Hearing loss and sports

Hearing loss varies from person to person, such as no hearing at all, some hearing with hearing aids, hearing loss in only one ear, and difficulty hearing.

[Ear mark]
This is a mark used in Japan to indicate a person with a hearing disability. (Japan Federation of Hearing Loss and Mid-Hearing Loss Association)

Communication considerations and points

Because it is difficult to tell from someone's appearance that they have a disability, they may be misunderstood, such as ``ignoring someone when someone talks to them'' or ``not listening properly to what others are saying.''Also, please note that you will not be able to hear horns or emergency announcements, so you will not be able to respond immediately in an emergency.

See how we communicate

Depending on how each person hears, there are various communication methods such as voice, oral language, reading, written communication, and sign language.It is also important to ask the other person which method is best for you.

Speak slowly and face-to-face

Understanding the content of speech by reading the movements and shape of the mouth When speaking or reading, make sure you can clearly see the shape of the mouth and facial expressions when speaking.It is also important to speak clearly and slowly. Instead of separating the words into individual sounds like "Ko・n・ni・chi・ha", it will be easier to convey your message if you break the words into chunks like "Hello/Today/What are you going to do with me?" .

If it is difficult to understand, use written communication or gestures.

Pay close attention to the other person's behavior and reactions, and try to communicate visually based on the situation, such as by changing the words "home address" to "home, your home," or adding written communication or gestures. Let's.

Written communication should be short and clear

When communicating in writing, try to use kanji that you use on a daily basis and keep your sentences short and concise.Sometimes, use symbols or the screen of a computer or smartphone to express things visually in a way that is easy to understand.

Efforts to understand the language of hearing-impaired people

Some people who have had severe hearing loss since childhood have difficulty reading and writing.Even if the wording is incorrect, try not to get caught up in it and try to understand the content.

Sports for the hearing impaired

Hearing-impaired people can participate in most sports together with able-bodied people, including track and field events such as marathons, swimming, volleyball and basketball, and ball games such as table tennis and badminton.

◎Deaflympics
Similar to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this is an international sporting event for the hearing impaired that is held once every four years.

volleyball
The rules will be in accordance with the official rules of 6-a-side volleyball.In order to play without being able to hear the sound of the referee's whistle or the sound of the ball being flicked, referees use flags, and players step on the floor and use the vibrations to signal other players.

land
The basic rules are the same as for healthy people.Because information cannot be transmitted through sounds such as whistles, systems using text cards, gestures, signal signs, and flashing lights are used.

Table tennis
Basically, the rules are the same as in general.Decisions are made based on the referee's gestures.

Enjoying sports with hearing-impaired people

Depending on the degree of disability, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be required.^■It may be attached.Everyone has a different way of hearing, so when conveying information, it's a good idea to make it easier to understand the information visually.

*Cochlear implant
A device that directly stimulates nerves and sends electrical signals to the brain.There are two types: implants, which are surgically implanted into the body, and sound processors, which are placed outside the body.

enjoy everything together

There are no particular prohibitions on the basis of hearing impairment.Let's explain the sport in a visual way and try it out together.However, hearing aids and cochlear implants can be damaged, so be careful when exposed to water, sweat, or collisions.

Be careful not to get dizzy

If you have a disorder in the semicircular canals, which are one of the important functions of the ear and play a role in maintaining balance, you may have Meniere's disease.^■People suffering from this condition are more likely to experience dizziness, so they need to be careful when playing sports that require a sense of balance, such as playing on a trampoline.

　*Meniere's disease
Endolymphatic hydrops is caused by an excess of endolymph fluid filling the inner ear, and is a disease accompanied by dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Communicate by making audio information visible

When communicating, it is important to check one by one whether you understand what the other person wants to convey, and whether what you are conveying is being understood.If you can communicate well, you will be able to enjoy sports together safely.

Key points for each facility (hearing impairment)

Shared facilities

• Reception ~Devices that allow all users, including people with disabilities, to use the service comfortably~
• Emergency response

Sports Facilities

• gymnasium
• Training room/gym
• Pool
• Other outdoor facilities

Before using the facility

• Points for implementing general orientation for persons with disabilities