Support for individuals with hearing disabilities, their families, and the wider community | A Call to Action!

As someone who has lived with hearing loss for over four decades, I understand the challenges that come with it. My journey began in 1977 when I was exposed to constant gunfire during my time in the South African Defense Force. The experience left me with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and I soon found that I struggled to follow conversations.

My personal journey

After being diagnosed, I tried various methods to adapt to my new reality. For example, my family and I were advised to learn SA Sign Language, but as a previously hearing individual, I found it challenging. Instead, I taught myself to lip-read, spending countless hours in front of a mirror learning how lips move to form sounds. I also relied on lip-speakers and note-takers to facilitate communication.

How do you turn challenges into opportunities?

I was forced to give up my career in electronics. My experiences led me to pursue a career in Basic Adult Education, and I became involved in the structures of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities. In 1988, I began presenting a radio program for Radio Sonder Grense, which recently celebrated its 1,350th episode. My research and work over the past three decades has focused on supporting individuals who have hearing loss but who do not use a signed language.

The importance of distinguishing between diversity in the field of hearing loss cannot be over-emphasized. For example, it is essential to distinguish between individuals who have hearing loss and integrate into the mainstream, and those who identify with the Deaf community and use SA Sign Language. The experiences and cultural affiliations of these two groups differ considerably.

There is currently great concern about how untreated hearing loss is being addressed in South Africa. The consequences of untreated hearing loss are severe, including cognitive decline, social isolation, lack of opportunities and reduced quality of life. In the Western Cape Province, for example, approximately 1.52 million citizens experience some degree of hearing loss, with 456 000 identified persons with a hearing disability.

Key statistics

• 91 200 (20%) use South African Sign Language (SASL).

• 364 800 individuals (80%) do not use sign language

• 72 960 (20%) use hearing aids

• 291 840 (80%) do not use any hearing aids

Recommendations

• Increase funding for hearing aid subsidies and audiology services;

• Improve awareness campaigns on hearing loss and device benefits;

• Improve accessibility to hearing therapy for adults, especially in rural areas;

• Promote the availability of functional reports and protocols for reasonable accommodation.

--> The difference between a functional report and an audiological report

• Explore alternate assistive technologies and establish accessible resource centers.

• Create accessible education and training opportunities.

• Promote the accessibility of environments, services, products and programs for persons who have hearing impairments.

• Promote sensitization programs on the impact of hearing loss.

--> Impact of Hearing Loss on Older Persons, their families, friends and caregivers

• Promote disability awareness programmes.

• Promote peer support programs

Conclusion

All stakeholders must work together to address the alarming increase in untreated hearing loss. At the same time, rehabilitation and habilitation services to improve the existing, as well as new skills of those involved, must be expanded.

I call on policymakers, health professionals and community leaders to propose realistic recommendations and ensure inclusive policies, equity and funding allocations.

Let us create a more inclusive and supportive society for all!