| Hearing-assisted people usually hear half a sentence | | | | Stage 2: Blunt phrases: |
| and guess the rest. You make an intelligent remark yet | | | | "That was way too fast." (usually to hotel receptionists |
| they stopped talking about that five minutes ago. | | | | or Call Centres. Their welcome blurb sounds like |
| You're embarrassed and go quiet. If you are socializing, | | | | gibberish. Ask them to repeat and smile kindly; it's their |
| hearing people are talking about something else. You | | | | fault not yours. It works because they're amazed. |
| look desperately for some hint of what they're talking | | | | Stage 3: Incongruent response to any question you |
| about, then give up and switch off.. | | | | don't hear |
| Sound familiar? | | | | "It's half-past four." you say. |
| They have started another conversation through | | | | They will look blank until you tell them to please look at |
| rudeness, ignorance or plain fear because they have | | | | you instead of their desk, their feet etc. Take the |
| no idea how much you have heard. They do not want | | | | moment and tell them what you want. |
| to make themselves look silly by repeating it all if you | | | | Stage 4: Impossible request: |
| don't need it. Besides, it holds up their conversation. | | | | In a coffee bar, ask for something they don't have like |
| Why are hearing people scared of us when we've | | | | shoe polish. That tends to get the attention of all the |
| always thought it was the other way around? It is how | | | | staff. I did have to confess: |
| we have taught them to think. I will say that again. | | | | "I didn't hear a word so I made it up." |
| They have been taught to think that way. I know I'm | | | | I've been too embarrassed to go back since so that is |
| guilty. If I am in a total panic because I cannot figure out | | | | risky! |
| what someone is saying I blurt out: | | | | Repetition works and you can do it in any daily |
| "I've got a hearing-aid." Or "I can't hear you." | | | | situation. It may take a while before your work |
| You can see the increasing levels of desperation. That | | | | colleagues recognize the pattern of the stages yet |
| makes a hearing person panic and they will run away. | | | | they are probably the main offenders. They lean |
| If you have ever noticed someone giving you a wide | | | | forward when they want to hear. It's about teaching |
| berth at a drinks party because a little bird has told | | | | hearing people to appreciate the difficulties and how to |
| them you need everything repeated, you will know | | | | help you. Customer Services of major Department |
| what I'm talking about. | | | | Stores are usually very quick. We appreciate their |
| What you can do: | | | | problem in understanding; heck it's taken us long |
| Turn the situation on its head. Pretend that they are | | | | enough to accept it.. Say it with a smile and they will |
| the ones who cannot hear and therefore you have to | | | | remember you. |
| explain to them what they need to do. You can do | | | | On the plus side, family will know when you cannot |
| one of these stages or in desperate situations, you | | | | hear. My daughter says she can always tell because I |
| can use all four. | | | | fidget! That's because I'm trying to work out when I |
| Stage 1: Gentle phrases: | | | | can tell them I haven't heard a word of what they've |
| "Please look at me I'm lip-reading." (it certainly slows | | | | been saying for the past ten minutes. |
| down the fast talkers!) | | | | |