the RNID, and it can be life changing.
Anyone who has concerns about their hearing are able to access a free online hearing check through the RNID website. Follow this link: Hearing test – 3 minutes, free, online, easy and reliable | RNID If the test reveals a reason for concern, you will be given advice on what to do next. I certainly intend to do this.
One in three Britons – 18 million people – have either hearing loss or tinnitus; one in seven have tinnitus alone. Problems can develop in as we get older, and over 40% of people over the age of 40 have hearing loss. There are all sorts of indicators: you may feel other people are mumbling; people don’t react to you when you speak to them; you find that you are speaking loudly; you are struggling to understand what is being said on the phone; you fail to understand what is being said in company; people need to repeat what they are saying to you; other people may find you have the television on too loud.
Today, technology is able to provide support with effective (and small) hearing aids. There are devices to convert voice into text on the phone and other settings. Sally showed us another device which enables you to focus on an individual speaking in a group when background noise is often a problem, especially with hearing aids. When a device such as an alarm it is of little use if you cannot hear it, so alternatives such as flashing lights can make all the difference to your safety. The RNID can enable you to access these.
The RNID offers advice to both those who experience hearing loss and to those who live and work with them. They offer communication tips: try waving to people if they are not immediately responding; make sure you face the person you are speaking to; don’t cover your face as much lip reading happens without the person speaking realises it (COVID facemasks were an enormous challenge); don’t be afraid to repeat something if someone hasn’t heard. Above all, if someone doesn’t immediately hear what you are saying, never say ‘it doesn’t matter’ as this is very dismissive.
A major theme of the RNID’s work is to overcome isolation and to promote inclusion. They also undertake a lot of scientific research and engage in political campaigning. While they have brought about many changes in legislation and attitudes in society to support those with hearing loss, needless to say, much more needs to be done. One area of progress is that BSL (British Sign Language} is now more widely used, but the UK lags behind other countries in making it standard practice when there are major public announcements by politicians.
If you weren’t able to hear Sally’s talk, you will find a visit to the RNID website extremely helpful – for yourself and also for those who you live with or spend time with. RNID – National hearing loss charity
We are all affected and have much to learn.
John Vick