Q&A with CHC's Director of Outreach, Carolyn Stern
Each year on March 3rd, World Hearing Day brings global attention to the importance of hearing health care. This year’s theme of “Changing Mindsets” focuses on the role of education in dispelling outdated beliefs and encouraging everyone to make informed decisions about their hearing health.
At the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), Carolyn Stern, Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives, is working to shift these perceptions within the diverse communities CHC serves in New York City. Through public education and mobile clinical outreach, CHC is helping people recognize that hearing health is essential to overall well-being.
Carolyn shares insights on how CHC’s outreach in the community is making a difference in this timely and informative Q&A.
What are the misconceptions people have about hearing health care?
CS: There's a common belief that little can be done about hearing loss, leading people to assume they must live with it. As a result, many individuals, along with their healthcare providers and caregivers, often prioritize other health concerns over hearing health, underestimating its impact. Some dismiss mild hearing loss as inconsequential, not realizing it can significantly affect communication and quality of life. This mindset prevents people from seeking care and resources that could greatly improve their well-being.
How is CHC's outreach program working to change these perceptions?
CS: We change mindsets through education, providing accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information. As appropriate, we recommend low-cost and effective solutions while fostering understanding.
We raise awareness through hearing screenings, as hearing loss can be difficult to assess on your own. When individuals hear from a professional and see the facts combined with encouragement, it often spurs action.
By normalizing hearing loss and empowering people with knowledge and resources, we encourage them to prioritize their hearing health.
Are there certain strategies that have been particularly successful?
CS: We have found that tailoring our efforts to focus on where a person is in their hearing journey has been particularly effective.
One of the most impactful strategies is providing hearing screenings, which serve as a powerful first step in raising awareness and opening up the conversation. For those who do not pass the screening, we offer comprehensive evaluations, giving individuals a factual look at their hearing loss—its type, severity, and whether it is changing over time. This helps them understand their specific challenges and consider next steps.
Additionally, we conduct hearing aid demonstrations on the van to showcase the capabilities of today’s advanced technology, allowing individuals to experience firsthand how much of a difference the right solution can make.
Finally, we increase awareness with health and social service providers who in turn can encourage their clients, who trust their guidance, to take steps to address it, as an additional way to overcome stigma and denial.
These strategies help break down misconceptions, provide clear information, and empower people to take action toward better hearing health.
How do you know when you've made a difference and inspired someone to prioritize their hearing health?
CS: We know we've made a difference when healthcare providers and family members reach out for more information following an educational workshop or Zoom session.
Also, we see growing participation in our support group which, by the way, is free, supported by a generous grant, and open to the public. Consistent attendance indicates to us that they’re experiencing benefit.
Of the individuals who receive hearing evaluations on our mobile van, two-thirds indicate they took at least one action after the evaluation to address their hearing issue, whether it’s seeing an ENT to have wax removed, visiting an audiologist to discuss—or even purchase—hearing aids, or trying a free captioning app.
Are there any final thoughts you'd like to share with people who might be living with untreated hearing loss?
CS: It's common to feel a stigma around hearing loss, but today's technology has advanced significantly, offering features that can greatly enhance your quality of life. Embracing these devices not only improves your hearing but helps you get back to socializing and participating more fully in the activities you enjoy.
The first step is to get tested. While finding the right audiologist and devices may take time, the benefits are well worth the effort. Remember, addressing hearing loss is a positive step toward maintaining your overall well-being and enjoyment of life.
Inquire about a CHC hearing health event benefiting members of your community. Contact Carolyn Stern to learn more and get started.
About Carolyn Stern
Carolyn Ginsburg Stern, MBA, is the Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), a not-for-profit hearing rehabilitation center based in New York City. As a bilateral cochlear implant user, she helps others hear and connect better with tips, technical information and support and is passionate about the role of healthy hearing in helping people lead productive and connected lives. She is a proud graduate of HLAA’s N-CHATT (Network of Consumer Hearing Assistive Technology Trainers) program where she learned how to train other adults with hearing loss about hearing assistive technology.