Be Proactive
When we aren’t upfront about our hearing loss (being proactive), we are collecting collateral damage. We leave people in the dust. They don’t know why we walked by them without replying. They may also think we are rude and snobby instead. When we fake it, we may miss valuable information like medication side effects or dates/times. Or we might isolate which also has its own repercussions.
The more proactive we are about our hearing loss the less damage control we will have to deal with. Example: You just faked a conversation and guessed horribly wrong. The expression on their face shows just how wrong you were. You fiercely backpedal and make an excuse. That’s being reactive. (We’ve all done it.)
When we are upfront about hearing loss and our communication needs, that’s proactive. Stop and ask them if you didn’t hear it right. Or maybe they weren’t facing you when they said it. Let them know you hear better when people face you. A lot of times, people don’t get our attention before talking. All that affects how we hear. Be honest about your hearing loss and communication needs.
There’s a lot more to these topics so be sure to read the blog and watch our podcast…or download it from an audible platform. Share it with your significant other, or your friend, to start up a good conversation on how to make communication work for both of you.