Those who experience hearing loss may feel left out or frustrated when attempting to communicate with friends, family members, or co-workers.
That won’t be the case anymore.
Hometown Hearing Centre in Ontario has provided a few tips on how to effectively speak to someone with hearing loss below. Contact our office near you to learn more.
Make Sure They Can See Your Mouth as You Speak
If you are spending time with someone in person who is experiencing hearing loss, make sure they can see your mouth as you talk.
This will help them follow the movement of your lips and better understand the words that are coming out of your mouth.
It’s okay to talk at a normal pace and to make natural facial expressions as well to help them follow along.
Talk Directly Into the Phone
When speaking on the phone with someone who has hearing loss, make sure to talk directly into the phone and not to the side of it.
This will help the person on the other end of the line better hear what you are saying.
You will also be able to avoid shouting into the phone, which can be frustrating for both you and the person on the other end.
Avoid Any Distractions
It’s best to try keeping distractions to a minimum when speaking with someone who has hearing loss.
Background noise can make it especially difficult for them to hear what you are saying, which can lead to having you continually raise your voice in order to be heard.
If possible, find a quiet place to have your conversation.
Use Words That are Easy to Understand
During your conversation, use words that are easy for the other person to comprehend.
Don’t use complex or difficult words, because they may be hard for the person with hearing loss to follow and you may end up having to repeat what you said.
It’s also a good idea to avoid using slang terms or idioms, as they may not be familiar to the person you are speaking to, and could potentially lead to confusion.
Hometown Hearing Centre is here to help you better understand and connect with those who experience hearing loss.
Our team of professionals can provide you with the tools and resources necessary to make communication easier than ever before, including hearing loss prevention services, hearing testing and hearing aids. Contact an office near you today for more information!
