Chronicle of a deaf audiologist

What NOT to do When Speaking to a Person with Hearing Loss (PWHL)

I created a goofy short video, below, to highlight some “don’ts” when speaking to a person with hearing loss. Despite the goofy tone, I am serious about the suggestions. This is especially true about “Never Mind.” It feels dismissive, and it can hurt.

A viable alternative to “Never Mind,” suggested by Word Selector, is “It’s no longer important.”

The words we choose are important. So is the tone.

 

 

 

 

  • Photo credit:  © Alan Fortune

    Sandra Vandenhoff

    Dr. Sandra Vandenhoff is an audiologist with hearing loss, founder of HEARa, Hearing Rehabilitation teacher, and Canadian author, who does not remember saying on her first day of wearing hearing aids: "Mom, I can hear my shoelaces!"

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