Communication and Sensory Loss

Explain the methods of communication used by individuals with hearing loss
Individuals with hearing loss may use a variety of methods to communicate, depending on their preference. Often individuals may compensate for hearing loss by relying on their sight or responding to cues from others, therefore non-verbal and written communication methods can be used. Non-verbal methods include the use of eye contact, facial expression, touch, gestures, signs or sign language. Written communication methods include letters, pictures, texts or emails.
Individuals may also use communication professionals such as lip speakers to enable them to respond and participate when communicating with others. Explain the methods of communication used by individuals with sight loss Due to sight loss individuals may communication using auditory, verbal and non verbal methods. Verbal methods such as talking face to face or over the phone may be used. Auditory methods such as listening and responding to taped information could also be used depending on the individuals preference.

Non-verbal methods such as touch, gestures and tactile methods including the use of brail could also be used. Depending on the severity of the sight loss other methods such as low vision aids could also enable the individual to respond and communicate with others. Explain the methods of communication used by individuals who are deafblind Depending on the individuals preference, age of onset, strongest sense, education or background, individuals who are deafblind may use a variety or combination of communication methods.
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Sensory methods may be used such as touch, gestures or facial expressions. The use of brail could be used to enable an individual to read and responded to others or alternatively the use of the deaf blind manual alphabet. Other rare methods such as tadoma could also be used. Depending on the onset and nature of the individuals condition, methods such as sign language could also be used if sight has been lost later on. Describe how you could use your environment/setting to make communication more effective with individuals with sensory loss
Depending on the nature of an individuals sensory loss, the environment can be adapted effectively to facilitate communication . It is important that background noise and the acoustics of environments are considered, as this could impact on an individuals ability to communicate or interpret information from others. It is therefore important that background noise is kept to a minimum and environments are adapted appropriately as individuals who are blind or partially deaf will be relying on their hearing to engage and interoperate others effectively.
Effective use of lighting, visual cues and colour to create contrast between surfaces could be adapted within an environment. This could enable individuals, particularly with partial sight loss to communicate more effectively and feel more engaged within their environment. Taking into consideration the importance of privacy where appropriate is also important, to enable individuals to feel more comfortable and secure within their environment and to facilitate communicate. Explain how effective communication can have a positive impact on the lives of people with sensory loss
Effective communication can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with sensory loss, as it can enable individuals to engage with others and within their environment, therefore facilitating participation and promoting engagement in everyday life. Effective communication can also enable individuals to make informed choices about their everyday life and have control over the life choices that they make. Through effective communication individuals can also therefore maintain their dignity and feel more empowered and engaged in their every day tasks.
Describe the different things you should think about when you are promoting effective communication When promoting effective communication, it is important to consider different preferences individuals may have regarding communication methods they would like to use. It is important that assumptions are not made regarding communication methods, as different backgrounds, age, cultures or educational backgrounds could influence individuals choice of communication. By taking into considering such components, individuals will be treated in a person centred manner.
When promoting effective communication it is also important to consider the impact of stereotyping and discrimination. These factors could impact upon individuals with sensory loss and those who communicate with them. Individuals with sensory loss may be portrayed as lacking capacity or being dependant on others. It is therefore important that when promoting effective communication, independence, access to information and choice is also promoted to help eliminate discrimination and enable individuals to feel more empowered.
It is also important to consider physical and environmental barriers which may effect an individuals ability to communicate. In order to promote effective communication it is important to consider such factors as they could impact further on an individuals ability to communicate and access facilities or services. Explain how individuals from different backgrounds may use different communication methods, and may interpret communication in different ways An individuals background may effect their communication methods and also their interpretations of communication.
Cultural backgrounds could influence how individuals perceive certain gestures or body language as certain gestures are not universal. Different cultures also hold a variety of different values and beliefs which can influence how an individual chooses to communicate and with who. Language differences could also impact on how individuals perceive others and may affect their ability to communicate. Different generations of people may also use communication methods differently and interoperate others in other ways.
Older people for example may not feel confident communicating using new technology or may hold certain beliefs about communication which they have internalised over their lives. Explain how and where you would get extra support or services to assist individuals to communicate effectively There are a variety of different services and places to access extra support for individuals, to enable them to communicate effectively. The National Registers of communication professionals can be accessed to find suitable professionals to assist individuals in communicating effectively.
Social services departments can be contacted, as social workers are trained to work with those with visual and hearing impairments to assist them in accessing services or communicating with those involved in the individuals care. Occupational therapists can also be contacted to carry out assessments and provide aids, equipment and adaptations. Such adaptations and equipment can promote independence and enable individuals to communicate more effectively. Other health services such as audiology, eye health clinics and salt can be contacted to provide further assessments and treatment.
Opticians can also provide care by monitoring eye health in order for adaptations to be made when needed, to insure that effective communication is maintained. The Royal National Institute for the Blind and Action on Hearing Loss can provide further support for individuals as well as evidenced based information for those in contact with individuals to promote effective communication. Other services such as The British Institute of Learning Disabilities, The Alzheimer’s Society and mental health services can also be accessed through the internet or doctors to provide care and information, depending on the needs of the individual.