Video Transcript: Adapting to The Needs of Your Group - Hearing

Do you have a member of your small group or church who has  differences in hearing? Many people take advantage of hearing aids or other  amplification systems. Others may be unaware of their hearing loss, or choose  not to pursue amplification. Sometimes, however, even with amplification, the  individual has only partial hearing, or may have a complete hearing loss. In  many ways, the number of tools a person has often correlates with the age of  onset of the hearing difference. A person who has a hearing loss due to aging  may have fewer tools and understanding of the loss than an individual who was  diagnosed as a child, and learned to communicate efficiently with sign language,

or with the use of an amplification system. Getting to know the individual, and  what is most helpful, is a significant key to being part of the same group  together. Your small group meeting room or worship area may be an important  part of helping to facilitate a member’s hearing. Keeping background noise  down. Using a microphone or a room equipped with a hearing loop could make  a huge difference. You will want to have a discussion with the group as a whole.  For some people, it's important to make sure each person's face and lips are in  clear view of the individual with a hearing difference. Teaching people to speak  with a particular volume and pace can also be critical. Remember, group prayers can be said with heads up and eyes open, if it allows each one a chance to  participate. All of this starts by getting to know your group member with a  hearing difference, and providing the needed resources. You will want to have a  discussion with the group as a whole. For some people, it's important to make  sure each person's face and lips are in clear view of the individual with a hearing difference. Teaching people to speak with a particular volume and pace can also be critical. Remember, group prayers can be said with heads up and eyes open, if it allows each one a chance to participate. All of this starts by getting to know  your group member with a hearing difference, and providing the needed  resources to allow each one to participate meaningfully.