Information for carers
It is estimated approximately 10 to 40% of adult with learning disability have some kind of hearing problems.
The impact of this could include:
- social isolation
- communication difficulty
- poor relationship with carer, family and friends
- challenging behaviours due to poor mental health and social isolation
- affects emotional health and wellbeing
- reduce self-confidence which affects independency of individual with LD.
What service does audiology offer?
Audiology offers a specialist service for adults with complex needs or learning disability who require a hearing assessment, reassessment or support with hearing aids.
How to get an appointment with audiology
A GP referral is needed to have an appointment with audiology.
Ear wax
We advise patients have their ears checked for wax by their GP.
The amount of wax in the ear varies from person to person. Some patients have more wax build-up, which can cause a feeling of fullness and reduced hearing.
Ear drops
Ear drops often help with ear wax. You can buy these drops from local pharmacies. Speak to the pharmacist, who can advise and suggest suitable treatments.
Removal of ear wax
If drops do not work, contact your GP. Be aware that not all GP services offer wax removal.
How can I help to prepare them for Audiology appointment?
To make the hearing assessment as smooth as possible, spend some time helping the person understand what will happen. This can reduce anxiety and make the test more effective.
Start by explaining that the visit is for a hearing check and show them the pictures provided with the appointment letter. These include the waiting room, testing room, equipment, and the audiologist. Looking at these together will make the environment feel familiar.
The audiologist will need to look inside both ears. If the person dislikes being touched, gently introduce the idea by asking if they are happy for you to stroke their ears. Do this slowly and at their pace so they get used to someone being near their ears.
They will also need to wear headphones during the test. Consider getting the patient used to having things over their ears by following steps:
- encourage the person to touch the headphones
- the person supporting them could put the headphones on
- encourage the person to put the headphones up to their own ears
- following similar steps with the goal of working towards the person being able to tolerate wearing headphones or having their ears touched.
Take small steps and never rush, go at the pace they are comfortable with.
One of the ways we get them to let us know they have heard sounds is through game playing. For instance, we encourage them to wait for a sound and then place an object into a bowl. You could practice this with them before they come in. For instance ask them to put an object in a bowl every time they hear you say ‘go’. This helps them learn to wait for a signal and respond.
The key is patience and reassurance. Small steps, repeated over time, will help the person feel more confident and relaxed.
ACU/AUD/AASLD/NOV25- review NOV28