Dear Annie: Suggestions for the hearing-impaired

Dear Annie: As a hearing-impaired person, I have some suggestions for other people who have hearing troubles, and I wanted to share them with your readers. The first thing I would suggest – if they haven’t done so already – is that they should see an ear, nose and throat physician, as well as a licensed audiologist.

If you have Wi-Fi at home, you may be able to get a free landline caption phone through a licensed audiologist. I have one. You read what the other party is saying. The phone would have the same phone number as any other landline phones in your home. The phone itself is free, but you still have to pay for monthly Wi-Fi.

Sometimes when I am on a no-caption phone, the easiest way for me to communicate is to ask the party a question where all they have to do is answer “yes,” “no” or “I don’t know.”

I also have my own simple sign language with friends, for those times when we are together. I ask them questions where the answer is “yes,” “no” or “I don’t know.” A thumbs-up is “yes”; a thumbs-down is “no”; and just a flat hand is “I don’t know.”

I do have a hearing aid, which works for me. However, people should talk more SLOWLY, not necessarily louder. – A Faithful Reader

Dear Faithful Reader: Speaking slowly and measured is always a good thing. Thank you for your wonderful tips, and I am sure they will help others.

Dear Annie: I want people to know how difficult it is to deal with life after a spouse dies. This includes grieving ahead of everything else, but while doing so we must deal with all the things that need to be settled, such as people you need to notify and arrangements for the living. I have been an executor for three small estates (under $1 million). The last one, which was unexpected, was a special challenge. No will, no book to go to for passwords for the computer, no final requests and a spouse whose husband did everything.

I cannot advise strongly enough how important it is to leave your papers (divorce and marriage certificate), passwords, life insurance companies, bank info, investments and anything else with the survivor or a family or friend you trust.

There is not one comprehensive list to check off all the tasks that need to be done. Lawyers, probate, Social Security and the funeral home all have their lists. So it is up to the survivor, usually an adult child, who has to do everything. – A Busy Daughter

Dear Busy Daughter: This is one of those subjects that no one wants to think about, but you are so right. Thanks for the reminder, and good luck with your important work.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.