Improving Communication with Your Family

The cornerstone to every relationship is communication. When we can communicate clearly, we are able to voice our needs, intentions, feelings and more. With healthy hearing we also can listen to what the other person on the other side of the conversation is trying to communicate. Those of us living with hearing loss can often make the mistake that just because we struggle to hear, means we can’t communicate clearly. However, communication is a two-way street and when we take the time to ask others to change the way they communicate to make it easier for us, we can have rich and meaningful conversations for years to come.

Tips for Communicating with People with Untreated Hearing Loss

While most forms of hearing loss are irreversible the most common treatment for hearing loss are hearing aids. Hearing aids can be programmed to amplify only the sounds you struggle with based upon your last hearing exam. With amplified hearing we can follow along with conversations and be more alert of our environment. However, of those with hearing loss 70 years and older who could benefit from hearing aids, only 30 percent use them. Here are some tips for those on both sides of treatment on a journey with hearing loss.

Do not take it personally
It can be so confusing when you live with untreated hearing loss and this can cause resentment from your loved ones. Remind them not to take it personally. As the New Year approaches it is a good time to commit to having your hearing tested and take the steps to improve your ability to communicate. In the meantime, as you navigate the holidays, ask them to be patient with you as you attempt to follow what they are saying.

Get Their Attention
Remind your loved one that it takes focus to follow conversations when hearing loss is present. When they start a conversation or have something they want to say to you, let them know how much easier it will be for you to follow when you are prepared to listen. They could say your name or even tap your shoulder so you can be ready and poised for what they are going to say. This also gives us an opportunity to focus on lip reading and other visual cues we can use to follow along with greater ease.

Be clear and audible
Many people think that to communicate with someone with hearing loss that they have to shout so we can hear. However, shouting can distort sound and lips making it harder to follow what is being said. Instead of focusing on volume, ask them to take note of how well they enunciate and how fast they speak. Speaking with a measured seed and making sure to pronounce all consonants and vowels can help you follow along. In addition, ask them to take breaks at the end of sentences and at the end of concepts to give you a second or two more to catch up and process what was said.

Get closer and maintain eye contact
When you maintain eye contact with the speaker, you have a chance to be more connected to each other. This means if you are confused by something they’ve said, they are more likely to notice and take the time to clarify. Let them know you have issues with hearing and what they can do to help you hear clearer.

Tips for Communicating with People with Hearing Loss

For those of us who have already invested in hearing aids, we know how much easier it is to communicate on the other side. However, while hearing aids can help, it will still take added focus to hear. The first step is to make sure you wear your hearing aids daily. It’s recommended that you wear them from the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep, only to be removed when you bathe or swim. No matter what you do, make sure you wear them when you are going to socialize.

Tell Others about Your Hearing Loss

When socializing make sure that background noises are turned down so you can truly focus and don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations such as eye contact and better lighting so you can hear your best.

Join the million who enjoy clear communication with hearing aids. The first step is to schedule a hearing exam with us today.