Page 11 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

GRAND HEARING CENTER

Facing the Holidays with

GOOD COMMUNICATION by Gayle Willson

The holidays are quickly approaching, and as families There are many third-party buying plans that are now attached to
gather, it is a wonderful time to reminisce, catch up on new insurance, and remember, it is also important to know that the most
and old adventures and share exciting plans and dreams. expensive hearing device is not always the answer for everyone
So many times, we experience our patients voicing the with hearing loss.
fear and frustration of being together with family, simply
because well-meaning grandchildren and children do not At Grand Hearing Center, we offer FREE hearing screenings and
understand how best to communicate with a loved one are available to answer your many questions. We also offer FREE
who struggles with hearing issues. We hope the next few ear canal inspections because sometimes a hearing problem is
suggestions will make your holiday time the best ever for due to a wax buildup in the canal. We also clean and service your
your family gatherings. Keep the following thoughts in hearing aids, have batteries and filters, and repair all makes of
mind: hearing aids. We can help you with amplified devices for better
understanding on the phone and in television viewing.
• Get their attention—use their name before speaking about
a given subject. Blair and Gayle Willson and Polly Wampler welcome you in our
office for a cup of coffee and a warm smile. Come visit one of the
• Make sure the room is conducive to conversation—turn South Plains area offices, in Lubbock and Plainview.
off the TV, music and fans.
• Remember that hearing loss is tiring; it takes energy to Grand Hearing Center, 42+ years, a Wampler legacy of
“fill in the blanks”. serving you in this area.

• Remember they are not rude or stupid when they ask you
to repeat.
• Be kind, and remember they get frustrated also.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Rephrase your statement if they do not seem to
understand.
• Face them when you speak, so that they can see your face
and lips.

• They wear HEARING AIDS not HEARING PERFECTS;
there may still be some understanding issues.
• Give them some additional content so they can better
piece the concept together.

• Tell them when you are changing topics.
• PLEASE do not yell at them; they perceive a louder tone to
be anger, and louder is NOT always better.
If you struggle with hearing and understanding, you might
remember NOT to pretend; let your audience know that
you did not understand and sit closer to the person talking.
Repeat what has just been said to you, so they know you
understood them.
If the discussion about finding out more information about
hearing loss in a family member comes up, it is ALWAYS
better for the person to have a family member accompany
them to a hearing screening. This allows the Hearing
Health Professional to explain the results in a manner
that does not have to go home and be interpreted. It also
allows the chance for family members to ask questions and
understand all options.

Lubbock Senior Link 11