Page 35 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2021- Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

Facing the HOLIDAYS with

GOOD COMMUNICATION by Gayle Willson

he holidays are quickly approaching, and as families At Grand Hearing Center, we offer free hearing screenings,
gather, it is a wonderful time to reminisce, catch up on to answer your many questions. We also offer free ear canal
Tnew adventures and share exciting plans and dreams. So inspections because sometimes a hearing problem is due to
many times, we find our patients voicing fear and frustration a wax build up in the canal. We also clean and service your
in anticipation of being together with family, simply because hearing aids, have batteries and filters, and repair all makes
well-meaning grandchildren and children do not understand of hearing aids. We can help you with amplified devices for
how best to communicate with a loved one who struggles with better understanding on the phone and in television viewing.
hearing issues. We hope the next few suggestions will make The CaptionCall phones, which are free, will aid you to better
your holiday time the best ever for family gatherings: understand your cell phone conversations. We just need to
order you one.
• Get their attention – using their name before speaking about
a given subject. Blair and Gayle Willson and Polly Wampler welcome you in
• Make sure the room is conducive to conversation – turn off our office for a cup of coffee and a warm smile. Come visit
the TV, music and fans. one of the South Plains area offices, in Lubbock and Plainview.
• Hearing Loss is tiring; it takes energy to “fill in the blanks.” Grand Hearing Center – a Wampler legacy for 45 years.
• 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 seem not to understand.
• Face them when you speak, so 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 a family member realizes the need for more information
about his or her hearing loss, 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 can be
communicated clearly following the visit. It also allows
the chance for family members to ask questions and
understand all options. There are many third-party buying
plans that are now attached to insurance. Remember that
the most expensive hearing device is not always the answer
for everyone with hearing loss.

Lubbock Senior Link 35