Karen Downs

and

Regina Kiperman-Kiselgof

National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Center on Employment

Late Deafened Adults:

• Lose hearing after speech/language development

• Gradual or sudden hearing loss

• Identified self with hearing culture

• Dislikes repeatedly asking for clarification

Hearing loss in the U.S.

Hearing Loss in Military Veterans

• Is number one disability

• Over 78,000 have hearing loss

• Over 94, 00 have tinnitus

Psychological Impact of Hearing Loss

• May be in denial

• Can feel isolated

• May experience stress or depression

• Hesitant to disclose hearing loss

Hearing Loss Causes

• Aging process

• Illness or medications

• Heredity

• Accident

• Loud noises

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Understanding Hearing Loss

Understanding Hearing Loss

Understanding Hearing Loss

Understanding Hearing Loss

General Communication Strategies

• Maintain eye contact when speaking

• Speak slowly and clearly

• Use open-ended questions

• Use gestures and facial expression

• Choose environment conducive to communication

Group Communication Strategies

• Provide agenda for meetings

• Use visual aids

• Repeat, then rephrase when necessary

• Avoid speaking with back turned

• Record minutes or take notes

Job Accommodations and Technologies

• E-mail

• PDA

• Instant messaging

• Captioning

Voice Carry-over (VCO)

WebCaptel Captioned Telephone

On-line relay caller Telephone user

On-line

TalkType

Operator

Notetaking

Visual and Listening Devices

Visual Alerts Listening

Phone Amplifier

FM System