communication Tag

How to Talk about My Hearing Loss

Tips on How to Talk about your Hearing Loss Hearing loss is an invisible condition and one that affects people of all ages. Like most invisible conditions, it can be helpful to let people know about your needs and how they can best support you. Now with masks and social distancing due to Covid-19, this can be especially important. But, in order for that to happen, you need to talk about your hearing loss... But how do I talk about it? Won’t that be awkward? It doesn’t have to be! There are a few ways that you can talk about your hearing loss with the various people in your life.    Here are three ways to discuss your hearing loss: Basic Disclosure  A basic disclosure is to openly share about your hearing loss and any details about your condition that seems relevant in the moment.   “I have hearing loss caused by loud noises. I wear hearing aids to help. Could you please get my attention before speaking?" Having these conversations gives enough information for those around you to, understand the situation, shift their communication style, and provide general support for you. Non Disclosure This is a way to describe your hearing loss without necessarily sharing personal details. This could be used with cashiers, your server at a restaurant, or anyone really. For example, these would be phrases that provide a suggestion, but not giving specific detail about why...   “I can’t hear you, please speak up” "I didn't catch that, would you...

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Communicaton

They have hearing aids, but still don’t hear me!

"They have hearing aids, but still don't hear me!" Have you found yourself saying this before? Or more frequently now during the Covid-19 quarantine? Or asking your spouse, parent, friend, etc. with hearing aids if they have them in? It may not be them... it might be your conversation style... just track with me for a minute (even us in the hearing industry need these reminders too). Hearing aids are just that, AIDS. Those with hearing loss are doing their part by wearing their hearing aids, now those of us around them have to do our part to help them hear.  Communication has 2 parts! Communication, regardless of who with, is a two-way process. Each person has their part to play. When one person isn’t effectively doing their part that’s when breakdown and frustration can occur.  When someone has a hearing loss, the communication partner may need to take extra steps or ownership to ensure good communication strategies are being used so both are able to equally participate in the conversation. Lets swap shoes for a second. You're the person with a hearing loss having a conversation at a restaurant... (don't touch that volume dial). You can also view the video on Youtube here. https://youtu.be/PbBZjT7nuoA What did you notice? How did you feel?  Hearing aids can do a lot to make sounds louder and clearer, but even the best hearing aids can't make hearing perfect or compensate for poor communication. This is why you are so key to the conversation.  Walk...

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Hearing Loss Of Loved Ones

When talking to a family member with hearing loss this season, use these 3 communication techniques to help them hear you better.     As part of my counselling session with new clients, I always make sure to involve both the new hearing aid wearer AND the family members that come to their appointments. Getting hearing aids for the first time is a huge step. One that often takes a lot of courage to even admit there is a need for help. But the work doesn’t end there. Most people make a massive mistake in assuming hearing aids will solve all their problems in conversation. Of course hearing aids provide incredible improvement in speech clarity, but they are not a magic cure-all. How we talk is a HUGE element in how well others understand what we say. After all, conversation is not a one person activity. It’s takes two to tango. Here are 3 key strategies anyone can adopt immediately to improve their quality of conversation. Tip 1. Get the other person’s attention before talking. Whether you’re driving in a car, watching TV, or having dinner together, when a moment of silence falls between you assume that other person is deep in thought or listening to something else in the room. Before you speak, begin by getting their attention. Say their name or a give gentle touch on the hand. This gives them a moment to turn towards you and prepare to listen to what you are about to say. There...

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