As I wrap up my day I realize I learned some valuable lessons today…
It seems that most people I spoke to today were hard of hearing….
I learned that when I am speaking to someone who is hard of hearing, it isn’t all about how loud I speak. It is about pitch and speed and volume and tenderness and understanding….
I learned that when I am speaking to someone who is hard of hearing, often they would rather pretend to hear than say they don’t, so checking in to ensure facts are clear is imperative and kind…
I learned that sometimes the questions that follow are asked to ensure they did hear what was said…
I learned that sometimes no matter how many times I say “THIS IS TRISH FROM VISITING ANGELS” those words will not be heard. Trying another combination of words or finding a word that gives context, can help to move the conversation along….
I learned that my hearing is something to be thankful for every day…
I learned that life can be affected in many big and small ways if someone struggles with hearing loss (or if someone you love struggles with hearing loss)…
May we all strive to have compassion and understanding for anyone, young or old, who struggles with hearing loss….
Thankful for today and the many communication lessons I learned about how to love people more fully!
Thank you for your understanding of this issue. As a “young”
person under 50 that is struggling with my own recent hearing loss, I can relate. It was a sudden and frightening experience that I never dreamed would happen to me. In the last 3 years I have lost more than 65% and with the possiblilty of cochlear implants on the horizon, I am not sure of my future in regards to my hearing. I know it is frustrating for others but it is also exhausting for the person with the loss. Every conversation becomes a guessing game of reading expressions and some times lips, situational cues ect.
I know that God has a plan for this experience in my life and yet it is a struggle some days.