7 Tips For Communicating With A Person Who Has Hearing Loss

Communication is the key to a healthy, functioning family dynamic. When a family member has hearing loss it can make natural conversations difficult, resulting in feelings of isolation, frustration, and resentment all around. The good news is there are solutions. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids will make a difference in a big way. But it helps to have additional communication strategies to avoid misunderstandings and reduce stress. Take a look at these communication strategies that will make conversations flow more smoothly in your household.

Tip #1: Be sure to get your listener's attention before speaking

Visual signs are vital for those who have a moderate to severe hearing loss. When hearing loss isn't facing the speaker and can't see their lips, deciphering speech might be challenging. Simply tapping your hard-of-hearing loved one on the shoulder to gain their attention before speaking to them is a simple way to begin communicating with them.

Tip #2: Try not to get upset over misunderstandings

When you don't feel heard or understood, it's reasonable to feel annoyed. Take a step back and take a huge, deep breath if this happens. Allow your emotions to settle, and remember that your loved one is going through their struggles and isn't ignoring or misinterpreting you on purpose. Decide whether you want to take another approach to resolve the misunderstanding or go on in the conversation once you've calmed down. Both you and your conversation partner will feel more calm and empathic due to this pause.

Tip #3: Make an effort to enunciate

When talking with your hard-of-hearing loved one, you'll need to put in the extra effort to speak as clearly and precisely as possible. This is especially important if you are someone who naturally talks at the speed of light or has a tendency to mumble! However, it isn't necessary to slow down your speech to an unnatural rate. Speaking at a moderate, relaxed pace and making sure to enunciate is the best way for you to be understood. 

Tip #4: One-word answers are easy to misunderstand

Being mindful of how you speak will make communication easier and less stressful for everyone involved. When we talk, we naturally speed up and shorten our speech, and it's not uncommon to give hasty, one-word answers to questions. But it can be easy for someone with hearing loss to miss these answers the first time and lose the thread of conversation. Instead of responding with "yes" or "no," try your best to use complete sentences such as "Yes, I liked the dinner" or "No, he isn't coming with us." 

Tip #5: Rephrasing is better than repeating

If your hard-of-hearing loved one has trouble understanding you the first time around, avoid repeating yourself word for word. It is more effective to rephrase your statement or question, giving your family member a chance to pick up on different keywords.

Tip #6: Seek out professional advice if your family needs help

Suppose you and your loved ones have struggled to cope with communication difficulties resulting from a family member's untreated hearing loss. In that case, it may be time to get some professional guidance. A counselor can help diffuse the conflict and suggest strategies that bring more understanding and peace to the household. Many hearing care specialists are experienced in assisting families in communicating and would be happy to assist.

Tip #7: Work on convincing your loved one to use hearing aids

Convincing your loved one to get hearing aids is easier said than done. But if you can successfully do so, the benefits for your loved one are potentially life-changing. Hearing aids not only improve relationships they also increase mobility, delay cognitive decline, and help keep your partner safe. Be sure to choose the right time to talk, preferably when they are in a relaxed frame of mind rather than when they are tired or stressed. The place is also essential: choose a quiet spot away from any distractions so that their focus is on you. If your partner is still unreceptive, talk about the effect that their hearing loss has had on your life. If the years of having to constantly repeat things, of acting as their "ears," and of having to worry about your spouse have taken a toll on your well-being, make it known. Ideally, your partner wants the best for you and will take steps to improve their hearing when they realize the effect it has had on your relationship.

If you are concerned about the hearing abilities of someone in your family, our team of audiologists is just a phone call away. We provide comprehensive hearing testing and hearing aid fittings in St. Louis, MO. Contact us to learn more.