The power of our hearing loss documentary “We Hear You” to unite people was on full display recently at The Shedd in Eugene, Oregon. Thank you to the Center for Hearing Access for hosting the screening and talkback.
The Center for Hearing Access was founded in 2024, as a national advocacy and education initiative of The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts. It champions and educates users, sites, hearing instrument specialists, and audiologists about all ADA-compliant assistive listening systems and other strategies to increase access to theaters, libraries, conferences, government offices, healthcare facilities, courtrooms, transportation, and other public and private spaces.
Attendees included The Shedd’s Sound Advice regulars, but also other members of the community from as far away as Phoenix. It was a privilege to share our film with the assembled group and to hear their comments and questions during the talkback that followed.
Film Boosts Hearing Loss Support Networks
While “We Hear You” helps people with hearing loss see that they are not alone in their struggles, it is often the family members who are most moved by the documentary. It is wonderful how deeply the film touches people and the positive impact it can have on family dynamics for people with hearing loss.
At a previous screening, one attendee shared that the film brought her and her adult son together. For years he had underestimated the challenges she had with her hearing devices. He wanted to know why she wasn’t trying “harder to hear,” especially in challenging environments like restaurants. But after watching the film together, he finally understood. With a tearful apology, he committed to doing more, including consistently using communication best practices to help with conversation.
At the most recent screening, one person emotionally shared how much the film helped her to better understand what her spouse faces and to see how many things his friends and family could be doing to better support him.
Ways You Can Support People with Hearing Loss
There are many ways for friends, family, and colleagues to support people with hearing loss. Help us share our hearing loss message by hosting a family viewing party or an event at your local house of worship, senior center, or other community group. “We Hear You” is available for free in English (w/English captions) and in Spanish (w/Spanish captions) for personal use. For commercial use, please be in touch!
Readers, have you shared “We Hear You” with your family and friends?
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