Hearing loss can have a negative effect on communication between partners with the potential to impact on quality of life, including relationships, social participation and emotional well-being. Over time, partners may avoid engaging in conversations to avoid feelings of frustration, misunderstandings and other negative experiences. The need for a program to address such issues was considered essential, which is how the Pardoners and Partners Program (P&P Program) came about!

The program is been developed and trialled by speech pathologist, Raquel Fernandez, who is currently studying for a Master of Clinical Audiology at The University of Western Australia. This research project is under the supervision of Dr. Robert Patuzzi (The University of Western Australia) and Mr. Peter Howes (Better Hearing Australia WA). The project is been kindly supported by the Lotteries Commission, The University of Western Australia, The Town of Vincent, Better Hearing Australia WA, Starkey, and Widex Australia.

The P&P Program prides itself on the inclusion of partners, and incorporates a range of factors considered essential for successful communication. For example, the program's 'couples' approach to management includes the simulation of a hearing loss, so that the normally hearing partner can experience what it is like to have a hearing loss. The program also includes information sharing, counselling, and the provision and training of communication strategies that can be used by both partners to minimise communication difficulties.

To date, a trial of the program has been conducted. Feedback from the trial highlighted the need for such a program in the community that not only addresses the needs of the hearing impaired individual, but also the needs of partners. Participants reported a lack in the provision of information regarding communication strategies from their audiologists, and suggested that it would be beneficial for audiologists to recommend such a program to hearing-aid users, hearing impaired individuals and their partners, particularly at initial diagnosis/consultations.

Feedback revealed the majority of participants found the hearing loss simulation one of the most valuable parts of the program. This segment provided participants with an insight into their partners hearing loss and an appreciation for the communication difficulties that they often encounter. The hearing loss simulation reportedly made partners more tolerable, patient and willing to actively play their role in assisting the fluency of communication between themselves and their hearing impaired partner.

Proud participants of the initial Pardoners and Partners Program trial.

The future possibilities of the P&P Program are endless. The program is expected to be modified to extend its application to the training of other members of the community who often communicate with hearing impaired individuals such as carers, family members and health care professionals.

The program touches on lip-reading as a communication strategy.   The importance of both the listener and speaker in achieving successful lip reading is emphasised. In addition to the training and theory that the program offers, more detail and practice can be found in the Speech

reading Home Reference Guide authored by Raquel Fernandez . This booklet includes a range of material including information on what speechreading comprises, advice for effective speechreading, tips for communication partners of hearing impaired peoples, lipreading theory and exercises and full colour photos of a range of lip movements.

For further information about the booklet or P&P Program please contact Raquel via email: sendtoraquel@hotmail.com or phone BHA WA on (08) 9328 7938