Hearing loss can be hard, both on the person suffering from impairment as well as their friends and family members. Conversations can require a lot of focus, energy and patience, so keep this in mind when conversing with people with hearing loss.
But the reality is you can use some strategies to make the experience better for all involved.
First, be selective about environment. Make sure the room has enough lighting. People with hearing loss often rely upon lip reading, facial expressions and gestures to supplement their remaining hearing and improve communication. A room with minimal or no background noise is ideal.
If you will be in a group setting, choose a round table where the person with hearing loss will have visual access to everyone’s faces to facilitate better communication. This all will require advanced planning. For example, if you’re planning to dine out you’ll need to be strategic. Choose a familiar restaurant with ample lighting and make dinner plans for off peak hours, when the place is less likely to be busy(loud).
Next, be aware of your posture and movements. Make sure to keep your mouth uncovered. Don’t talk through a yawn or while chewing gum. This distorts your lip movements and can inhibit lip reading. Don’t speak from another room or when your back is turned to the person.
While this requires some effort and planning, we’re confident you’ll find the outcomes rewarding. Everyone wins when you go the extra mile to connect.