Communicating with hearing loss can be a challenging and frustrating experience. Whether you have been living with hearing loss for a while or have recently been diagnosed, it’s important to understand that there are ways to make communication easier. In this blog post, we will be discussing 10 tips for communicating if you have hearing loss, as well as how professionally-fitted hearing aids can supercharge these tips and help you reconnect with your loved ones.
Position yourself in the best spot to hear: This means positioning yourself in a location where you can hear the speaker clearly, such as moving closer to them or sitting in a spot where background noise is minimized.
Choose a secluded spot for dining or events. When making a reservation at a restaurant, request a table that is further away from the noise and commotion. This will provide an intimate setting for conversation, making it easier for you to hear the server and your dining companions. Prioritize your comfort, inquire if the restaurant plays loud music, and if so, consider dining elsewhere. The same goes for private events, communicating with the host and asking to be seated in a quieter area, away from loud speakers or bands. This way, you can focus on the conversations at your table, rather than the background noise.
Ask the speaker to face you and speak clearly: This will ensure that you can see their mouth and facial expressions, which can help you understand their speech better.
Communicate your needs clearly: If you anticipate being in a loud or noisy setting, proactively inform your friends of your recent hearing difficulties. Request they make a conscious effort to make eye contact with you while speaking and potentially tap your shoulder to gain your attention.
Initiate a private conversation: If you wish to have a conversation with someone in a loud place, suggest moving to a quieter location. This could mean stepping away from a crowded area at an event, or finding a quieter room or space to chat. Clearly communicate your hearing loss or need for a break from noise as the reason for this request. This allows for better communication, effective exchange of information or simply some peaceful moments.
Consider taking a speechreading class: This will help you improve your ability to understand speech by lipreading, which can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds.
Use assistive listening devices: Amplification devices or captioning can help you hear better in certain settings, such as in a crowded room or during a movie. During phone calls, use a telephone with amplified volume or a hearing aid-compatible phone. This will help you to hear better on the phone.
Seek out support groups or counseling to help you cope with the emotional aspects of hearing loss, such as feeling isolated or frustrated.
Be kind to yourself: If you find it challenging to keep up with the conversation, it’s alright to excuse yourself. It’s perfectly fine to leave early if you need to. Instead of focusing on conversation, you can still participate in socializing by participating in the activity at hand. This can help you to relax and remove the pressure of conversation while still enjoying the occasion. Remember to prioritize your well-being, your ears will appreciate it.
While these tips can be helpful, the most important tip is to leverage professionally-fitted hearing aids. An audiologist can help you choose the right hearing aid for your specific needs, and can also provide you with training on how to use and care for your hearing aid. With the right hearing aid, you will be able to hear more clearly and communicate more easily.
Hearing loss can be an isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right treatment and support, you can reconnect with your loved ones and enjoy all the things you used to love. If you are experiencing hearing loss, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our hearing practice and get your hearing tested. Our team of audiologists will work with you to find the right treatment options, including hearing aids, that will help you hear better and communicate more easily. Don’t wait, schedule your appointment today and start enjoying life again.