Hearing Loss Services
Hearing Loss:
I have really enjoyed blending my counseling degree with my teaching degree in Deaf education. This has allowed me to expand my practice to work with individuals and families who are dealing with hearing loss. I am fluent in sign language and am able to provide counseling services through sign.
Progressive Hearing Loss:
Losing hearing can be confusing and scary. Whether it’s your child who is losing his or her hearing, a loved one, or yourself, there are adjustments that you and your family will need to make. People deal with these changes in different ways and sometimes it helps to have someone to talk with about how to integrate these changes into daily life. A progressive hearing loss can put a strain on the family because the family is dealing with the unknown and the “what ifs”. I can help families talk through their concerns and address the concerns of each family member.
Children:
Through my experience in working with preschool and elementary school age kids, the earlier you are able to communicate with your kids, the better. Whether you are thinking about a Cochlear Implant, using sign language or communicating orally, staying connected to your child is important. Talking to your kids and acknowledging their hearing loss can help them to feel more confident and increase their self-esteem.
Teens:
Holding a Master’s degree in Deaf Education helps me bridge the gap between what is going on in a school setting and issues that can come up in counseling. Through my experience, teenage years are the most difficult when someone is experiencing a hearing loss. Questions come up like: How can I fit in? Why do I have to wear a hearing aid? Am I the only person who has to deal with this? Teenage years are hard enough without adding hearing loss in, and teens need to know that they have support from their family and that they are valued. Being a teen comes with challenges and when a teen that is deaf or hard of hearing wants to fit in, communication barriers can be very difficult.
Kids of all ages who have a hearing loss often deal with lower self-esteem and challenges at home and school. Talking about their concerns and having an outlet provide a great benefit. Caregivers may also find themselves in un-chartered territory and family counseling is a great option to open the lines of communication.
Adults:
Some adults start to lose their hearing as they get older. Many adults are embarrassed, scared or upset about this loss and don’t know how to deal with it. Not being able to participate in conversations with friends and family can cause a person to isolate him or herself and withdraw from things they once loved to do.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a hearing loss, it can help to express fears and concerns and talk about these changes in your life. I also believe in an educational component to help address hearing loss. I find that education helps families to understand some of the terminology and knowledge helps empower individuals.
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