Low Literacy: An Unknown Problem with a Major Impact
The lady came to my consultation with severe tinnitus complaints (ringing in the ears). Beforehand, her husband had written a personal, handwritten letter to me, in which he indicated that his wife is illiterate and requested me in advance to avoid this subject during the conversation.
The letter conveyed so much love and devotion. Between the lines, I also read the struggle and sorrow that low literacy had cost them for years.
In our conversation, while I explained tinnitus and the limbic system (the part of our nervous system that regulates emotions, fears, and worries), I always use a simple metaphor: a glass. I draw this glass, which I once learned about in a German tinnitus clinic as “das Glas der Lebensakzeptanz” (the glass of life's acceptance), several times a week. It helps people understand that tinnitus is a symptom, a consequence, and not the cause.
I fill the glass with examples: physical pain, illness, health concerns, work stress, home situation. The glass fills up, overflows, and then tinnitus comes along as the straw that breaks the camel's back. This resonated with the couple. The husband lovingly took his wife's hand, and with tears in her eyes and a nod to me, they acknowledged the true cause together: the inability to read and write.
For years they had tried to learn this, but in vain. The fear and shame were too great. Afraid of judgment and social exclusion, especially due to negative experiences from the past. This fear led to painful moments of misunderstanding, even in the healthcare system.
She burst into tears and her husband comforted her lovingly. The love and patience between them were moving to see.
My heart broke, and I could barely hold back my own tears. Until then, low literacy was an unknown problem to me, but now I realized the enormous impact.
Many people, especially those born around or after the war, did not receive the necessary attention and opportunities at school. Giftedness and dyslexia were not recognized at the time. They managed to circumvent the education system, but later this became a heavy burden.
Grandchildren with mobile phones who want to use WhatsApp make the problem visible and painful.
The taboo and shame surrounding low literacy are immense. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not their fault, but a consequence of missed opportunities. It requires respect to keep this secret for so long in a world where communication is taken for granted. Opening up a conversation can bring so much relief and peace.
If their grandchildren know that grandpa or grandma cannot read and write, they will likely be resourceful and supportive. It is about being there for each other, more than words can describe.
I hope to help this couple with specialized diagnostics and guidance for adults with language and speech problems. Unfortunately, this help is currently unavailable due to budget cuts, but I continue to look for solutions.
As we parted, the man thanked me warmly and the woman asked for a hug. The gratitude they showed was indescribable. I will never forget the insight they gave me about what is truly important in life.
Hearing is so much more than just the ears!
Low literacy, the inability to read and write, affects 13% of the Dutch population and even 17% here in South Limburg. Seventeen percent. With respect for their privacy, I want to share this story here, because it has taught me so much once again.
Picture: Designed by Freepik
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