Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
- Enjoying the Holidays With Hearing Aids - December 15, 2024
- Creating a Home That Is Friendly for Hearing Loss - December 5, 2024
- The Role of Service Dogs for People with Hearing Loss - November 28, 2024
Living with hearing loss can present unique challenges. However, transforming your home into a hearing loss-friendly environment can significantly enhance daily life. From effective communication methods to subtle design changes, there are several ways to create a more inclusive and accessible home.
Improve Lighting and Visual Cues
Enhancing the lighting in your home can make a big difference for those with hearing loss. Good lighting allows for better lip reading and ensures that visual cues, like facial expressions, are easily seen.
- Optimize Natural Light: Make use of natural light by keeping windows clean and using light-filtering curtains.
- Add Task Lighting: Place lamps or task lighting in areas where close work is done, like reading or working.
- Install Motion Sensor Lights: Motion sensor lights can alert someone to another person entering the room without relying on sound.
Moreover, bright and strategically placed lights near doorbells, telephones, and other important devices can serve as visual alerts, making daily tasks more manageable.
Utilize Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
Modern technology offers numerous devices that can assist those with hearing loss. These devices are designed to improve communication and enhance safety within the home.
- Amplified Phones: These phones have adjustable volume settings, making phone conversations easier to hear.
- Visual Alert Systems: Systems that flash lights when the phone rings or someone knocks on the door can be invaluable.
- Hearing Loop Systems: These systems help to transmit sound directly to hearing aids equipped with telecoils.
Using these devices can significantly reduce the strain that hearing loss places on everyday life, making interactions easier and more pleasant.
Enhance Sound Quality
Enhancing the sound quality within your home can make a noticeable difference. This involves minimizing background noise and amplifying important sounds.
- Add Soft Furnishings: Carpets, curtains, and cushions can help to absorb sound and reduce echo.
- Close Doors and Windows: This helps to block out external noise. Using draft stoppers on doors can also help.
- Sound Systems: Invest in quality sound systems that allow for clearer audio, particularly for televisions and radios.
By making these changes, you create an environment where sounds are more distinct and easier to understand.
Effective Communication Habits
Clear communication is key in a home where someone has hearing loss. Establishing good communication habits can greatly improve interactions and reduce frustration.
- Face-to-Face Conversations: Always face the person you are speaking to. This allows for lip reading and picking up on facial expressions.
- Speak Clearly: Talk at a normal volume and pace. Shouting or speaking too slowly can distort lip reading.
- Reduce Background Noise: Turn off TVs or music when having important conversations.
Create Hearing-Friendly Spaces
Designating certain areas in your home as hearing-friendly can be beneficial. These spaces should be designed to minimize distractions and enhance communication.
- Quiet Zones: Have rooms or areas where noise is kept to a minimum, providing a quiet space for relaxation or focused activities.
- Technology-Free Zones: Limiting the use of electronic devices in specific areas can help to enhance face-to-face communication.
- Comfort Spaces: Comfortable seating and soft lighting can create an inviting environment for conversations.
Creating these dedicated spaces can provide a much-needed sanctuary for times when clear communication is essential.
- Be Patient: Understanding and patience are key. Give those with hearing loss extra time to process and respond during conversations.
- Encourage Inclusion: Make an effort to include everyone in activities and conversations, ensuring no one feels left out.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself on hearing loss. Knowing more about the condition can help you provide better support.
Building a caring and inclusive environment ensures that everyone in the home feels valued and understood.
Conclusion
Transforming your home to be more hearing loss-friendly involves thoughtful changes that enhance communication, sound quality, and overall comfort. By improving lighting, using assistive devices, fostering effective communication, and creating specific hearing-friendly spaces, you make a significant impact on daily life. Most importantly, providing a supportive and understanding environment ensures that everyone feels included and heard. For those living with hearing loss, these adjustments can make home a more welcoming and accessible place.