Great Tips from Healthy Hearing – Hard of hearing communication tips –
Here are some do’s and don’ts you can keep in mind to help facilitate better conversations and include someone with hearing loss:
~ Make sure you don’t cover your mouth. Don’t talk through a yawn or while chewing gum. (For deaf and hard of hearing people who use American Sign Language and lip reading, this is especially important.)
~ Don’t speak from another room or when your back is turned to the person. Don’t shout in any situation.
~ Sit or stand close to the person with hearing loss, but not so close that he or she can’t easily switch focus between maintaining eye contact and speech reading.
~ If the person with hearing loss hears better in one ear, take note of that and try to speak more toward their right or left side.
~ Before starting a conversation, say the person’s name so you can get his or her attention. Wave or gently tap them if they don’t hear you.
~ When giving specific information, like an address or time for a meeting, write the important information down or ask the person to repeat the specifics to you so you can make sure they got them right.
~ Pay attention to the listener’s cues. People with hearing loss sometimes feel embarrassed or get tired of asking others to repeat themselves or clarify. If the person looks a bit puzzled, find a tactful way to ask if he or she understood you.
~ In group settings, make sure to avoid speaking over each other.
~ Don’t talk about a person with hearing loss as if she or he isn’t there. Instead, talk directly to that person and do your best to use the above and below tactics.
Read the full article on Healthy Hearing by CLICKING HERE
We are here to help if you or a family member is having any difficulties with hearing, hearing aids, or Tinnitus please give us a call at 727-323-2471 and set up an appointment. We can help you.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help if you have any questions about your hearing, feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471