How to Effectively Communicate with People Who Are Hard-of-Hearing

For those that are hard-of-hearing, communication with others can become quite a frustrating and daunting task. This is because besides the fact that they already have trouble hearing, their communication partners are not aware that there are ways to make this task easier and more effective. There are several tips that people can follow when talking to someone who is hard-of-hearing. Follow these tips and the whole process will go much smoother.

1. Be sure to always face people who are hard-of-hearing, and if possible, get on the same level as them. This allows them to better understand you, because they have additional information about what you are saying. They will not only be able to focus and listen more efficiently, but will also have the opportunity to interpret your facial expressions, lip read, and speechread. All of these will be possible because they will be able to directly see your face.

2. Always be aware of the lighting in the room. It is best for the light to be shining in the speaker's face, rather than in the eyes of people who are hard-of-hearing. Having the light shine upon your face as the speaker will accentuate your facial features. This will allow them to read your expressions and lips more precisely. Never let the light shine in the eyes of people who are hard-of-hearing. They need to be able to see the person they are communicating with, and light in their face will most likely distract and inhibit them from using all of the clues and information available.

3. Be aware of the fact that even though the people who are hard-of-hearing may be able to hear you, your speech may sound distorted. Therefore, they may have trouble understanding some of the words that you say. Try to avoid becoming angry or frustrated with them, because it gets no one anywhere. It is good to be aware that they may not always fully understand you, so that when this does occur, you can prevent negative feelings.

4. Always talk to people who are hard-of-hearing in the same room as they are. You should never yell room to room, but if you absolutely must, tell them who you are and make sure that they have heard you.

5. Take into consideration that everyone has a decreased hearing ability and understands less when they are tired or sick.

6. Speak in a normal fashion but at a slightly slower pace. This will make your speech clearer. Do not shout, exaggerate, or string your words together too rapidly.
7. Keep objects out of your mouth and away from your face when talking, including your hands. Anything that will obstruct the person's view of your face or the clarity of your speech will make you more difficult to understand.

8. Rephrase your sentences rather than repeat them if the person has trouble understanding you. It is better to find a new way to say what you are trying to get across rather than to repeat the same confusing words multiple times.

9. Never speak too rapidly or use complex and long sentences. You should also always pause between sentences and phrases to allow people who are hard-of-hearing time to process what you have said and ask for clarification if necessary.

10. If you are giving people who are hard-of-hearing specific information such as time, place, price, or a telephone number, ask them to repeat it back to you to assure that they have correctly heard you. Many words and numbers sound very similar.

11. Do not suddenly change the topic of the conversation, but if you must, make sure you specifically tell them that you have.

12. Avoid making or bringing them near loud noises. Many people who are hard-of-hearing are sensitive to this.

13. Reduce background noise when possible. This may include something as simple as turning off the television or radio.

People that are hard-of-hearing may often become frustrated that they cannot understand what people around them are saying. It can also get very frustrating for their communication partners when they are trying to tell them something and cannot easily and effectively do so. Although these tips may seem simple, they can make a world of difference for both parties. Communication will be a much more satisfying process all around!

References:
http://www.redcross.org/services/volunteer/0,1082,0_75_,00.html
http://www.seniorhealthcare.org/Srhealth.nsf/allPublic/BBE761A89ABC071186256A86004980D2/$FILE/Tips+on+talking+to+HOH.htm