1. Counselling Hearing Loss Individuals and Their Significant Others A Program of Counselling Coaching and Psychology Vincent J Little

2. Hearing Loss is an Issue for the Hard of Hearing and every person with whom they come into contact In Australia, Hearing Loss affects one in six people over the age of 15 yearsIn Australia, Hearing Loss affects one in six people over the age of 15 years Over the age of 62 one in two people areOver the age of 62 one in two people are affected by HL affected by HL It is suggested that HL costs almost $12 billion p.a.It is suggested that HL costs almost $12 billion p.a. People in the 18-25 age group (and maybe younger) are suffering HL due to loud musicPeople in the 18-25 age group (and maybe younger) are suffering HL due to loud music

3. Federal Government Initiatives Rehab Plus was introduced in Jan 2008Rehab Plus was introduced in Jan 2008 It is aimed at assisting clients to acquire and apply skills to maximize their communication abilities and better manage their HLIt is aimed at assisting clients to acquire and apply skills to maximize their communication abilities and better manage their HL The underlying aim is to assist clients to maximize the use of Gov subsidized Hearing AidsThe underlying aim is to assist clients to maximize the use of Gov subsidized Hearing Aids

4. An Evolving Counselling Framework Coaching, Counselling and PsychologyCoaching, Counselling and Psychology There are multiple ways of understanding the worldThere are multiple ways of understanding the world It is a matter of finding what fits bestIt is a matter of finding what fits best

5. Hearing Loss Clients Setting Goals and Strategies

6. An Evolving Counselling Framework A client centered approach with strong emphasis on involving Significant OthersA client centered approach with strong emphasis on involving Significant Others SOs are interactively engaged with a program of Experiential LearningSOs are interactively engaged with a program of Experiential Learning Rehabilitation has better outcomes when SOs are involvedRehabilitation has better outcomes when SOs are involved

7. Conclusions:Conclusions: Achieving change for the desired outcomes in this client group lies in a clear understanding of what is happening in the world of Hearing LossAchieving change for the desired outcomes in this client group lies in a clear understanding of what is happening in the world of Hearing Loss Positive outcomes are better achieved through the involvement of Significant OthersPositive outcomes are better achieved through the involvement of Significant Others An Evolving Counselling Framework

8. Experiencing Hearing Loss Through Experiential Learning

9. The Focus of Hearing Loss Workshops To help the Hard of Hearing and their SOs to develop the mutual coping skills and strategies that will enhance their relationship; thus producing better outcomes.To help the Hard of Hearing and their SOs to develop the mutual coping skills and strategies that will enhance their relationship; thus producing better outcomes.

10. Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge on this topic Vince Little Counselling Hearing Loss Individuals and Their Significant Others