Long-term HLAA members Joan Haber (left) and Anne Taylor (right) both graduated from the Certified Peer Mentor class of Gallaudet University in 2012.
Certified Peer Mentors are available for individual, partner or family consultations at no charge for HLAA-Sarasota/Manatee members.
For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Joan Haber – [email protected] or Anne Taylor at [email protected]
Many people with hearing loss are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin their journey. Others can lose interest in their hearing aids when they don’t meet one’s unrealistic expectations to fully restore hearing. In cases where a person is struggling to hear better, a Certified Peer Mentor can make all the difference.
They can guide a person on how to approach an audiologist and understand what to expect. They can also help the person understand that hearing aids are not the final solution and point them to the tools that improve their listening and communication skills.
Peer Mentors go through an intensive two-year certification program at Gallaudet University to be able to help guide individuals on:
- Hearing Loss Myths, Misconceptions and Tips for Coping with Hearing Loss
- Communication Strategies and Auditory Training to improve one’s listening skills
- Assistive Listening Devices to complement their hearing aids in special situations
- Understanding your rights under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- How to be assertive about what you need and ask the right questions of hearing health providers
- What to expect at the audiologist’s office
- What it is like to wear hearing aids and to acclimate to them
- Cochlear implants and preparing for surgery, activation and rehabilitation afterwards