Communication Tips for People with Hearing Loss

Though hearing loss is an invisible condition, its effects radiate to many different areas of our lives. With untreated hearing loss, speech recognition is an on-going struggle. Our brains receive incomplete signals that make it difficult to anticipate speech patterns or differentiate between similar-sounding words or phrases.

As a result, people with untreated hearing loss tend to experience muffled speech, which leads them to ask “What?” and also for people to repeat themselves. This makes communication, social settings, and conversations a frustrating experience for everyone involved – from the person who experiences hearing loss to their colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

Treating hearing loss – often with hearing aids – is the first step one can take to improving their communication skills. At the same time, if you have a friend, colleague, or family member who experiences hearing loss, there are certain things you can do to support them with communication.

Most of us understand that communication is key to healthy relationships. If you are communicating with someone who is new to hearing aids, it is important to remember that the adjustment period requires time and patience. If the person with whom you are speaking is currently experiencing hearing loss, or is a new hearing aid user, please consider the following tips to enhance communication:

• Sit or stand within 3 to 6 feet to maximize audibility.
• Remain at eye level to foster visual cues.
• Gain the person’s attention before speaking.
• Use facial expressions and gestures to give clues to the meaning of your message.
• Raise your voice, but do not shout. Loud speech may sound distorted.
  Speak slowly and distinctly.
• Use simple, short sentences.
• Rephrase your words if the person does not appear to understand or responds inappropriately.
• Avoid speaking directly in the person’s ears because it can distort your message and hide all visual cues.

If you experience hearing loss, there are steps you can take to make communication easier with your peers. A study conducted by Massachusetts Eye and Ear found that the way in which we disclose our hearing loss greatly affects future communication. From a survey conducted among hard of hearing people, researchers found that there were three main groups: non-disclosers, basic disclosers, and multi-purpose disclosers.

Non-disclosers avoided discussing their hearing loss completely. They may say, “I can’t hear you. Please speak up.” Non-disclosure does not indicate to others that you are experiencing hearing loss, which means they may be unable to shift their behavior to accommodate your hearing needs.

Basic disclosers discuss their hearing loss give some details, but not very much information otherwise. They may say, “I am partially deaf due to an infection I had as a child.” This suggests they may need accommodation in conversation, but does not give people very much detail.

Multi-purpose disclosers simultaneously reveal that they have a hearing loss and give people a suggestion for accommodation. Researchers believe that multi-purpose disclosure is the best method for disclosing your experience with hearing loss. They may say, “I don’t hear as well out of my left ear. Please walk on my right side.” This gives people information about the issue and how to better accommodate communication.

“We think it is empowering for patients to know these strategies, and especially the multi-purpose disclosure strategy, are available to them,” says Dr. Konstantina Stankovic, one of the researchers. “Hearing loss is an invisible disability; however, asking people to slow down or face someone with hearing loss while speaking may improve communication.”

As an invisible condition, hearing loss occurs gradually and people tend to wait an average of five years before seeking treatment. During this time, people may unintentionally alienate themselves from relationships due to difficulty with communication. Untreated hearing loss leads to withdrawal from social interactions, as well as an increased risk of stress, anxiety and depression.

Addressing hearing loss by taking a hearing test and being fitted for hearing aids will bring significant benefits. At Hear Care, our friendly team is here to support you through the process. With many different hearing solutions on the market, we will work with you to find the best fit to meet your hearing needs and reconnect you to your community and conversations. If you believe that you, or someone you love, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Hear Care today.