Hearing is Important and we want to hear you!
Would you like to communicate with someone with hearing loss? Here are some tips from your friends at Hearing Loss Association of America- Twin Cities Chapter (HLAA-TC).
Speaking to Someone with Hearing Loss
Here are some tips to help facilitate conversations and include someone with hearing loss.
-Be in the same room and establish eye contact with your listener.
-Keep your mouth uncovered to assist with lip reading.
-Sit or stand close enough to the person with hearing loss to help them to maintain eye contact, lip read, and see your facial expressions.
-Make sure the lighting is on your face and not behind you so that your listener can see you clearly.
-If your listener favors one ear over another, speak more toward their preferred side.
-Wait for your turn in groups settings to prevent confusion.
-Address your listener by name to attract their attention before starting a conversation.
-Do not scream or shout.
-Use a comfortable volume voice for your listener, speak slowly, and enunciate your words.
-Limit distractions during conversation by eliminating noises like music or television.
-Ask the listener what they need.
-Write down specific information, like addresses, or ask the person to repeat it back to you for confirmation.
-Watch for cues. If the listener seems lost or confused, tactfully ask them if they understood you.
-If they are having trouble understanding you, try to say it in a different way by using other words that may be easier to hear and understand. Pause between sentences.
-Do not ignore someone with hearing loss as if they aren’t there. Speak directly to that person and be mindful of their needs.
-Practice patience with your listener, as conversation can require more focus.
We would love to share more with you. Join us at a monthly meeting (typically the 3rd Saturday, Sept. – May), participate in a monthly Zoom Book Club, read a newsletter or blog, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube (where you can watch some Chapter Presentation Recordings), and join us at special events like The Twin Cities Walk4Hearing.