Synopsis
In this discussion article, Drs Harvey and Clark reflect on the importance of empathy and compassion. Parents are frequently devastated by the news of an irreversible hearing loss. Older pediatric patients wrestle not only with communication barriers but also with the challenges of fitting into an aural-oral-based social milieu. And adult patients often find it difficult to confront the changed self-image that accompanies the realization that hearing loss is here to stay. Empathy and compassion are key to fostering patient growth beyond the assistance that technology can provide.