Reveal, Don’t Conceal

Holly Cohen with me at HLAA NYC Chapter event

Leading a retreat a couple of years ago, my co-leader and I shared guidelines for making the experience safe for everyone in the room. “Is there anything else that would help create a comfortable space for you?” we asked participants.

One woman raised her hand and said, “I have hearing loss and may ask you to repeat what you’ve said.” A second woman said, “I do too.” And then a third and a fourth. Of the 13 women in attendance, four were affected by hearing loss. If the first person had not made the declaration, chances are, the other three would not have spoken up either. And no one else in the room would have known that this was an issue, because people with hearing loss are adept at covering it up and acting as if.

One of the tips for managing hearing loss I learned last month is: ACKNOWLEDGE your hearing loss so that you are better prepared for whatever communication challenges you face at the workplace [or in life].

I heard this at a highly informative talk by Holly Cohen, a past president of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), New York City Chapter. I met Holly early into my New York City residency, and we became fast friends. I think, in large part, because over our first lunch she confided that she had some hearing loss and would I mind looking directly at her when I spoke. I was touched by her candor which allowed me to be freer in our conversation. We went deep fast.

Since then, I’ve learned a tremendous amount about hearing loss through Holly’s caring instruction. I had a front row seat for her lecture to the NYC Chapter of HLAA a few weeks ago. I’d like to share a few of the take-aways with you.

To give you an idea of how people with hearing loss perceive what you’re saying Holly presented this visual:

If you speak to someone with hearing loss from behind them, they are not able to hear you and may not even know that you’re speaking.

If you whisper in their ears, people with hearing loss cannot make out what you’re saying.

They may, and often do, pretend that they can. Bluffing is a symptom of hearing loss.

There are many technological advances available now to help those with hearing loss – CART (Computer Assisted Realtime Translation) and assisted listening devices including: FM systems, streamers, amplified/captioned/flashing light phones, PSAPs (personal sound amplification products).

Holly’s underlying message to the assembled was to have the courage to speak up about your hearing loss, educate the public and give yourself the opportunity to share your gifts. She quoted Brene Brown who said, Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.

I’m fortunate to not experience hearing loss. I heard Holly’s presentation on many other levels that were equally informative and inspiring.