As we age, one of the most common experiences people report is difficulty hearing. Whether needing to turn up the volume on the TV or having to concentrate harder to participate in dinner conversations, hearing loss is often noticed by other people before the person is aware of it him/herself. Chances are you already know or care about someone who has difficulty hearing. Fortunately, there are several simple tips you can follow when communicating with someone with hearing loss, to make the conversation more enjoyable for both of you. Here are some tips to help improve communication with those who have hearing loss:
What to do
If you’re talking to someone who is hard of hearing, it’s helpful to face the person directly. If you are speaking in a different direction, it reduces their chances of fully hearing you. Plus, being able to see your face helps provide visual cues to what you are saying. If you can, try to avoid noisy environments. If the background is loud, try moving a little bit closer together to improve volume. You don’t have to invade each other’s personal space, but a closing the distance between the two of you when speaking can make a big difference.
Before you begin speaking, be sure to gain their attention by saying their name, then maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. Gestures or hand movements often help accentuate your words, but try to keep your hands away from your face and mouth – this can reduce sound quality. In addition, many people with hearing loss often rely on lip reading techniques. Do not over-accentuate lip movements, however, when speaking to try and make the process easier for them.
How to do it
There are often misconceptions about how to speak with someone who is experiencing hearing loss. You do not to shout, especially because it can distort speech and actually make it more difficult to be heard. Instead, speak clearly, slowly and naturally, all while making sure to annunciate your words. Try to avoid talking while eating or chewing gum because it can muffle sound. Be sure that your listener is aware of the topic you’re discussing. In addition, try to avoid sudden changes of topic. This will help avoid confusion and will help the conversation flow more naturally.
Why its important
Friendships, families, and relationships are all built on effective communication. It’s important that both parties in a conversation are able to participate fully. Taking simple steps to make sure that someone with hearing loss is comfortable can make all the difference.
