17
the communication process
Hearing is only one part
of how we exchange
thoughts, ideas and
feelings. Effective com-
munication combines
listening, understanding,
attention, concentration,
interest and visual
(nonverbal) cues.
You may have
relied on these ever-present cues
as your hearing loss gradually
impaired your understanding of
speech. Now, they are equally
important as you learn to hear
with hearing instruments. Read-
ing the lips, facial expressions and
gestures of others can enhance the
learning process and supplement
what amplification alone may miss.
If necessary, your Hearing Professional may
provide additional auditory training and lip-
reading assistance.