As SLPs, we work with students with all different backgrounds, and for some, that means hearing difficulties. For many SLPs, this is a challenge because students that need hearing aids have unique needs that we may not always feel qualified to assist with.
On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Madison Levine, a hearing instrument specialist, to talk about hearing services for our students and how we can take an active role in helping students make the most of their hearing aids.
Madison Levine founded her audiology practice, Levine Hearing, in Charlotte, NC, in 2015. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, who showed her what it looked like to have a successful career and balance a family as well.
Besides feeling unprepared to help with hearing aids, one of the biggest challenges is when students are reluctant to use them. Hearing aids can make things feel uncomfortably loud in a way they aren’t used to and it can be jarring, however, this isn’t something that they can avoid.
The key to working with students like this is trust. Building rapport is the best way to get through to them when they are struggling to come around to their hearing aids. By building a good relationship, you can get through to them and help them understand why their hearing aids are important.
In This Episode You’ll Discover:
- Advice for when students are reluctant to wear their hearing aids
- The importance of consistency
- Why SLPs need to know the basics of hearing instruments
- Best practices with using hearing aids
- How to help students advocate for themselves
- Tips for collaborating with hearing professionals
- The danger of delaying treatment for hearing issues
Don’t ever be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions when it comes to helping your students with hearing issues or hearing aids. You don’t have to be an expert at everything! Just learn the basics and know when it is time to call in an expert.
I hope you found this episode helpful and that you’re able to take this as a sign to go ahead and learn what you can about hearing instruments and make them a priority for your students that need them.
Have you signed up for my virtual speech retreat yet? If not, make sure you jump on this opportunity to get renewed & refueled with tons of SLP inspiration at a virtual retreat like no other!
Joke of the Week:
Q: What is the hardest part about skydiving?
A: The ground.
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