Keys to Success for the Service Provider
Cultivate an expert for troubleshooting
Always check out the system ahead of time
Encourage users to experiment
Show how ALDs can be unobtrusive
Advertise that the systems are available
If the user isn’t ready yet
- SHHH or ALDA meetings or web sites
- e-mail lists like Beyond-Hearing
- provide a fact sheet on the devices available from your program
- provide info about impact of distance, room noise on understanding
Notes:
How many of you have put off purchasing eyeglasses you know you need? Well, often times the hearing-impaired student does not want others to know of his or her hearing loss, and may resist using ALDs or identifying him or herself to the instructor. You may feel like ordering students to use them, but you should respect the student’s process of acceptance. Still, introduce the student to the benefits of using ALDs. Many hearing-impaired users are shocked at the difference in understanding that it makes for them. Some people have dropped out of school and given up jobs because they were not aware how much these devices can improve sound over and above hearing aids, and thus increase functioning and ease of communication.
Support groups like SHHH and ALDA are wonderful. But some people may feel they don’t have time, are not interested in participating, or do not live in areas where they are available. Computer e-mail groups are a great alternative for the busy, reluctant, or isolated student. The messages can be read at any time of day or night--great for a busy student’s schedule. You can interact or just read, and no one will know you are there--great for the person who is unsure. You don’t have to go anywhere, and you can be involved as little or as much as you want. You don’t have to interact to benefit from the information provided. Many campuses offer free e-mail accounts.
Encourage the student to experiment with the devices. Make their mantra ‘Hearing aids are not as good as it gets!’ Try ALDs out with the student in your office. SHOW them how they can benefit from their use. Have them try it out in a class outside of their own with a willing teacher, if they are resistant.
Be sure the student understands the impact of distance and room noise on sound, and why hearing aids and group situations do not mix. Some people respond to this kind of factual information.
Finally, be sure the systems are working and EVERYONE knows how to use them. Something as basic as poor microphone placement will negate the benefits of ALDs, and create a negative experience for the user. Again, inexperienced users may think it is themselves, not the device, that isn’t working.