It’s not always easy to tell people you have a hearing loss. It can be even harder to ask for what you need so that you can hear someone better.

Many of our members have found that these buttons, which say “Please face me, I have a hearing loss,” can turn an awkward moment into better communication. The button does the asking. Then, when two people face one another, conversations flow more easily, because people with hearing loss can more easily speech read, interpret body language and tone–and ultimately connect better with others.

We recently provided the wonderful folks at Carina with some of our “Face Me” buttons for their booth at the SEIU 775 Convention and Leadership Conference in Spokane, Washington. “The buttons were much appreciated and were all gone within a few hours of the start of the convention!” said Cressida Slote, Manager of Homecare Management at Carina.

Cheri Perazzoli, HLAA-WA president, recently wore a “Face Me” button on a flight to Maui. The flight attendant chatted with Cheri about how much she appreciated knowing how to serve Cheri better–and she treated Cheri to free glass of wine. Cheri even inspired one flight attendant to put in his OWN hearing aids! Needless to say, Cheri was able to relax and enjoy the flight much better, knowing she could communicate with the flight crew. Later, Cheri took off her button and gave it to the flight attendant, who thanked her and put it on immediately.

People with hearing loss have used the “Face Me” buttons on the backs of their wheelchairs, at fitness classes, in the hospital above their bed or on pillows, and of course, on the front of their shirt or blouse when they’re checking in for appointments. Our board members Glenda Philio and Sandy Bunning have used pins on the backs of their shirts when they’re shopping, so people know to get their attention to ask them to move or to say hello.

We’re working on distributing our “Face Me” buttons to places like senior centers. Meanwhile, if you’d like a button, come see us at an outreach event!

Have you used a “Face Me” button? If so, how? Let us know in the comments, or email us: webmaster@hearingloss-wa.org.