Tinnitus activities THERAPY Session 2 Hearing & Communication

Session Overview Goals of therapy Your hearing Factors affecting hearing and communication How to improve your hearing Activities for home Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL Goals of therapy Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Goals Today Reduce communication difficulties associated with hearing loss and/or tinnitus Reduce stress associated with communication in general Key Concepts Ask: are there any other goals you have for our visit today? Any other communication related issues you want to be sure we talk about? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL YOUr hearing Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Let’s Talk About Your Audiogram Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Factors affecting hearing & communication Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Factors Affecting Communication Hearing loss Background noise Ability to see who is speaking Familiarity with the topic discussed Stress level Key Concepts There are five factors that affect communication that we’re going to walk through today. Ask patient: Which is of these is the greatest concern for you? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

1. Hearing Loss There are three types of hearing loss Impacts on communication: Some sounds not heard, some sounds distorted Low-pitch sounds louder, high-pitch softer Fatigue from effort to communicate Key Concepts There are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Identify which type of hearing loss this patient has and how that may impact communication. Ask patient: Which of these do you notice? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

2. Background Noise Tips: Remove noise Re-position yourself Key Concepts Background noise can be difficult for anyone – even those with normal hearing. The noise covers the speech. Strategies: Remove noise source if possible Move away from noise or re-position yourself so that the noise source is away from speaker Ask: Would either of these strategies been an option last time you ate out? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

3. Ability to see who is speaking Tips: Lip reading Facial cues Body language Your familiarity with the speaker makes a big difference! Key Concepts Review strategies Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

4. Familiarity with the topic Factors: Knowledge of conversation Key vocabulary Key Concepts Review strategies Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

5. Your stress level Key Concepts Your stress level also impacts communication. If you are calm and relaxed you have more energy to devote to focus and employing your communication strategies. If you’re stressed out, you’re likely to become frustrated quickly. Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Factors Affecting Communication Hearing loss Background noise Ability to see who is speaking Familiarity with the topic discussed Stress level Key Concepts Ask patient: Which of these situations causes you difficulty? What techniques have you tried to improve communication? What techniques have been successful / unsuccessful? Remember: Tinnitus is not damaging your hearing When you focus on your tinnitus, it is harder to attend to your communication partner Tinnitus might make some sounds difficult to hear. Which of these situations causes YOU difficulty? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL Improve your hearing Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Strategies Amplification Watching faces Using “repair strategies Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

1. Amplification Options: Hearing aids Cochlear implants Assistive listening devices Key Concepts Is patient utilizing any of these options? Is patient curious about any of these options? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

What is your experience with hearing aids? 1. Amplification Hearing aid benefits: Discover new sounds Improves opportunities to interact in conversation Localization of sound – important for safety Key Concepts Ask: What’s your experience with hearing aids? What is your experience with hearing aids? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

1. Amplification Hearing aid issues: May amplify sounds we don’t want to hear Can sound tinny if tuned improperly Can take time to adjust to how everything now sounds – including your own voice Key Concepts Troubleshoot any issues with patient. Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

2. Watching Faces Lighting tips: Ensure good lighting on speaker’s face Avoid back lighting Positioning tips: Face the speaker Position yourself closer to the speaker Minimize noise Minimize visual distractions Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

2. Watching Faces Anticipatory strategies: Know topic and key vocabulary Practice dialogue Use relaxation techniques Lip reading strategies Consider topic of discussion Watch facial expressions and gestures Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

2. Watching Faces Ask the speaker to: Slow down and speak clearly Face you while speaking Refrain from chewing gum Keep their hands away from their mouth Not shout Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

3. Using “repair” strategies Repeat: “Could you please repeat that?” “I’m sorry, I missed you said because of the noise over there.” Key Concepts Let’s practice. How else could we ask someone to repeat themselves? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

3. Using “repair” strategies Rephrase: “Could you please rephrase that? I heard you say something about a baseball game?” Key Concepts Let’s practice. How else could we ask someone to rephrase? Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

3. Using “repair” strategies Elaborate: “I’m having a little difficulty following. Could you please give me a little more information?” Key Concepts Let’s practice. How else could we ask someone to elaborate and provide more information? Which repair strategies would you be most comfortable using? In summary (for this section), you positively influence communication interactions by: Taking charge of your hearing loss Guiding your communication partner Informing communication partners that you have a hearing loss Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL Activities for home Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Try It… Keep track of which strategies you use and how they help you hear and communicate better: Can you see the speaker’s face? Where is the lighting? Can you move to see the speaker’s face better? If you’re a new hearing aid user, try to distinguish different sounds. Rehears repair sentences. Jane Doe Hearing Clinic. Chicago, IL

Thank you for attending! Questions? Thank you for attending! Jane Doe Hearing Center. Chicago, IL

Jane Doe Hearing Center 555 Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 01010 (555) 123-4567 jane@janedoehearingcenter.com Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Contact Us Jane Doe Hearing Center. Chicago, IL