A lot goes into carrying on a successful conversation. What can be challenging for those with normal hearing can be even more complicated when you add hearing loss into the mix. Follow this list of do’s and don’ts next time you find yourself struggling to communicate with someone who had mild to moderate hearing loss.
Getting Their Attention
Don’t shout or clap in order to get someone’s attention. Instead, simply tap them on the shoulder or wave until they notice you.
You always want to wait to start a conversation until you are face-to-face; don’t start talking if their head is turned.
When speaking with someone who has hearing loss, don’t talk quickly or loudly. Instead, the best outcomes are when you speak slowly and clearly.
If They Misheard You
When carrying on a conversation, it is perfectly normal for someone to mishear you. In order to correct this, do try to rephrase what you just said with different words or phrases. Don’t just loudly repeat what you already said.
Do be patient and keep trying to get your point across. Getting frustrated or giving up is not helpful. If needed, try writing your thoughts down.
Need A Change of Scenery
Sometimes it’s not you; it’s the room. Background noise can make it hard to hear, and rooms without soft fabrics, such as carpeting or curtains, offer poor acoustics. Do try stepping into another, cozier room and trying the conversation again.
Additional Tips
- Do avoid speaking over other people when in a group setting
- Don’t cover your mouth or talk while chewing or yawning
- Do stand close enough to the person you are talking to without being so close that they cannot easily switch between eye contact and lip reading
- Don’t attempt to have a conversation from another room
- Do say the person’s name you are talking to before you start speaking in order to get their attention
- Don’t shout to make yourself heard
- Do write down important information like an address or a name
To learn more communication tips or to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional, contact Prescott ENT today.