# @mama.hu.hears on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C9z0ytCIbnf
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21183729-mamahuhears-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/legacy-do/4b04d8d5483b8e825200a8bbe4b47e204ddb872d994afb86bb1efa2dc7c89ee7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-07-24T15:03:10.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Dr. Michelle Hu•Hard of Hearing•Audiologist (@mama.hu.hears) — https://gondola.cc/mama.hu.hears

## Caption

One of the best pieces of advice that I give student clinicians is "Meet them where they're at." This works for children, teens, adults, patients, parents - everyone. This works wonders in the clinic AND [I feel] everywhere else in life!⁣
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In order to be able to talk and work WITH people, we've got to see where they are and be a wingman on their journey. It's about being able to provide a safe space for others to feel heard and seen - and only THEN can they open up to receive your help, your advice or hear your side. ⁣
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This rockstar came charging enthusiastically down the clinic hallway with his fox shirt, red superhero cape and Darth Vader mask. He chattered to himself as he jumped from one dark floor panel to the next. "This appointment is going to be FUN," I thought to myself. However when his mama removed his mask while I asked about his medical history I noticed that he lost his exuberance without it. ⁣
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He was silent when I showed him the otoscope but he let me look in his ears without resisting. When I went to get things ready to check out his eardrums he started to squirm and whine. ⁣
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Since I had seen such a difference in his spirit I took a time out. I put everything down and got to his level. "Can I tell you something? Nothing we do here today will hurt. I don't even have band aids in this room!" His eyes darted away avoiding mine but his body relaxed. I sat back in my chair said "What if....do want to put your mask back on? Can we check Darth Vader's ears?" His eyes lit up and he smiled as he grabbed the mask from his mama. He was back! ⁣
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"All right, this is an ear paintbrush. We're going to draw a picture with your ears." He nodded excitedly and turned his head towards me. He listened and followed directions like a champ. The rest of our evaluation was completed in record time. ⁣
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Over the years I've learned one of best ways to produce results is to stop, breathe and check in instead of just charging forward. The few extra minutes it takes to earn someone's trust and meet them where they're at has always been worth it. ⁣
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#starwars #darthvader #audiology #pediatrics #hearingevaluation #otoscopy #communicationiskey

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 121
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- **Comments:** 13

## Tags

audiology, starwars, hearingevaluation, pediatrics, darthvader, communicationiskey, otoscopy

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