For Friends and Families of the Hearing-Impaired

Some Strategies to Improve Communication

It is difficult to understand what it is like to live with hearing loss until it happens. Some individuals with hearing loss cut themselves off from the people around them since listening becomes so difficult. It can be a frustrating experience to live with someone with a hearing loss.

When you are communicating to someone who no longer hears speech clearly, simply raising the level of your voice does not help them to understand better. Some individuals experience speech in a distorted manner and it doesn't matter how loud your voice is, it may not be clear enough to understand, even with the use of a hearing aid. Individuals with a hearing loss require you to speak slowly and clearly. Try to face them so that your mouth is visible as they require visual cues to aid in communication. People are often able to see what sound you are making even though the sound itself may not be clear.

It is possible to have a conversation with a hearing-impaired individual without shouting. Remember, the following points are to make communication easier:

1. Get the individual's attention before you start to speak.
2. Make sure you are in the same room and are physically close so that your face can be easily seen.
3. Face the person directly. Try not to cover your mouth or turn away while you are speaking.
4. Speak slowly and clearly. It is not necessary to shout or exaggerate lip movements. In fact, shouting can be painful, especially if they wear hearing aids, and understanding will become more difficult.
5. Move away from background noise (air conditioners, television, crowds).
6. Do not test the effectiveness of the hearing aid by making communication difficult. Let the person use all the cues available.
7. Create successful listening situations to build confidence. Reinforce! Be positive!
8. Understand that an ill or tired person will not hear as well. Watch for signs of fatigue.
9. Encourage the use of a hearing aid. Keep short term goals in sight!
10. Encourage the hearing-impaired individual to let you know when they do not understand. It may be helpful to rephrase instead of repeating.
11. Pass this message on and let others know of the necessity of slowing down when they are speaking.

It is not easy to change old habits, but once you see that these strategies work, you will want to continue to use them.