Talking Hearing Loss

Get their attention

Say their name or gently touch their shoulder

Sometimes, simply making eye contact can be enough

Make it easy

Try to find a quiet location, be at a comfortable distance, face them and don’t cover your mouth

Make it comfortable

Give them time to absorb what is being said

Its okay to speak a little louder or slower if that makes it easier to be understood

Just the facts

Keep it brief and to the point

Try to give them the gist of what you need to say early on

Make it visual

Use your hands, face and body. Express your feelings about what you are saying.

Use a pen and paper if you feel this would help.

Rephrase if required

Don’t repeat the same words if you’re being misunderstood.

Try to find a different way to say it

Be Patient

Try not to loose your cool as this just makes it harder for you both

Here? There? Where??

If you need them to come to you or they ask where you are, avoid using words like ‘here’ or ‘there’

Instead use the name of the room or location

Never say ‘Nevermind’

Avoid saying things like ‘nevermind’ or ‘don’t worry’ if they are not understanding you as this just sends them the  message that you have given up

And finally, never forget…

… as frustrated as you might feel making yourself understood … they are feeling 10 times as frustrated not being able to understand