Hearing that Lasts a Lifetime
I talk about Speech, Language and Voice topics all year long. Let’s talk about something new: your hearing. After all, there are social, psychological and physical consequences of having a hearing loss at work and at home, including isolation, withdrawal, problems with concentration, embarrassment, shame, guilt, anger, depression and anxiety. I’d like to offer you some tips to preserve your hearing and tips for communicating!
1. How to preserve your hearing in loud environments: Take earplugs with you everywhere you go. I have several sets in my purse, because I attend many of my son’s musical performances; before I had plugs, I found that my ears hurt and were ringing after the concert. I also use them when I fly. Here are two of my favorites that differ in price but are both comfortable and reusable. They are the Hearos brand and searchable on Amazon:
Less expensive, reusable, super comfortable:
More expensive, reusable, smaller (making them less obvious), comes with a handy case, very comfortable:
2. How to reduce noise at work:
a. Plant leafy shrubs outside your office windows.
b. Use carpets and drapes; avoid hardwood floors.
c. Put noisy appliances or machines on top of mats and enclose them.
d. When you need new office equipment, make it a priority to buy quiet models.
e. Don’t sit next to noisy equipment, if possible.
3. How to communicate with someone who is hard of hearing:
a. Practice speaking in a special way… don’t shout, but rather exaggerate your mouth movements and speak at a moderate pace. Don’t hide your mouth. Rephrase your sentences as needed and use facial expressions and gestures. Let your listener know when you are changing the topic.
b, Be empathetic by being patient if responses are slow.
c. Be positive and relaxed.
d. Make a point to talk to the hard-of-hearing person.
4. How to communicate if you struggle with a hearing loss:
a. Let your audience know how to effectively communicate with you.
b. Anticipate the situations that cause difficulty and try to minimize the struggle.
c. Look for visual cues and ask for written cues, if needed.
d. Admit when you don’t understand something instead of pretending that you heard.
e. If you become weary of concentrating, ask if you can discuss the topic later.
If I can help you or your organization find a resource, please contact me! There are also a number of great resources on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website: asha.org
May your hearing last a lifetime!
Tags: hard of hearing, hearing tips, hearos, preserve hearing