Episode #166 Hear and Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss with Shari Eberts & Gael Hannan

In this episode of Hey Boomer, host Wendy Green explores the topic of living skillfully with hearing loss, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss.

She shares her personal experiences with the story of her mother's hearing loss and how that impacted her interaction with her mother and her awareness of some of the challenges.

Joined by special guests Shari Ebert and Gael Hannan, they discuss their collaborative book, "Here and Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss," offering insights, strategies, and resources for better living with hearing loss. From the impact on relationships to the use of modern technology, this episode takes a deep dive into the world of hearing loss and provides valuable tips for both individuals with hearing loss and their loved ones.

Episode Overview

We learned that more than half of adults over 75 in the US experience age-related hearing loss, emphasizing the need for open conversations and support.

Shari and Gael discussed the stigma, personal challenges, and mindset shifts in living well with hearing loss, providing valuable tips for improved communication and enhancing relationships.

Shari and Gael highlighted the advancements in hearing technology, sharing their personal experiences with hearing aids, caption readers, and telecoil technology to streamline communication.

They emphasized the importance of not bluffing about understanding and openly communicating about hearing loss. Shari and Gael introduced the acronym HEAR, a mental checklist for overcoming communication challenges, and discussed various technologies and strategies for improving hearing.

Takeaways:

1. Mindset Shift: It's important for individuals with hearing loss to focus on improved communication and mindset shifts rather than returning to previous hearing abilities.
2. Effective Communication Strategies: Seeking help from audiologists, exploring hearing technology, and staying connected to loved ones are essential for living skillfully with hearing loss.
3. Don't hide, don't bluff. Communication is a team sport.
4. Ask for support. Ask for help.

Call to Action:

We would love to hear from you! Share your takeaways from this episode and please rate and review the podcast when you listen.

Email us your feedback and stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we continue to explore new topics and insights on thriving in the Boomer stage of life.

Connect with Shari Ebert:

• Website: livingwithhearingloss.com
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Gael Hannan

• Website: gaelhannan.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Book website: HearandBeyond.com

Connect with Hey, Boomer!

• Website: https://heyboomer.biz
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

Support our sponsors

• Naked Wine: bit.ly/nakedwines-heyboomer
• Road Scholar: roadscholar.org/heyboomer

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy