Being Hard-of-Hearing Aware
Our guest speaker, Dr. Suzanne Ondrus is a UConn alumna. She earned her doctorate in comparative literary and cultural studies at the University of Connecticut. She has trained people and organizations in soft skills. As someone with a hearing problem herself, she is excited to bring this training to UR Community Cares.
On Monday, September 29th, join us from 1:00-2:30 p.m. virtually or in person at 153 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT. Email us if you would like a Zoom link by clicking here or by calling/texting 860-430-4557.
She will outline thoughtful strategies and easy techniques to improve communication:
| – Clarity | Use clear speech, simple language, and good lighting to support lipreading. |
| – Confirmation | Confirm understanding with yes/no checks or by asking individuals to repeat key points. |
| – Alternatives | Use written notes, text messages, or subtitles/captioning when needed. |
| – Patience | Be patient, face the person speaking, and don’t shout—raise your volume, not your voice. |
These communication tools make a real difference, helping hearing-impaired individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
Breaking Down Barriers in Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often goes unnoticed because it’s not immediately visible. Many individuals learn to navigate conversations by nodding, smiling, or guessing responses, strategies that may help in the moment but can lead to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding over time.
A more empowering approach is self-advocacy. When someone shares, “I use hearing aids,” or “I experience hearing loss,” it opens the door to clearer communication and stronger connections. While stigma may make these conversations difficult, being open helps others respond with empathy and awareness, breaking down barriers to inclusion. My father uses advanced Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids provided by the VA, which have significantly improved our ability to communicate with him as a family.
In UR Community Cares programs, we strive for a welcoming environment, and that starts with empathy and honoring individual preferences. When people feel safe to advocate for their needs, conversations become more meaningful, relationships grow stronger, and the sense of isolation begins to fade. By listening, learning, and adapting, we can build communities that truly hear and support one another.
Feeling unseen or unheard can lead to a heartbreaking sense of isolation.
Many individuals with hearing loss experience loneliness not from lack of companionship, but from the frustration of miscommunication. That’s why we’re hosting an essential community event featuring a guest speaker who will share best practices for communicating with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, whether they’re coworkers, customers, family members, or neighbors.
This offers a valuable professional development opportunity for service providers, healthcare professionals, and anyone working with individuals experiencing hearing loss. We hope you can join us.
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director, UR Community Cares
860-430-4557
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