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Hearing loss is one of the most common, chronic medical conditions that people navigate today. Impacting over 48 million people, you may know someone who lives with impaired hearing. Hearing loss reduces a person’s ability to clearly hear and process sound which presents various challenges to communication. There are numerous ways you can provide critical support, creating greater accessibility and ways to engage thoughtfully. A few useful tips to accommodate a person with hearing loss include the following:
Use effective communication strategies: there are specific strategies you can use to enhance communication and maximize your loved one’s hearing. This includes:
- Grab attention: before speaking, make sure to grab their attention by calling their name so that they are ready for the conversation. This signals that you are about to say something and allows them to be ready.
- Remain visible: face the person and remain visible throughout the conversation. Clear visibility allows people with hearing loss to see your mouth which allows them to lip read – a common strategy that is used to further help understand what is being said. Visibility also allows people to see nonverbal ways of communicating – facial movements, hand gestures, eye contact etc. – which are important cues that provide greater context and understanding.
- Speak clearly: it is often assumed that you can simply speak louder to be heard but this is an ineffective strategy that can also be embarrassing! Speaking loudly can actually further muffle sounds making it even more difficult to hear. It is important to speak clearly, fully annunciate words, and use your natural voice.
- Rephrase vs. repeat: if there is difficulty or confusion, rephrase what you are saying rather than repeating using exact same words. People with hearing loss can have more difficulty with specific sounds so using other ways of saying what you are trying to communicate can be helpful.
Reduce background noise
Background noise is often a significant barrier to hearing. It provides competing noise for your ears and brain to process which distracts from the conversation and can be overwhelming. There are helpful ways to reduce background noise including:
- avoid places with noisy environments and/or going to places during peak hours
- opt for quieter settings to spend time in (parks, gardens, museums etc.)
- if talking in a car, roll up the windows to reduce outside noise
- turn off or avoid using household appliances during conversations (blenders, dishwasher, vacuums, television, speaker etc.)
Avoid multitasking
Multitasking can be another barrier to smooth conversations. It can be a source of background noise, block visibility, and prevents people from being fully present and available for effective communication. It is important to avoid things like texting, cooking, eating etc. while trying to have a conversation.
Check-in during conversation
Another helpful strategy is to consistently check-in with the other person throughout the conversation. There are different ways to do this – simply asking if they can hear, understand, are comfortable with your volume, what they need etc. This normalizes asking for feedback and centering the other person’s hearing needs which are great ways to create a comfortable and accessible environment.
Support the journey
Hearing loss can be challenging to navigate. Acknowledging hearing changes, seeking treatment, and relearning ways to communicate can be emotionally and mentally trying. There are various stages on this journey which can include denial, social withdrawal, and depression. It is important to be an advocate for your loved one and their hearing health. There are countless ways to support their journey including:
- attending hearing health related appointments with them
- practicing different ways to communicate and maximize hearing
- being patient and flexible as they explore what works best
- learn about what rights and accommodations that are eligible for and advocate that they access those rights
- in group settings, remind others of helpful communication tips
- choose optimal settings: good lighting to enhance visibility, quieter environment etc.
Practicing these strategies can really create the conditions needed for effective communication. Your support and prioritization of your loved one’s hearing needs is invaluable. This improves the quality time and space shared, strengthening your relationship and connection.