8 Self-Advocacy Tips for Hearing Implant Recipients

You know your hearing loss and how it affects your communication with others better than anyone else, so you are the best person to communicate your needs. For adult and teen cochlear implant recipients, self-advocacy skills are vital for managing challenging listening and communication situations. Here are some everyday examples of ways you can practice self-advocacy:

1. Explain Your Situation

Friends and family will be curious about your hearing devices. What is hearing with a cochlear implant like? Can you fly with a CI? Let the people around you know that you have hearing loss and explain how you hear with your devices. If some listening situations, such as busy restaurants or large-group meetings, are difficult for you, let others know.

2. Tell People How They Can Help You

Tell others exactly what communication strategies they can use to help you understand them. In meetings, for instance, ask for:

• Only one person to speak at a time
• A meeting space with good acoustics
• Good lighting to allow speech reading
• A meeting agenda
• Printed notes to follow along
• Meeting minutes to review afterwards

3. Ask to Reduce Background Noise

Explain the impact background noise has on your ability to listen and communicate with others. Request that background noise be reduced as much as possible (close doors and windows, turn off unnecessary music, use a microphone) for clear access to the speaker’s voice. If the listening environment is still challenging for you, request to turn on captions for presentations or online meetings.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Tell Employers

Self-advocacy skills are especially useful when looking for employment and career opportunities. If you’re applying for a job and going to interviews, don’t be afraid to talk about your hearing loss. You might also talk about any workplace needs you have. However, keep the focus of the discussions on your abilities and skills.

5. Practice Different Social Scenarios

Effective communication is an important element in maintaining social relationships and achieving your goals. If you don’t feel confident about making an important phone call or going to an important meeting, role-play and practice the scenario at home with a family member or a friend. You can create scripts for workplace or social situations to  be prepared for how to respond and practice requesting what you need.

6. Be Social

Being active socially will offer you the opportunity to participate in discussions and share information about your hearing loss. It will also let you interact with new people and gain confidence in initiating conversations or asking about things you need or want in an unfamiliar environment. Studies have shown that cochlear implantation improves social engagement and quality of life for patients over the age of 65. [1] [2]

7. Join a Community

Connect with other people with hearing loss through social media or communities like Hearpeers. Meeting other hearing implant recipients will allow you to exchange experiences, tips, and strategies for communication and living with a hearing implant.

8. Know Your Rights

Find out more about relevant laws and services you are eligible for in your country and region. Local government websites might include important information and tips about pre-employment services, vocational or rehabilitation programs, or financial support that you’re entitled to receive.