Talking Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be a challenging experience, both for the person affected and their loved ones. It often requires adjustments in communication and lifestyle, but with the right approach, you can offer meaningful support. Whether your loved one is dealing with partial or complete hearing loss, it is essential to be able help them feel included and empowered as much as possible.

Ask How They Prefer to Communicate

Everyone with hearing loss has different preferences when it comes to communication. Some may rely on hearing aids, others may prefer sign language or written communication, while some use lip-reading. Always ask your loved one what works best for them:

• Lip-reading: Speak clearly and face them when talking.
• Sign Language: Consider learning basic sign language if they use it.
• Text Communication: When necessary, use text messages or written notes to communicate in noisy environments.

Speak Clearly, Not Loudly

A common misconception is that speaking louder will help someone with hearing loss understand better. However, clarity is far more important than volume. Here are some tips:

• Get their attention: Say their name or gently touch their shoulder. Sometimes, simply making eye contact can be enough
• Face them directly: This allows them to see your lips, facial expressions, and body language.
• Speak naturally: Don’t shout or exaggerate your speech. Speak at a regular pace, but clearly.
• Rephrase, don’t repeat: If they don’t understand you, try rephrasing your sentence rather than repeating the same words.
• Sometimes less is better: Depending on the conversation type, sometimes being brief and to the point might be preferred as there are less words for them to try and understand.
• Make it visual: Use your hands, face and body. Express your feelings about what you are saying.

Use Technology and Assistive Devices

Assistive technology has advanced significantly, making it easier for people with hearing loss to stay connected. Encourage the use of technology such as:

• Hearing Aids: Ensure they have their hearing aids checked and serviced regularly.
• Captioning: Many TVs, smartphones, and computers offer captioning services.
• Remote Microphones: Remote Microphones such as the RogerOn can be helpful in group conversations or noisy environments.

You can also use video calls that offer real-time captions or explore apps designed for hearing-impaired users, such as NALscribe which can convert live speech to text.

Be Patient and Inclusive

Living with hearing loss can sometimes be isolating, so it’s crucial to ensure your loved one feels included in conversations and social settings:

• Include them in conversations: Don’t talk over them or assume they can’t participate. Ask for their input, and take extra care in group settings where multiple conversations are happening at once.
• Be patient: If communication is challenging, it’s important to stay calm and patient. Don’t rush the conversation or get frustrated if they ask you to repeat something.
• Manage any frustration: Always keep in the back of your mind that as frustrated as you might feel making yourself understood, your loved one is likely feeling 10 times as frustrated not being able to understand.

Create a Hearing-Friendly Environment

Making small adjustments to your environment can make a big difference. Here’s how you can help:

• Reduce background noise: Turn off the TV, close windows, or minimize any other distractions that could make hearing more difficult.
• Good lighting: Ensure the room is well-lit so your loved one can easily see your face and read your lips if necessary.
• Seating arrangements: In group settings, try to sit close to your loved one and maintain eye contact. It may help to ask them ‘Where would you prefer that I sit?”

Encourage Regular Hearing Check-ups

Encourage your loved one to have regular hearing check-ups. This is especially important if they use hearing aids or other assistive devices, as regular adjustments can improve their effectiveness. Routine check-ups can also detect any changes in hearing ability, allowing for timely intervention. You should accompany your loved one to their appointment for support and so you can both discuss shared goals and outcomes with the hearing care professional.

Support Their Emotional Well-being

Hearing loss can sometimes affect a person’s mental health, leading to frustration, loneliness, or even depression. Here’s how you can offer emotional support:

• Be understanding: Acknowledge that hearing loss can be frustrating for them and that it may take time to adjust.
• Offer encouragement: Encourage them to remain social and participate in activities they enjoy.
• Join them in social events: Attend social gatherings together, making an effort to facilitate their participation in conversations.

Respect Their Independence

While it’s important to be supportive, it’s equally crucial to respect your loved one’s independence. Avoid being overly protective or assuming they can’t do things for themselves. Always ask how you can help rather than making decisions for them.

Consider Joining a Support Group

Hearing loss affects not just the individual but also those around them. Joining a support group for families of people with hearing loss can provide insights and emotional support for both you and your loved one. It’s a space where you can share experiences, learn new coping strategies, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

In summary, supporting a loved one with hearing loss requires empathy, patience, and open communication. By understanding their needs, using technology, and making small adjustments in your daily interactions, you can help them navigate life with greater ease. Most importantly, your support can strengthen your bond and ensure they don’t feel isolated due to their hearing challenges.