Family information - Communication tips

Information for Families An estimated 28 million people suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Either directly or indirectly, we are all affected. Hearing loss usually occurs very gradually. The process can be so slow that the impaired person may not even be aware of the problem until others notice it. Hearing loss can cause certain behaviors, such as asking others to repeat what they say more often or turning up the TV and radio. Part of the solution may be a hearing aid. When a hearing impaired individual begins to wear a hearing aid, they may face the often frustrating task of re-learning how to listen. This often takes a period of time to redevelop. During this period, the rest of the family plays an important role in the hearing impaired person's adjustment to amplification. Hearing aids do not restore “normal” hearing. They are only part of the solution. Even when someone is wearing hearing aids, there will still be times when they will not hear or understand what you are saying. Following the suggestions below may help. Tips For Communicating with People with Hearing Loss

1. Call his/her name and make sure he/she is watching you before you begin speaking.

2. Face him while speaking so he/she can see your lips.

3. Don’t try to talk from another room.

4. Talk slower.

5. Hold your head still while speaking.

6. Talk in a normal tone of voice – no shouting and no whispering.

7. Try to avoid having more than one person talking at a time.

8. Make sure there is adequate lighting in the room.

9. Don’t cover your mouth while you’re speaking.

10. Practice moving your mouth and lips more when you speak.

11. If he/she doesn’t understand what you are saying, try re-wording it. Remember that longer and more expressive words are easier to lip-read.

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