Tips for Video Calls and Group Chats for Hearing Loss

Most of us have started spending a lot more time online in the last few months. We use video calls and group chats to communicate with family and keep in touch with friends. We use online communication tools to chat with coworkers, have meetings, and collaborate on projects. If you have hearing loss, you may be struggling to hear clearly during these online conversations. That’s why we’ve put together our best tips for video calls and group chats for people with hearing loss.

Check Your Connection

One of the most important things to do before you hop on a video call or group chat is to check your internet connection. This is just as important for people with normal hearing as it is for people with hearing loss. A poor internet connection can distort the sound, make the video freeze, or even disconnect the call altogether. This makes it hard to follow what’s being said, or catch up once your connection stabilizes.

Our first tip for video calls is to check your connection and set up your video calling station where your signal is the strongest. This is typically close to the router. You can also use a wired connection for a stronger signal.

Turn Off Noise

Whether you have hearing loss or normal hearing, it’s always much harder to hear a video call when there’s background noise in your office or home. Before the call starts, turn off any background noise. This includes the TV, radio, music, or any other distracting noise. If you’re having a video call at home, shut the door to your office, or ask other family members to avoid making noise in the same room.

Keep the Meeting Small

Whenever possible, try to keep the meeting size small. The ideal size for an online meeting is no more than 5 to 7 people. With more people on the call, it’s harder to communicate effectively. Some people in the meeting may not talk at all, and it can be harder to have a productive meeting.

Use Hand Signals

Another tip for video calls is to make use of a few simple hand signals. Participants can raise their hand when they want to ask a question or add a comment. You can also use a thumbs up to agree, or two thumbs up to say you love an idea. This helps keep everyone on the same page without needing to individually check in with everyone on the call.

Hearing Aids with Connectivity Features

If you have a hearing loss, our best tip for hearing during video calls and group chats is to get the right hearing aids for your lifestyle and hearing needs. Many of our top performing hearing aids have connectivity features that allow you to connect your hearing aids directly to your computer or smartphone. These hearing aids are often called Made-for-iPhone devices.

This technology uses the Bluetooth network to seamlessly “pair” or connect your hearing aids to your devices. You’ll be able to stream audio from your phone, tablet, or computer right to your hearing aids! Your devices will act like wireless earbuds, helping you hear each and every word.

Assistive Listening Devices

If you want to connect your devices to your computer but you don’t have Bluetooth enabled hearing aids, you can use an assistive listening device. For example, a streaming device can be plugged into your computer or smartphone. This device will wirelessly stream audio from your video calls right to your hearing aids so that you can easily hear the conversation and participate in the group chat.

Find What Works for You

Everyone is different, so you’ll need to find what works for you. Follow these tips to help you hear during video calls and group chats, and think about your hearing aids. If your hearing aids don’t have connectivity features, you can visit us to find options that are Bluetooth enabled. If you’re happy with your current devices, come ask us about assisted listening devices and find out how you can connect your devices to your phone or computer. Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the best options for you so you can get connected to the devices you use the most.