Could Someone Give me Advice on Communication Tools for a Hard of Hearing Friend?

[chrismartin]

Hello there,

I am reaching out to this wonderful community because I am hoping to get some advice and insights from those with firsthand experience. I have a close friend who recently started experiencing significant hearing loss. While they’re not fully deaf; they have mentioned that they struggle with conversations; especially in noisy environments; and it is been affecting their daily interactions. I really want to be as supportive as possible; but I am not sure what tools or methods would be best to help them communicate more easily and comfortably.

We have briefly talked about hearing aids; but my friend is hesitant to start using them. They are also unsure about other assistive technology options. I’ve heard there are apps or devices that help with captioning real-time conversations or that amplify sound; but I do not know how effective these are in practice.

I would love to hear your thoughts on what has worked well for you or someone you know in a similar situation. Do you have any recommendations for specific communication tools; apps; or devices? Is there anything I should be mindful of when suggesting ideas to my friend?

Also, I have gone through this post; https://www.alldeaf.com/community/forums/uipath-sign-language-deaf-education.10/page-62 which definitely helped me out a lot.

Also; if you have experienced the transition from hard of hearing to using assistive tools; how did you cope with it emotionally? My friend seems a bit apprehensive about losing part of their identity; and I want to approach the conversation with care and sensitivity.

Thanks in advance for your help and assistance.

 

[Old Analog]

Read through " our world our culture " all your question s are out there, do a lot of reading, look up "Through Deaf Eyes"

 

[Autumn Breeze]

Hello there,

I am reaching out to this wonderful community because I am hoping to get some advice and insights from those with firsthand experience. I have a close friend who recently started experiencing significant hearing loss. While they’re not fully deaf; they have mentioned that they struggle with conversations; especially in noisy environments; and it is been affecting their daily interactions. I really want to be as supportive as possible; but I am not sure what tools or methods would be best to help them communicate more easily and comfortably.

We have briefly talked about hearing aids; but my friend is hesitant to start using them. They are also unsure about other assistive technology options. I’ve heard there are apps or devices that help with captioning real-time conversations or that amplify sound; but I do not know how effective these are in practice.

I would love to hear your thoughts on what has worked well for you or someone you know in a similar situation. Do you have any recommendations for specific communication tools; apps; or devices? Is there anything I should be mindful of when suggesting ideas to my friend?

Also, I have gone through this post; https://www.alldeaf.com/community/forums/uipath-sign-language-deaf-education.10/page-62 which definitely helped me out a lot.

Also; if you have experienced the transition from hard of hearing to using assistive tools; how did you cope with it emotionally? My friend seems a bit apprehensive about losing part of their identity; and I want to approach the conversation with care and sensitivity.

Thanks in advance for your help and assistance.

Wow, what a good friend And nobody has replied to your post yet...I have some ideas for your friend.

I have had a progressive hearing loss since I was little. Every year things get quieter, and I mostly like the lesser amount of noise to sift through my days. Communication is like your friends. I can sometimes hear things, but can't recognize it. Voices are extremely difficult, even with my hearing aids. They have helped a LOT, but they aren't perfect. It doesn't quite correct like glasses do for your vision. There are different programs the audiologist or hearing aid specialist can switch up to see if it helps in certain situations. Most people take 7 years to get used to the idea of hearing aids. Some never want them, and that is fine.

However, every person, no matter the deaf or hearing abilities needs to interact with others at least for public interactions, and that is where it gets tricky. I have tried several apps that use the microphone in the phone to catch environmental noises. I haven't had much success with them. Maybe I haven't found the right one. I lip read all the time. I wear my hearing aids during my work day and gathering of hearing family/friends. However, other times like at night and the weekend, they get put away. I like being deaf.

I use the relay service with the VCO (voice carry over) as an app on my smart phone. It works fairly well for phone calls. I can call out, or it gets sent to the relay service before reaching me. What that means is that the service transcribes/types all conversation and I can read it instead of hearing it. For my CA relatives, I am in FL, it is a lifesaver. It takes a little coordination with each caller, because hearing people hear awkward silence and sometimes hang up thinking nobody is there. I am just reading their words and it takes a few seconds. It is a life saver and we don't need TTYs anymore. I use my voice to respond and they hear it. That has been super helpful.

As for hearing aids, I was more of the stubborn ones admitting I needed it. A real bad situation at work with a drunk boss prompted me to make my appointment. I haven't regretted it. It took some getting used to and not wearing them in the shower, haha! Don't get the amplifiers or over the counter ones they sell now. Those are junk. You need a hearing test, and aids are programmed to your specific need.

As for the emotional advice...it is lonely without other people. It sucks. Lots of misunderstandings and miscommunications. At parties I have a game plan for when there are two tvs blaring, the music playing on the patio and three conversations going on. Don't forget the men yelling at the ref watching the football game. People don't understand the obstacles we have to navigate in hearing situations. Even when we tell them it usually falls on "deaf ears", pun intended!

I went the extra mile and learning sign language (ASL). Most hearing people that lose their hearing don't go this way. I don't know why, because it is a HUGE answer to their problem. It doesn't fix their current hearing relationships usually, but I have found several deaf groups, and even a church with an interpreter. I started in college, and now have an online tutor that I meet with regularly. The deafies have been awesome. They are patient with my signing skills, friendly, warm and accepting. There is a "deaf culture" too, much different than the hearing world. It has been a big blessing in my life.

Other than that, small groups, try to control the auditory surroundings when you can. Advocate for yourself and educate others. It also gets tiring, but it is movement in the right direction. Most of all...don't hate yourself because of your deafness. It happens and there are many strategies out there that can at least make things better.

If you are interested, here are some links to the things I mentioned:

www.lifeprint.com
Learn ASL for free from an experienced deaf teacher.

https://sorenson.com/lp/captioned-c...oup=&utm_term=caption phone free&gad_source=1
This can either be an app on your smart phone, or they can provide you a phone for your home with a large screen. It is free and paid by the federal government. You do need to sign up, and the customer service here is excellent.

If your friend is older than me, I am 55, and they don't use technology, their choices will be limited. Good luck and I hope some of these ideas help.