One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned on my hearing loss journey is the importance of speaking up for myself.
It’s not always easy. In fact, at times it can feel downright uncomfortable. But whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been managing hearing loss for years, self-advocacy isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. And it’s a skill worth building, no matter your age or stage of life.
This post is for you — and your family — if you’re trying to find your voice in a world that often doesn’t see (or hear) what you need.
So, what is self-advocacy?
In simple terms, it means being able to let others know what you need to communicate and participate fully. Not in a demanding or pushy way — just honestly and clearly.
For those of us with hearing loss, this might look like:
- Asking someone to repeat themselves or slow down
- Explaining how best to communicate with us (e.g., facing us when speaking)
- Requesting hearing-friendly adjustments in school, work, or social settings
- Letting others know that hearing aids or cochlear implants help — but they’re not a “cure”
Why it matters (more than you might think)
Here’s the thing: most people don’t understand hearing loss unless they’ve lived it. They often don’t mean to exclude us — they just don’t realise when they are.
That’s why self-advocacy is so important. It helps us:
- Avoid the emotional and mental fatigue of pretending to understand
- Stay engaged in conversations that matter — at work, with friends, or at home
- Build confidence and independence
- Encourage others to be more inclusive, just by seeing us model it
Real-life situations where self-advocacy makes all the difference
1. In a work meeting
The challenge: People are talking over each other, and you’re missing key points.
What to say:
“I find it easier to follow when one person speaks at a time. Also, if you can face me while talking, that helps heaps.”
Bonus tip: Ask for meeting notes or use live captioning if it’s available. You can explore tools like Otter.ai or Microsoft Teams Live Captions.
2. At the doctor’s office
The challenge: The doctor’s speaking while facing the computer. You’re catching every third word.
What to say:
“Sorry — I have hearing loss and rely on lip-reading. Could you please face me when you speak?”
Bonus tip: Bring a support person or use NALscribe, AVA or Google Live Transcribe for real-time speech-to-text.
3. At a noisy family dinner
The challenge: You’re surrounded by people, background noise, and laughter — but you feel left out.
What to say:
“Would it be okay if we sat somewhere quieter? I want to be part of the conversation too.”
Bonus tip: Devices like the Roger On microphone can help in these tricky listening environments.
4. At school (for students or parents of students)
The challenge: The teacher turns to the board mid-sentence — and the student with hearing loss misses it.
What to say (or help your child say):
“Could you face the class when speaking? I hear much better when I can see your lips.”
Bonus tip: You can explore supports like FM systems or classroom microphones. Visit Deaf Children Australia for educational advocacy and tools.
Tips for effective self-advocacy
- Be honest and specific. Let people know how they can help — don’t expect them to guess.
- Practice what you want to say. It gets easier the more you do it.
- Stay calm and friendly. Most people are happy to help once they understand.
- Know your tech. Be confident showing someone how your hearing aid or cochlear implant works — it can be a great conversation starter.
- Learn your rights. In Australia, you’re protected under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Know what reasonable adjustments you’re entitled to.
What to do when you face pushback or ignorance
Sometimes, even after you’ve clearly communicated your needs, people may still not get it. They might forget, dismiss your request, or even act like you’re being difficult. It’s frustrating — and it’s perfectly okay to feel that way.
Here’s how to handle those situations without letting them knock your confidence:
1. Stay calm, stay kind.
Anger tends to shut down conversations. Calmly restating your needs — even if it feels repetitive — keeps the door open for better understanding.
“I really do need you to face me when you speak — it makes all the difference for me to fully participate.”
2. Pick your battles.
Not every situation is worth your energy. If it’s a passing stranger, you might choose to let it go. But if it’s someone you deal with regularly — a colleague, teacher, family member — it’s worth being persistent.
3. Educate, briefly.
Sometimes a quick explanation helps people connect the dots.
“Hearing aids help, but they don’t fix everything. I still need visual cues like lipreading.”
Pointing them to resources like A good natured guide to communicating with someone who has hearing loss can also be helpful.
4. Set boundaries when needed.
If someone repeatedly refuses to accommodate your needs, it’s okay to be firm. You deserve respect.
“I’m letting you know that if I can’t hear and participate, I’m at a disadvantage. I need you to work with me on this.”
5. Find your support network.
Talking to people who do understand — like others with hearing loss, online communities, or hearing associations — can make a huge difference. You’re not alone. There’s real strength in connecting with others who get it. (You might want to check out hearing support groups or join a local hearing loss community group.)
For families and loved ones
If someone you care about has hearing loss, you play a big role in helping them feel empowered to advocate for themselves. Encourage them to speak up — and back them up when they do. And when you model patience, kindness, and understanding, others follow your lead.
Final thoughts
Advocating for yourself doesn’t mean you’re being difficult — it means you’re being fair to yourself. You deserve to participate, to understand, and to be understood.
No one gets it perfect every time. But the more we speak up, the more we open the door for others to do the same — and the more we change the conversation around hearing loss.
Start small. Speak kindly. And keep going.
You’ve got this.
Want to learn more? Here are some great resources:
Better Hearing Australia – Peer support and information
Soundfair – Making hearing seen and people heard
Hearing Australia – Services, tips, and hearing aid support
National Relay Service – Phone access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Ideas.org.au – Information and support for Australians with disability
If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other on this journey.
Talking Hearing Loss 
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