Communication Strategies for People with Hearing Loss: How to Stay Connected
If you’re living with hearing loss, you’ve probably found every now and then that conversations can be difficult. The following tips can help you stay better connected to those around you.
Face People When They Speak
By making sure you can see someone’s face and lips when they talk, you’re giving yourself the advantage to read their lips and better comprehend what they’re saying. Seeing their facial expressions and other body language can also help put what they’re saying in better context.
Ask For a Heads Up
For those that you communicate with frequently, whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, and so on, asking for an indicator that they’re speaking to you before they start talking can ensure that you won’t miss important parts of a conversation or questions. This can be as simple as having them say your name to get your attention before they start speaking.
Repeat Information
So many numbers and words sound similar for everyone — not just those who are hard of hearing. When trying to get important details from someone, such as a time or date, make sure to repeat it back to them to ensure you heard them correctly. Better yet, try to also get the information in writing so they can correct it if needed.
Remove Background Noises
If possible, eliminating background noises when you’re having a conversation is a great way to help you hear better. For example, turn off TVs or radios that can easily drown out what people are saying or ask to sit away from large parties or the kitchen when you go out to eat.
While it’s not possible in all scenarios, making sure you’re comfortable in situations where it can be adjusted is a sure-fire way to help you stay connected.
Tell Those Around You What You Need
Don’t assume that they know in advance the best ways to help you understand them. Does it help if people look at you when they speak? Does talking and chewing at the same time make it difficult to see their mouth and understand what they’re saying? Tell them! Outwardly telling people what you need from them helps both parties in the conversation.
Find a Device That Works for You
There are plenty of hearing impaired devices that benefit those who are hard of hearing. However, these solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Finding a device that works for you and your situation is one of the best ways to improve the way you communicate with others.
Include Loved Ones
Bringing a family member or close friend to your doctor appointments can greatly help not only you, but them as well. Your audiologist can show them how your hearing devices work and suggest ways that they can both help with and handle your hearing loss.
Here at Resonance Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, we understand the impact that losing your hearing can have on someone. From performing hearing tests and evaluations to getting you fitted for the right Bluetooth hearing aids, we pride ourselves on providing our patients the ultimate experience in hearing healthcare services.
Contact us today to see how we can best serve you!