Have a loved one with hearing loss? Here are several ways to help communicate better.
It can be trying to communicate day to day with someone who has hearing loss. Many do not realize that it can still be a challenge to talk with someone who has hearing aids too. To help you keep in touch, here are some helpful tips on communicating with those with hearing loss.
Understand
It may sound cheesy, but understanding what the hearing aid wearer’s situation is will help tremendously with having patience and adapting. There is no cure for hearing loss; there is no way to reconstruct the damaged hair cells in the inner ear. Hearing aids amplify the still damaged hearing, and while this can greatly improve the condition, it is not foolproof.
Annunciate, Don’t Shout
Speaking louder is not the sole answer to getting heard. While it is helpful to project your voice (not the same as shouting), annunciating is also important. The goal is to speak clearly, not necessarily loudly.
Speak Slower
Part of speaking clearly may involve speaking slower. There is likely no need to go beyond an average speaking pace, but keeping from rattling off the tongue will ensure a higher chance that your listener has time to interpret your speech.
Avoid Noisy Environments
You can also cut out the confusion by avoiding noisy environments like bars, casual restaurants, crowded rooms, air conditioners, sports games, and so on. As long as you are in a quieter area, your chances for good communication are higher, especially if you are a more soft-spoken person.
Decrease the Space Between
In the era of social distancing, it may seem taboo to think of getting closer to someone else when speaking with them. Regardless, at 15 feet or less, your speech will travel better than not. Don’t assume they can hear you from a different floor or across the house.
Connect Directly
Direct connection before communicating is also a helpful tool. First get their attention before speaking, so they can listen fully from the start. It also helps to make eye contact, which is more powerful than speech.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.