I’m not a hopeless romantic by any means, but everything becomes clearer and way more comfortable when someone speaks into my ear. I immediately am more confident, relaxed and poised to hear more of what they have to say… Before you start getting steamy thoughts, I’m referring to when someone uses my trusty Remote Microphone! It instantly enhances communication and allows me to hang on *almost* every word my communication partner says. At this point in my life, I’m so over caring what people think when they see my hearing aids or remote microphone. So imagine my rage when someone refuses to use it…
To recap- a remote microphone (previously referred to as FM system, and sometimes known as a DM (digital modulation) system) is an Assistive Listening Device that can be used WITH listening devices to ease auditory fatigue by bringing the speaker’s voice ‘closer’ to the student via direct-audio-input. By using direct-audio-input, distance, reverberation (echo) and background noise are all overcome creating a more optimal listening environment. Think CLOSER, not LOUDER. For those not familiar, think about a conversation you’re having with someone down the hall. You strain to hear, even without hearing loss. When you close the distance, listening becomes easier.
I get it- image is a HUGE thing, and not everyone wants to disclose their hearing loss. However, think about it this way…when someone asks you to wear their Remote Microphone, THEY are disclosing their hearing loss- not you. In fact, it has absolutely nothing to do with your image. If I dare say, while you’re concerned with how you may look, most people won’t even notice…
I may be aging myself here (no, I’m not a dinosaur yet!), but do you remember playing “I Spy” to pass the time while waiting in the doctor’s office as a kid? Well… would it surprise you to know I still play “I spy” when I go out on the daily? While disclosure a personal choice, those of us who know what we’re looking for can spot listening devices and hence a person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing a mile away. These days, many listening and assistive listening devices are small, and inconspicuous but easily spottable to the trained eye (in other words, ME!). Not to mention, its always a good laugh when someone mistakes your listening device for an ear piece or your Remote Microphone for a two-way radio and thinks you’re part of the security detail in the club (No, I can’t make this stuff up!).
C’mon, won’t you talk sweetly in my ear?
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