Some people need “basic training” when it comes to communicating with people with hearing loss. Here are five simple pointers that can go a long way toward facilitating and easing conversation with a deaf or hard of hearing adult or child.

Pay attention to noises around you

Typically, hearing aids and cochlear implants amplify noises as loudly as they amplify speech. (An exception is when noise reduction programs are being used.) Thus, background music, finger drumming, keys tapping, fan blowing, cars going by, etc. will all make it more difficult for the person to hear. Contain and control the noise in your environment as much as possible.

What’s your location?

Proximity to the person is very important. The farther away you are, the more a person with hearing loss will miss. Situate yourself comfortably close to them. Ask the person if they have a better ear. Sometimes people will prefer that you sit on a particular side when you’re talking. For other people, sitting opposite them is best. Asking them is a courtesy they will appreciate. Also, try not to stand or sit in front of windows or mirrors. These reflect light and make it more difficult for the person to see your facial expressions or read your lips. These are two skills many people with hearing loss use to fill in what they have missed.

Attention please!

Get the person’s attention first, make sure you have it and then tell them whatever it is you want to say. This will reduce your having to repeat what you say and any ensuing frustration on both sides. Note if their attention is wavering. This could be a sign that the person is becoming fatigued. It is hard work for people with hearing loss to listen and participate in conversations.

Pay attention to how you speak

Do you mumble, talk with food in your mouth, speak quickly or use hand gestures? All of these will impede how well someone can understand you. Look the person in the eye and speak clearly without food or gum in your mouth. Keep your gesturing hands away from your face. Speak at a normal rate. Dramatically slowing down your speech only exaggerates it and makes it more difficult to understand.

Find a quiet spot

If you’re at a group gathering, try to find a quiet corner where you can converse with the person. Sometimes, stepping out into the hallway, to another room or outside can make a dramatic difference. Remember, the person with hearing loss has to work very hard to keep up in social situations. It can be quite exhausting for them, especially a child. They may welcome the relief a quiet corner or place offers them, even momentarily.

Print these tips and give them out to family members, co-workers or anyone you think can benefit. Using these simple ideas can strengthen relationships between people with hearing loss and the people who surround them with normal hearing.

This article is one in a series of Paula’s Pearls articles intended to support people with hearing loss and their family members. To see the complete list of articles, visit the Paula’s Pearls page here.

Paula Rosenthal, J.D. has had a life-long hearing loss and is a bilateral cochlear implant recipient as is her daughter. She is the founder of HearingExchange , a blog and resource community and HearingExchange Kids and also speaks around the country to organizations and parents about hearing loss and related issues. For more information, read Paula’s complete bio here.

© 2008 Paula Rosenthal and HearingExchange. All rights reserved. For reprint permission send an email with your request to info@hearingexchange.com.

Tweet This Post

Popularity: 5% [?]