Many people have difficulty understanding what is being said, even though they can hear that a person is speaking. With this loss, a person has a reduced ability to hear the higher tones in speech and so has particular difficulty hearing consonant sounds. Of course the problem becomes worse if there is any background noise such as from the television, or from a group of people talking. The background noise interferes with the high frequency consonants as well. Do not assume hearing aids restore normal hearing.
People obtain assistance depending on their type and degree of deafness.
Some receive benefit from amplification, other have trouble with discrimination and others only pick up enough background noise to stop them feeling entirely isolated from the environment. In many cases a hearing aid may be fitted to boost the high sounds of speech to make the consonants clearer, and leave the low tones at a comfortable listening level. An audiologist will be able to advise whether this will be suitable for a particular individual. In order to gain most benefit from a hearing aid, it is important to be aware of visual communication. Hearing tactics and listening skills can also assist.