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Communication Tips
Communicating with people with hearing loss is often difficult and frustrating for BOTH sides of the conversation. Here we have provided some tips to help minimise this frustration.
If you have hearing difficulties...
Let people know that your hearing isn’t great and how they can help. It’s better that they’re aware of your hearing issues rather than mistake you for being rude or ‘a little slow’.
- “Because of my hearing, it’s difficult when there’s more than one person speaking at a time….”
- “Make sure you get my attention, or I may miss what you’re saying.”
- “I read lips, so can I face you?”
- “I heard that you’re away for the holidays, but missed where you’re heading off to...”
Staying positive and friendly increases others’ willingness to help. And when someone goes out of their way to help, be sure to show your appreciation.
- “Can you speak up… you are not speaking clearly enough”
- “Sorry, I have trouble hearing. Could you speak up a little?
Location. Location. Location.
- “I don’t hear well in background noise. Can we move over there?”
- “Do you mind sitting on my right? That’s my good ear.”
Concentrate on the speaker and use visual cues such as facial expressions, body language and lip movement.
When you're talking with someone with hearing difficulties
- Show your support by improving your knowledge about hearing loss and, if you’re available, accompanying them to appointments at Australian Audiology Services.
- Before starting what you have to say, get their attention.
- Shouting is never helpful. Speaking calmly and clearly is far more effective.
- Let them see your mouth. Face them and lower your hands, masks, and hamburger as they all impede lip-reading.
- Physical gestures help with understanding. For example, if asking “what time is it?”, point to your watch.
- If you were not understood the first time, try saying it a different way.
.
When you're talking with someone with hearing difficulties
- Show your support by improving your knowledge about hearing loss and, if you’re available, accompanying them to appointments at Australian Audiology Services.
- Before starting what you have to say, get their attention.
- Shouting is never helpful. Speaking calmly and clearly is far more effective.
- Let them see your mouth. Face them and lower your hands, masks, and hamburger as they all impede lip-reading.
- Physical gestures help with understanding. For example, if asking “what time is it?”, point to your watch.
- If you were not understood the first time, try saying it a different way.
.
Request an appointment today!
Australian Audiology Services are here for all of your hearing care needs. Call us today on 1300 864 327, or complete the form here. One of our team will will be in touch as soon as possible to answer your questions, or to schedule an appointment at one of our hearing centres.