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What to do about a condescending audiologist

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Oh - I always try to see both sides, and in this case, my first thought was completely different.
Totally overshadowed by my main issues… I should give some voice to my first thought:

Does the , have such little confidence in his service, that he feels he “needs” to speak as if the person was not wearing hearing aids. I mean, I assume the story relates to the times he is conversing… which should occur primarily when the patient is wearing the instruments.
When I would go to the AuD, I would bring my old pair of so that I could hear his mumbles.

Often I have remarked how most practitioners, are either so poorly trained, or care so little as to be undisciplined in communicating to the very patients they are supposed to be experts on.

The Hearing office, calls instead of texting. They are not taught to speak clearly, they wear masks… They cannot remember to FACE the patient, before opening their mouths!
I could go on… but from my experience, most professionals, are not well schooled in dealing with the public. I could give a course on how to treat customers… but first we need for customers to give a damn and be willing to speak up! From several threads I have participated or started on this forum, I am not certain that many care enough to do that.

I always speak clearly, enunciate and face the person i’m speaking with, because i want what i have to say to be heard. My mother (from Ireland) drilled it into me as a kid. Most people today mumble because they talk to hear themselves make noise. They have nothing to say that’s worth listenig to. Your audiologist speaks well. Don’t complain when people do the right thing. Just be thankful she’s not a mumbler. She’s showing her clients respect by not making them say “what”, “what” “what”.

WORD!
Beautifully said Harley!
I got to keep writing… there is a minimum of 20 words on this thing.

Yes, be brave and tell her. If she tries to adjust, even if she forgets and needs a reminder but tries, maybe keep her. If she does not, then see someone else. OR, if telling her makes you feel uncomfortable, ask to see someone else but tell them or the staff why you switched. It will get back to her and she’ll feel bad for a moment, but it will help her adjust for others.

Honestly, it can be very difficult to learn to appropriately modulate your voice in this industry. Facing the patient and speaking slowly (enough) and clearly was certainly part of my training. But it’s different all day long. Hearing aids in, out, in again, out again, mild loss, severe loss, no loss, back to severe. I think it’s an hour after I get home before my speaking voice gets back to its regular level.

Pros in tech fields working with the public, also must be artists… able to work by feel, while also being master technicians.
Working by feel means modulating the approach for the situation… as Shakespeare said about acting.

Again, as to the original posters inquiry, why let it bother you since you are only there for a little while. At 85 when I go to the doctors office I often have someone take my arm as I step on the scale or when I walk down the hall. I guess they would be appalled at the things I do at home :grin: I just smile and go along with it. Not a big deal. Just be thankful that you don’t need the added assistance they are giving you.

Edited

In reply to @Neville

@Neville said:

it can be very difficult to learn to appropriately modulate your voice in this industry. Facing the patient and speaking slowly (enough) and clearly was certainly part of my training. But it’s different all day long. Hearing aids in, out, in again, out again, mild loss, severe loss, no loss, back to severe.

This is super helpful to know. Thank you!

When I was at the dentist recently, the hygienist was speaking to me slowly and clearly enunciating… had a momentary rise of “I’m not stupid and I don’t have dementia” until I remembered that I had previously told them that I had trouble hearing them, especially with masks. So, points to them for remembering, and shame on me!

That… doesn’t sound condescending at all. She’s just doing her job in the manner that works the best for the most patients. Why do you think you’re so special?

My first thought is the audiologist is fairly new and so this is her training. I abhor masks unless I myself have a virus that is possible to pass. I stay home until it is considered safe but will mask for a couple days. And I use a mask that has the clear window in it. As for speaking this way I would just correct here. Maybe even say please talk normally and ask they remove the mask unless they are sick. And I would point out I have good word recognition. Remember we are all human. If you have done this and they still do it I would get up walk out to the front desk and ask to be scheduled with a different audiologist. This is your right.
But, in saying this I wouldn’t take it personally. Your action as stated about will usually require and explanation and this will be relayed to the audiologist helping to make them understand what transpired. But, most will apply your request at the first mention. If you like to have fun with it talk back they way they talk to you. It will make them realize as well but don’t do this until you’ve explained and they didn’t listen. some times we just need to be taught as well

@Dr_Palmer Thanks for your response, I really appreciate getting other audiologists’ input here.

I was pretty upset when I initially posted; I can see now with everyone’s input and nearly a week of time past that this almost certainly had nothing to do with me and was simply a disconnect between me and her perception. I just needed to speak up, which I will do next time.

I wonder…
Is it possible that when she is not speaking specifically with persons in mind, she might just be an awful mumbler who slurs speech - a low talker that many misunderstand. And when she speaks thusly, you find that you do not fully understand, or might easily mis-hear a response that totally alters her intended meaning… for example, you don’t hear her say “nah”, or an unanticipated technical term.

At that point… what do you do ?

And how do you anticipate your request that she repeat herself then, might have on her continued efforts. Could it be possible that a person originally with 100% intention of helping you, is converted to someone who is fearful of what, or how to speak, and so… decides to do what most smart persons try to do…what you yourself might do in such a situation, that is learn from the mistake, and not try to help a person who has other priorities than wanting to be helped.
She might just decide it makes more sense to move on to her next patient, who will actually appreciate her efforts, rather than choose to judge them!

Hmmm?

In reply to @user184

I think a condescending attitude comes with the territory. I have only encountered one Audiologist that didn’t have one. Some have been outright rude, and left me wondering how they still have all their teeth. I think it best to persevere, and try to keep your cool. Out in the real world, I encounter people all the time I have a hard time understanding. I tell them I have a significant hearing loss, and will they please just speak in a normal voice, and try to enunciate clearly while looking at me.It rarely works. One Audiologist suggested that I stick my external microphone in their face so I can understand better. That would be a good way to get slugged.

I agree with Dave_Morgan, speak up and say please speak to me in a normal tone and face me. If no one says anything, this will continue with someone else. We have to educate people about the best way to communicate for our needs. Otherwise they will never know.

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