When Talking to a Person with Hearing Loss, You Should...

Communication is the cornerstone of all relationships, both personal and professional. Yet, for the millions of people living with hearing loss, simple conversations can become a frustrating challenge.

As a leading audiology clinic in Hoddesdon, we understand the nuances of living with and communicating around hearing difficulties. We're dedicated to helping individuals with hearing loss rediscover the joy of clear communication, and a crucial part of this involves educating others on how to best interact.

So, when talking to a person with hearing loss, what should you do?

Adapting Your Communication: Visual and Auditory Strategies for All Types of Hearing Loss

When speaking with someone who has hearing loss, it's important to understand that no two experiences are the same. Some individuals may retain partial hearing and rely on a mix of residual sound and visual cues like lip-reading, while others may have profound hearing loss or encounter environments where visual cues are inaccessible. Tailoring your communication to meet these varied needs shows respect and makes interaction smoother for everyone involved.

Here’s how to effectively adapt:

Maximise Visual Cues When Possible

• Ensure good lighting: Bright, front-facing light allows the person to clearly see your face, lips, and expressions. Avoid sitting with your back to a window or bright light source that casts shadows.

• Face the person directly: Lip-reading and facial expressions are easier to follow when you’re looking directly at someone. Avoid speaking from the side or turning away mid-sentence.

• Get their attention first: A wave, gentle tap, or calling their name helps focus their attention on you before you begin speaking.

• Speak naturally: Don’t exaggerate lip movements or raise your voice excessively. Shouting can distort sounds, and over-pronunciation can make lip-reading harder.

• Use expressions and gestures: Non-verbal cues like facial expressions and hand gestures add valuable context to your words.

Support Auditory Understanding and Clarity

• Speak clearly and at a steady pace: Avoid mumbling or talking too fast. Aim for a natural tone - neither too soft nor too loud.

• Rephrase if needed: If something isn’t understood the first time, say it differently instead of just repeating it louder. Changing the structure or wording often helps.

• Minimise background noise: Turn off music, televisions, or move to a quieter spot to help reduce distractions that can interfere with hearing aids or comprehension.

• Check for understanding: Instead of asking, “Did you get that?” - which may prompt a default “yes” - ask the person to summarise or repeat important points.

• Use written support: When discussing key information like directions, appointments, or unfamiliar names, writing it down ensures clarity and helps the person follow up if needed.

• Involve a trusted companion when appropriate: Some people prefer to have a family member or friend present to help bridge communication gaps. Respect and support their preferences.

By combining visual and auditory strategies, you can significantly ease the communication experience for people with any degree of hearing loss - whether they rely on lip-reading, residual hearing, or a mix of both.

Hearing Loss Professionals in Hoddesdon

If you are experiencing hearing loss, or have a family member or loved one who does, taking the first step towards better hearing can transform daily life. Contact Tranquil Hearing Care in Hoddesdon today to arrange an appointment for a comprehensive assessment with our expert audiologist. Call us on 01992 934196, send an email to info@tranquilhearingcare.co.uk, or book an appointment with our audiologist online.