Guest Blog by Laurie Riley
In our congregation, “hearing” each other is a big subject these days. But let’s look at a slightly different aspect of hearing – one which addresses an aspect of ableism. A form of disability, hearing loss is something we should all be considering as we strive to be an inclusive community. “If I can hear it, so can you” is a common assumption. In our aging congregation, we can avoid that assumption by paying attention to who is left out of conversations, not physically but audially. It is isolating and discouraging for those who cannot participate because they have no idea what is being said.
Going out of one’s way to be heard is a skill that we can nurture. It is much kinder than thinking, “They should just get a hearing aid.” Many hard-of-hearing folks have tried numerous hearing aids, to no avail. Others simply cannot afford the cost. Audiologists charge for each visit, and multiple adjustments are not always practical. Lack of hearing is as much a disability as not being able to walk, to see, or to speak.
The universal sign for “speak up please” is a hand to the ear. Although cupping a hand to the ear to capture more sound increases clarity and volume to a small degree, it is exhausting to strain to hear this way, and when we see someone doing it, simply speaking a bit louder and with more purposeful elocution can make a big difference. In an aging population, no one is likely to fault you for being too loud! Being kind to each other comes in many forms, and equity means “everyone included”- even the hard of hearing.