Hearing Loss Communication Tips
Get and Keep Person’s Attention
- Get the person’s attention before you begin talking
- Be at the person’s eye level; bend or kneel for someone in a wheelchair
- Stay out of shadows- keep the light on your face while talking
- Show your face- especially your mouth, while talking; avoid chewing gum, drinking, or eating when talking
- Stay put- don’t move around while talking
Help Yourself Be Heard
- Position yourself within 3-6 feet of the person you’re talking to
- Avoid background noise
- Speak:
- Clearly
- Not too fast, not too slow
- In a normal tone of voice
- Keep it short- your sentences, that is, not the conversation
“Say” It Another Way
- Use facial expressions and gestures
- Rephrase
- Write keywords
- Make sure you were understood- nodding yes does not necessarily mean that the listener understood you
- Tactfully ask the person what was said or ask leading questions, so you know that your message got across
- Ask the listener what you can do to make the message easier to understand
- In a group setting, repeat questions or key facts before continuing with the discussion