Communication is the key to Compassion

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The Pinna is the external portion of the ear.  The funnel-like shape functions to collect and amplify sound naturally, optimizing it as it travels further into the auditory system.

The human body is amazing.  I chose to study Hearing Speech Language Sciences and went on to get my Doctorate in Audiology because I believe that our ability to communicate is what makes us innately human.  Basic communication happens because we need something.  Babies cry when they need food, shelter or clothes.  They will later learn to express these needs through other forms like speech, sign language, etc. What I find fascinating is what happens on the other side of communication; the listening and understanding portion.  This side of communication helps to creates bonds and foster compassion.  It connects people to people and connects people to experiences.

 

Being Selfless is Selfish

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I was recently at the Starkey Hearing Innovation Expo of 2020 for work and one of the guest speakers said, “Being Selfless is Selfish.”  It’s such a strange phrase to hear but as soon as he said it out loud it instantly resonated with me.  By nature, I am a helper.  That’s in part why I chose to become an audiologist  By helping others I receive so much happiness in return.  Does this apply to everyone? And if so, why don’t more people take the time to help others?  Imagine if we all committed to doing one good deed per week or per month.

The picture above was from my most rewarding selfish acts.  One day while looking at LinkedIn I saw a post about a little girl named Emily.  Emily has hearing loss and loves princesses but told her mom that princesses don’t wear hearing aids.  Her speech pathologist was looking for someone with hearing loss willing to volunteer their time to  dress up as a princess and surprise her for her 3rd Birthday.  I don’t have hearing loss but I have a lot of Starkey hearing aids and I knew I had to help, so I reached out! One week later, I was Cinderella proving to Emily that princesses, like her, do wear hearing aids.

Tall Non-Fat Skinny Mocha with a Shot of Better Hearing?

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On July 19, 2018 Starbucks announced it was going to open it’s first US Sign Language Store in Washington DC.  The store will be located near Gallaudet University, which has been long-time known for its Deaf Community and Deaf Culture.  The CEO of the National Association of the Deaf, Howard A. Rosenblum says, “Starbucks has taken an innovative approach to incorporating Deaf Culture that will increase employment opportunities as well as accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing people, while at the same time educating and enlightening society.”

I’ve read opinion articles since this announcement expressing frustration because the hearing impaired individuals were “skipped over.”  However to be fair, the press release did state that customers should expect a distinctive retail experience with unique store format that promotes accessibility and offers employment and career advancement opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Although I love the inclusivity, I’m most excited to see how this might translate to stores across the nation.  In my current role, if I’m not in a customer’s office then I can usually be found at a coffee shop or my car.  I tend to frequent Starbucks because, like any great chain, I know what to expect (and the free wifi). Over the years one thing I can always count on is a lot of noise within the store.  From the hustle and bustle of customers, to the roar and whistle of coffee machines and the background music.  Starbucks are noisy!  I can’t help but think that they could make some improvements through thoughtful and cutting edge design and acoustical engineering. This could be their opportunity!

As part of the future remains to be seen, to me the bottom line is that Starbucks is taking a step in the right direction. Acknowledging that their services can be stretched across communication modes while offering diversified employment opportunities and educating the general public on a topic that isn’t widely publicized is always a good thing.