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When the spoken word is not enough….Kristie Dannemiller-Smith, M.A., Cardinal Hearing Centers, Northfield Ohio

 

 

 

 

Some of you may of heard about the Starbucks barista who learned sign language so that he would be able to communicate with a regular customer who was Deaf. It is amazing what a simple gesture can do to not only create a connection with someone, but create a lifelong friendship!

I have been with Cardinal Hearing Centers for over 5 years, and my first experience with this moment happened while working with a Deaf patient at the Parma office. Presently, there is a large Deaf community in Parma, which had left the practice, due to communication issues. The audiologist at the time did not sign, and the community felt under represented. A patient came in reluctantly, due to some tubing issues, and she was in need of an emergency appointment. She came in, updated her paperwork, since it had been years since her last visit, and patiently waited to see me. The new patient registration sheet has a section about what language the patient speaks at home, and she had indicated ASL (American Sign Language). When I went out to get the patient to bring her back to my office, I signed my introduction, finger spelled my name, and welcomed her back to the practice. Her face lit up immediately, and that small gesture made her “reluctant need for an appointment” turn into an ” I am so glad I came in” moment.

Shortly after that visit, “word” got around that Cardinal had a “signing” Audiologist, and the Deaf community started to come back to have there devices serviced and repaired. I have since developed a good working relationship with many people of the Deaf community, even reaching out to them on Facebook for easy access to me, since most of my patients cannot communicate well over the phone.

If you have not seen the sweet note from the Starbuck’s barista, please follow the link here: Starbucks Barista


 

 

Written by:
Rich
Published on:
February 24, 2016
Thoughts:
8 Comments

Categories: Hearing, Miscellaneous, Patient care, PhilosophyTags: American Tinnitus Association, ASHA American Speech and Hearing Association, ASL, ATA member, Audiologist, Dr. Richard S. Reikowski, ear doctor, family hearing and balance center.cardinal hearing centers, family hearing and cardinal hearing centers, Hearing Aids, hearing loss, Kristie Dannemiller Smith, M.A. CCC/A

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen

    February 25, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Meeting someone where they are goes such a long way! Loved your blog and also really enjoyed watching the piece about the Starbucks Barista. They’re doing something right in the people they hire. I always hear good stories like this one stemming from Starbucks.

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    • Dr Reikowski

      March 1, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      So true. ASL and this post represents a great message and even better skill that Kristie has in helping our patients!
      Rich

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  2. Joanne

    February 25, 2016 at 4:20 pm

    It’s incredible to watch Kristie and her patient sign. They both respond with mutual respect and affection to each other which is awesome to witness. I am so glad and honored to be a part of this witness.

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    • Dr Reikowski

      March 1, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      I agree Joanne. You see Kristie in action more than I but can only imagine that ehr ASL skills are outstanding.
      Thank you for your comments!
      Rich

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  3. Gail

    February 26, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Great job, Kristie! It impresses me to watch you sign with your patients. I would to love to learn it one day.

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    • Dr Reikowski

      March 1, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      Gail,
      I second that! Great work Kristie.
      You should learn Gail….:)
      Rich

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  4. Marie

    February 26, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    That’s wonderful that you are able to make such an impact with patients who would have otherwise just dealt with their difficulties with their instruments. We are very lucky to have you and your awesome communication skills. 🙂

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    • Dr Reikowski

      March 1, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Mary,
      Yes, we are fortunate to have Kristie with our staff and all that she brings in her care of our patients.
      Rich

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