Nancy M. Williams’ Ten Tools for Audiologists to Address Stigma helps hearing care professionals address a persistent barrier to hearing aid adoption, societal stigma against hearing loss. In an interactive session, she provides hearing professionals with an actionable blueprint for implementing a customized coaching program addressing stigma across the entire patient lifecycle of living with hearing loss. “Should be a part of every audiologist’s tool kit,” says Harvey Abrams. “Practical…authentic…an ideal resource,” says Cheryl DeConde Johnson.

“For those of us who work in the field of rehabilitative audiology, we know that one of the barriers to successful hearing loss intervention is the Stigma Effect—the perception that hearing aids ‘make me look old, impaired, feeble, etc.’ There has not been much practical advice provided to clinicians and their patients in terms of how to manage these negative perceptions. At the last Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology Institute meeting, I was delighted to hear a presentation on the topic of the Stigma Effect by Nancy Williams. As part of her talk, Ms. Williams distinguished between external stigma (how others make you feel) and internal stigma (how you make yourself feel). What I found particularly meaningful, and useful, was a discussion of ‘Ten Tools’ designed to manage both types of stigmas. Each of the tools are practical and easily implemented by individuals with hearing loss and should be part of every audiologist’s tool kit. I’ve begun to incorporate this material into my Auditory Rehabilitation course curriculum that I instruct at several Doctor of Audiology programs.”
—Harvey B. Abrams, Ph.D., Head of Audiology Research, Lively

“‘Ten Tools for Developing Self-Efficacy with Hearing Loss’ are practical; each one is a strategy that adolescents can use to help them gain more confidence to successfully participate in their everyday life. Each tool includes a brief rationale and describes strategies in an encouraging and positive manner. The tools reinforce self-determination and self-efficacy skills. ‘Ten Tools’ are also authentic; they are written from the experience and perspective of individuals who themselves have hearing loss. The tools are an ideal resource for educational audiologists to use with the students they support.”
—Cheryl DeConde Johnson, Co-Author, Educational Audiology Handbook

“We could not have offered a successful, quality program without the benefit of having your knowledge and enthusiasm shared with our attendees. You were ranked as our second most enjoyable and informative speaker, per the program evaluations completed by attendees at the end of our conference! You provided our attendees with considerable insight into their patients’ actions/reactions to hearing loss, as well as how to help their patients deal more effectively with their stigmas.”
—Mary Ann Stone, Secretary-Treasurer, North Carolina Academy of Hearing Rehabilitation

“At the 2016 national HLAA meeting, Nancy and Holly presented to a packed room. They’re a lively team with a wealth of insights into the challenges of living with hearing loss. They gave an engaging and interactive talk. Their diverse audience was energized, involved, positive, and inspired. I highly recommend these two professionals to audiences of professionals who want to understand hearing loss—either those who personally live with hearing loss, or those who want to understand how to work with those who do.”
—Jan Blustein, Professor of Health Policy and Medicine, NYU Wagner

More testimonials from workshop participants at the Hearing Loss Association of America’s recent national conventions:

• “Great information to implement in my daily life. Really raised my level of awareness on this subject.”
• “The eight tools provided I can use immediately.”
• “Great program! Very empowering!”
• “Excellent presentation on a topic that is not addressed often enough.”
• “Very informative and an eye-opener.”
• “Especially helpful with my hearing spouse present! Helped to pinpoint some strategies.”
• “Absolutely wonderful!”