In honor of Better Hearing & Speech Month (every year in May), I share my latest ode to hearing loss in the form of an acrostic poem.
What’s an acrostic poem, you ask? My children explained it to me. An acrostic poem is a poem where the first letters of each line spell out a name, word, or phrase. Most acrostic poems use people’s names, but as a hearing health advocate, I decided to go with what I know best: Hearing Loss.
Hearing
H
Hearing loss.
Hearing loss is my passion. Well, maybe not the hearing loss itself, but advocating for people with hearing loss so we can all live our best lives despite the challenges of hearing loss.
E
Empathy.
People with hearing loss do not need pity, but we do need understanding. Empathy makes communicating easier, because both sides make an effort.
a
Access.
Everyday we battle for communication access—captions on Zoom calls and social media posts, and hearing loops in public spaces. Equal access is what we require and what we deserve.
R
Reminders.
What we must do, over and over again when our communication partners fall back into their old speech patterns. Reminding with a smile often works best.
i
Identity.
No matter your degree of hearing loss, it does not need to define you. Hearing loss is only one aspect of your life.
n
Networks.
Support networks can ease your life with hearing loss. Invite your family, friends, colleagues, and audiologists to join your communication team.
g
Grit.
Living with hearing loss is not always easy, but with a can-do attitude, it is possible to stay connected to the people and activities that you love.
Loss
L
Loss.
For many people, hearing loss is a loss. It’s okay to take time to mourn that loss, but don’t let it prevent you from taking the needed steps to live well.
o
Other people with hearing loss.
Hearing loss peers give you a shoulder to cry on when needed and are a great source of communication tips and tricks. Seek them out! Meeting others with hearing loss is life changing.
s
Self-advocacy.
We have the power to improve our hearing loss lives by asking for the assistance we need. When we advocate for ourselves, we are advocating for all people with hearing loss too.
s
Skillful living.
In Hear & Beyond, Gael Hannan and I lay out our formula for living skillfully with hearing loss. We believe it is possible for everyone.
Readers, what would you add to my poem?
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This is a beautiful poem and a good way to celebrate the Better Hearing & Speech Month. I would love to share with followers with your permission. Credit will be duly accorded.
Thanks for sharing.
I am glad you like it. Yes, please share with proper attribution and a link back to the original. Many thanks!