For the people who want to understand.
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What readers are saying
★★★★★ "An essential guide for anyone — friend, colleague, family member — wishing to provide support to someone with a hearing loss. Five stars to how deftly and astutely Ms. Rybak has managed to do this!" — Psychologist
★★★★★ "This is phenomenal. Your personal perspectives and lived experience make this so real and truly empowering. I can see many partners, professionals, and parents benefitting from this book." — Audiologist
★★★★★ "Everything that I feel and think, you got it in the book! A great resource for caretakers, loved ones, and spouses to understand what we go through and the hurdles we face." — Book Group Participant
★★★★★ "This book is a gold-mine of information. It is written through a compassionate and mindful lens that paves the way for education and advocacy of hearing loss and hearing empowerment." — Person with Hearing Loss
★★★★★ "Combating listening fatigue resonated with me the most. I have been advocating more for myself instead of just pushing through when I'm exhausted." — Advance Reader
★★★★★ "As the only person in my family who is hard of hearing, this guide puts into words some situations and emotions I once thought I was alone in experiencing." — Person with Hearing Loss
★★★★★ "Your description of what words not to use, to ensure one doesn't take on full responsibility for successful communication, was eye opening." — Advance Reader
This book gives you what most people never get: real understanding of what your loved one experiences — and practical ways to show up for them.
You'll learn how hearing loss actually works (it's not like turning down the volume). You'll understand why listening is exhausting, why background noise is the enemy, and why "I'll tell you later" can hurt more than silence.
More importantly, you'll learn what helps. How to communicate more effectively. How to support self-advocacy without taking over. How to be patient with the hard days — including your own.
Each chapter includes reflection prompts to help you think through your own role, along with concrete strategies you can use right away.
Becoming an Empowered Hearing Ally
A Guide for Family, Friends, and Allies of People with Hearing Loss
