Simple Life Hacks # 2 – Dual Sensory Impairment Support

  • Dual Sensory Impairment Support - Life Hacks #2

    Coping strategies to deal with their developing sensory loss.

SIMPLE LIFE HACKS

for Dual Sensory Impairment Support

Many people with Dual Sensory Impairment (DSI) will have developed their own coping strategies to deal with their developing sensory loss.  These will be very much dependant on how their sensory loss affects their daily life.

Here we would like to share some of our own experiences with dual sensory impairment support and ‘life hacks’ that we have seen successfully used, and share some simple hints and tips for those experiencing DSI, friends, family or professionals which we hope will be useful tools.

HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Dual Sensory Impairment Support – HEARING AIDS

For people with age related deafness regular hearing tests are important, you can be referred by the GP if you have not had a test before or visit a private testing centre.  If visit a private organisation be aware that there may be a charge for the test and should you require a hearing aid, you will have to cover the cost.

NHS testing and provision is FREE and includes batteries and repairs.

TIPS for Dual Sensory Impairment Support

  • TIPS

    • Keep your hearing aid maintained, including cleaning and changing the tubing.
    • Keep a stock of batteries and make sure you order more before your stock runs out.
    • Know the opening times of your audiology department, many will have extended hours to allow for battery collection etc.
    • DON’T GIVE UP Hearing aids can be fiddly and take some getting used to, preserve and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Dual Sensory Impairment Support – COMMUNICATION

LIP READING involves a lot of guess work, many letters look the same on the lips.  Try looking in the mirror and mouthing CHAIR/SHARE/STARE.  M, P, B look similar, C, G and H cannot be seen on the lips.

Social situations particularly in groups can be difficult.  Voices and conversations around you will blur into one.

TIPS for Dual Sensory Impairment Support

  • TIPS

    • Together with your friends and family, learn the BSL fingerspelling alphabet.  Knowing the first letter of a word can help distinguish and enable you to join in the conversation.
    • You may develop your signs with family and friends for everyday items such as CUP, TEA, COFFEE etc Share these with your home help etc.
    • When with someone with HI remember that nodding is often a coping mechanism, do not assume you have been understood.

  • DO NOT

    Say ‘I’ll tell you later’ or it ‘doesn’t matter’, this will make the HoH or deaf person feel isolated and unimportant.

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