Good advice on the job, at home or when you travel

On the job

• Be open about your hearing loss and inform others about its consequences
• Accept that you are hard of hearing
• Tell others what your needs are
• Make demands, but be understanding
• Remember that your colleagues cannot transforme you into a person with normal hearing
• Lay down rules for communication
• Focus on the person nearest you
• Do not try to keep up with a conversation if it is impossible
• If it is difficult for you to cope with your work, find another job
• Think about your future work situation

At home

• Always use your hearing aids
• Do not hide your hearing loss
• Inform your family and friends about your situation and its consequences
• Teach your family to keep eye contact when conversing and talk loudly and clearly
• Do not be ashamed of your hearing problem - it is normal
• Remember you cannot do everything
• Teach your family how to involve you in conversations
• Avoid background noise
• You have the right to relax and not "switch off"
• Do not use your hearing loss as an excuse for other problems

When you travel

• Use your eyes!
• Watch others - and do the same!
• Always carry some paper and a pencil
• Prepare your trip well in advance
• Bring along itineraries
• Do not converse while driving
• Remove your hearing aids when travelling by plan
• Use a FM sender, if necessary