I’m Sorry… Can You Please Repeat That?
The impact of hearing loss can extend beyond the person with hearing loss to family and friends. Communication is a two-way process and often communication breakdowns can be frustrating for everyone involved. As an Audiologist, I constantly remind my clients that while hearing aids and implants are effective therapies to improve hearing, they will not restore perfect hearing. However, the use of a few simple communication strategies by both the speaker and the listener can turn a stressful listening situation into one that is manageable. Listed below are some useful communication tips for individuals with hearing loss and their communication partners.
Tips for individuals with hearing loss
Face the person
Facing the person, you’re talking to can provide useful information to help you understand what is being said. Watching the person’s mouth move and overall facial expressions can reveal cues to what is trying to be communicated.
Direct the conversation
If you are unable to understand what is being said, ask specific questions. “I’m sorry did you say…..?” Often clarifying what has been said will avoid the embarrassment of mishearing.
Get closer
Moving closer to the person you are speaking to can dramatically help. The physics of speech is such that speech sounds, especially the all-important consonants, will dissipate over a distance and get absorbed or reverberated in the environment. The ideal listening distance is no more than 3 feet.
Control the environment
The environment plays an important role in communicating and we can all agree that conversing in noisy environments can be difficult. Moving to a place with less background noise will significantly help; try closing the door, turning down the radio or switching off the TV. If possible when dining out avoid sitting next to large parties and try to sit furthest away from noisy areas of the restaurant such as the kitchen. Sitting with your back to the wall or in a corner or in a booth can also help.
Remember– don’t be afraid to speak about your hearing loss and offer useful tips to family members, friends and work colleagues.
Tips for speaking to a person with hearing loss
Get attention
Get the attention of the person you’re speaking with. Saying their name or simple gesturing can alert the listener and prepare them to listen. Speaking to a person with a hearing loss who has their back to you or trying to have a conversation with the listener in another room will reduce the chance of them understanding what has been said.
Don’t hide your face
Make it easy for the listener to see your face. Waving your hands in front of your face or having a conversation in a dimly lit space can make it difficult for listeners to gain useful conversational cues that will help with understanding.
Repeat and Rephrase
Raising your voice slightly can help but do not shout. Shouting will only make your voice sound distorted and unpleasant. Repeating and rephrasing can go a long way in a conversation. If you realize the person you’re conversing with is unable to understand what you have said, try saying it in a different way, use fewer words or say it more directly. In addition, pay attention to the speed at which you’re speaking at. Remember to speak naturally, clearly, and distinctly.
Control the environment
If it’s appropriate sit on the hearing-impaired listeners better side. You’ll be sure to earn brownie points for remembering if your communication partner hears better on one side. Also, being mindful of the ambient noise will really help a communication partner out. The louder it is the less likely they are to hear you.