It is important to understand that we, as friends and family members, can play a large role in helping our loved ones communicate in the most effective way possible. The key to this goal is realizing that communication is a two-way street. The following is a list of strategies that are extremely helpful for those with hearing loss:
- Do not speak unless you are in the same room with the listener.
- Get the person’s attention before you begin to speak to him/her. If necessary, call the person’s name or touch him/her lightly to attract their attention.
- Be sure the listener can see your face clearly. Do not stand in front of a light or a window. The glare will make it difficult for him/her to see your face.
- Do not turn or walk away while speaking.
- Do not shout. Speak at a normal volume. Shouting distorts speech and makes it harder to understand.
- Speak at a normal rate. Don’t speak too fast. The faster you talk, the harder it is to understand.
- Speak clearly. Do not exaggerate movements of your mouth. This will also distort speech.
- Do not speak directly into the listener’s ear.
- If the listener does not understand what you have said, rephrase the statement rather than simply repeating it.
- Be patient. Try not to get upset if you have to repeat things a lot. Hearing fluctuates with days, times and moods.
- Talk in a quiet area. The noisier the room, the more difficulty we all have following a conversation.
Print this out and put a copy on your fridge! Refer to it often to remind yourself how to help your friend/family member in those difficult situations. Keep in mind that these are strategies we are not used to using so this is new for you too, and it will take time before these strategies become natural. Learn to be patient and gentle with yourself during this process, and practice practice practice!