Do you know someone with hearing loss? If so, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure communicating with them isn’t hindered.
Do’s
- Do get the person’s attention before you begin talking. It can be as simple as saying their name so they know they should pay attention.
- Do repeat things if asked and try rephrasing it to provide more information about the topic.
- Do move closer to the person if you are in a noisy place or more than six feet away.
- Do use facial expressions and gestures to help augment communication.
- Do recommend they go get their hearing tested by a hearing healthcare professional.
Don’ts
- Don’t try to talk to someone from a different room. Sound doesn’t know how to travel around corners and through doors.
- Don’t yell. It changes your voice and face and can make reading cues from your face difficult.
- Don’t cover your mouth as you speak.
- Don’t say “never mind.” It is dismissive and excludes the person from the conversation when they were just trying to understand.
- Don’t speak extra slow. It doesn’t help the hearing impaired to hear any better and can make lip-reading harder.
For more tips, reach out to your hearing healthcare professional. If you don’t have a hearing care provider, we can help you find one in your area. Just call 1-888-908-1845 or click here.
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