A hearing impairment is a difficulty in hearing or recognising sounds that affects millions of people around the UK and can range from mild hearing loss to complete deafness. But at what point does a hearing impairment become a disability? Additionally, how many people with learning disabilities are affected by hearing impairments?
It is first important to understand and define what a hearing impairment is and how it can impact people’s lives. A hearing impairment simply refers to people who struggle with hearing sounds. This could occur due to damage to the ear, infections or even ageing. Some people are born with hearing impairments, while others may develop them later in life.
Generally speaking, no, hearing loss and hearing impairment are essentially the same thing, as they both refer to partial or complete loss of hearing. Hearing impairment is usually considered the broader term, encompassing the entire spectrum of hearing loss, from mild difficulties hearing certain sounds to profound deafness. Hearing loss, on the other hand, can be used to describe a specific level or degree of reduced hearing ability. While the terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to recognise the differences in their meaning and to use the terminology preferred by the individual.
The different levels of hearing loss can range from:
The UK’s Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as a physical or mental condition that has a long-term effect on normal activities. This act ensures that disabled people have equal access and opportunities without discrimination. Hearing impairment can be classed as a disability if it makes communication, work, or daily tasks difficult for the individual. Right now, hearing loss greater than 35 dB is considered to be a ‘disabling’ level of hearing impairment.
In the workplace, people with hearing impairment may struggle to follow instructions, participate in meetings or use standard telephone systems without additional support. Without reasonable accommodations such as hearing aid/s or captioning tools, these challenges can severely limit their career opportunities and progression.
It is estimated that around one in three people with learning disabilities may have a sensory impairment. This means it is far more common amongst people with learning disabilities than it is amongst the general population. Approximately 40% of adults with a learning disability experience moderate to severe hearing impairment. Additionally, some conditions, such as Down Syndrome are also linked to higher chances of hearing loss.
For people with learning disabilities, untreated hearing impairment can make it even harder to develop speech, understand information or take part in activities. This can make learning, socialising, and communicating more challenging. These issues can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation and behavioural difficulties due to the struggle to communicate effectively. Therefore it is important to diagnose and support hearing impairments early to help improve quality of life.
Hearing screenings should be a part of routine health check-ups for individuals with learning disabilities. Assistive technology, speech therapy and alternative communication methods such as sign-supported english can play a crucial role in improving their ability to interact and learn effectively. Assistive technology solutions, such as Caption.Ed for real-time captions and TalkType for speech recognition, can provide essential support for those with communication barriers.
Hearing impairment can deepen the already present communication barriers for those with learning disabilities, making independent living and social inclusion more difficult if adequate support is not available.
People with hearing impairments can get support in many ways:
Employers, schools and public spaces also have legal duties to make adjustments for people with hearing impairments. This could include providing sign language interpreters or ensuring that there is good lighting for lip-reading.
Hearing impairment can be a disability when it affects daily life. People with learning disabilities are more likely to have hearing impairments, making it important to provide them sufficient support. With the right help, people with hearing impairments can lead full and independent lives.
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