Reacting in defense or with compassion…? By Dr. Richard Reikowski, Au.D

While seeing a patient car-side for a checkup of her new digital wireless hearing devices, she commented that “I really have come to hate these”. I quickly wanted to know why because her most recent weekly visit she said that sounds were amazing, and she could finally hear speech from her left ear with the wireless transmitter. However, as we talked more, I began to gain a clear understanding what it was that was bothering her.

She said, “I thought I could get used to the sounds and felt it was just me, but now I realize that the volume is set much too high.” I adjusted the tolerance and volume lower and smoother, as well as for the digital hearing devices to adjust quicker and more automatically for her. After bringing them back to her, while she and her husband waited in their car, she was amazed at the differences and the sound was smooth, clear, and most importantly “tolerable”. Together we talked and shared how important it is to feel we can share with each other what’s truly on our minds, this is especially important for the patient. Trust, listening, and sharing are keys to successful outcomes.