Communication is a two-way road where listening and speaking are interchanged at intervals. Communication effectively takes a certain level of hearing, listening and understanding of what the other person is saying. If one of these three things is missing, it creates a chasm to fill.
This is why communication might be an issue for persons with hearing loss. But it is not impossible; thankfully, there are many ways to bridge this communication gap and here are a few.
Understanding Hearing Loss
One way to start is to understand that hearing loss comes in different forms and degrees and affects people differently. Some people often struggle with certain frequencies, while others might have difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
To properly communicate, understand that hearing loss is an invisible condition. It is not written on a person’s face. A person may look like they are following your words and thoughts but they might just be reading your lips. Sometimes, they might watch your facial expressions or even guess the content based on context.
Maintain Eye Contact
In every conversation, strive to make and maintain eye contact, as it is a very powerful communication tool. When used with a person with hearing loss, it helps them focus on you and what you are saying so they can easily follow the conversation.
Eye contact also leaves room for visual cues like lip reading, body language interpretations and facial expressions for heightened understanding. Avoid speaking from another room or turning your back while talking, as this can make it nearly impossible for someone with hearing loss to comprehend what you’re saying.
Speak Clearly and Naturally
Louder isn’t always better, so be sure to speak clearly, be audible, and maintain a natural tone. This is very important when you are speaking to persons with hearing loss. Pro tip: be as calm as possible in your speech, enunciate your words and maintain a moderate pace so they can keep up.
It is also advisable to pause between sentences to give them time to process or ask any questions to clarify what they’ve heard. Also, remove any complex grammar when you are speaking to persons with hearing loss. You want to drop the fancy words and jargon and be more direct for their sake.
Be Mindful of Background Noise
When speaking to people with hearing loss, one of the things you should be aware of is the presence of background noise. These noises could be anything from children playing, traffic, television, or music, greatly interfering with a person’s perception of sounds. This might make it difficult for them to hear you or concentrate on your words.
If you’re in a noisy environment, try moving to a quieter location or turning off the noise source. For example, if you’re in a restaurant, ask to be seated in a quieter section. Encourage others to take turns speaking in groups, as overlapping conversations might be overwhelming and confusing.
Use Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication can greatly enhance your message and ensure that it’s understood. Gestures, facial expressions, and body language are crucial in conveying your message. For instance, if you’re giving directions, use hand signals to complement your verbal instructions. A smile can indicate agreement, while a nod can show understanding.
Writing things down can also be an effective strategy. If the person struggles to hear you, jot down key points or use a smartphone to type out what you’re saying. This can be especially useful in noisy environments or when discussing important information.
Practice Patience and Understanding
Patience and understanding are key when communicating with someone who has hearing loss. They may need you to repeat yourself or ask for clarification, and that’s okay. Try not to get frustrated or show impatience, as this can create stress and make communication even more difficult.
A positive attitude can make a world of difference. Acknowledge their efforts to understand and communicate, and be willing to adapt your style to meet their needs. By doing so, you’re making the conversation easier and showing respect and empathy for their situation.
Conclusion
Anyone can talk, but it takes empathy and self-awareness to put the hearing needs of a person dealing with hearing loss before yours. It also takes lots of practice, trial and error to master the art. Maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, minimizing background noise, and incorporating non-verbal cues will help you most, so remember them in every conversation. You can contact us to learn how to communicate effectively with someone with hearing loss.