Have you ever been in a situation where you said something totally normal like “Nice one,” and the person looked at you like you’d just insulted their ancestors? Maybe you meant it as a joke, but they thought you were being serious. Or you were being serious, and they thought you were joking. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of prosody—or, as I like to call it, the secret herbs and spices of speech.
Now, imagine living with hearing loss and trying to decode conversations without those secret herbs and spices. You’ve got the words, but they come across like a flat-pack IKEA manual—technically accurate, but not quite helpful without the proper tools (and a good set of instructions).
As someone who’s spent most of his life navigating the world with hearing loss, I can tell you: prosody matters. It’s the difference between “I love you” and “I love you” and “I love you?”—three very different vibes, same three words. And if you’re a family member, friend, colleague, or even a hearing care professional, learning to use prosody well can make all the difference.
So, what is this “prosody” thing?
Prosody is the rhythm, pitch, and melody of speech. It’s what turns a string of words into something human and meaningful. Think of it like the soundtrack to a movie: take it away, and everything becomes awkward and confusing.
It includes:
- Intonation – the ups and downs in pitch (like how your voice rises at the end of a question)
- Stress – which words you give a bit more oomph
- Rhythm – the pace and flow of your speech
- Pauses – those well-timed breaks that let people breathe… and think
Prosody is what tells us if someone’s excited, annoyed, being sarcastic, or just hasn’t had their morning coffee yet.
Why prosody is a lifeline for people with hearing loss
Here’s the thing: when you’ve got hearing loss, speech can feel like trying to read a blurry sign from a moving car. You catch some of it, miss bits, and hope for the best. Hearing devices—whether it’s hearing aids or a cochlear implant like the one I use—help a lot, but they’re not miracle workers. Sometimes the high-frequency sounds that carry emotion and tone just don’t come through clearly.
That’s where prosody swoops in like a superhero with perfect hair.
Here’s how it helps:
- It highlights the important bits – Emphasising key words helps us figure out what you’re really trying to say.
- It adds emotion – A flat tone is like toast without butter. Technically fine, but where’s the joy?
- It supports lipreading – A lively speaker is easier to “read” than one who sounds (and looks) like a cardboard cut-out.
- It helps fill in the blanks – In noisy places, good prosody gives our brains extra clues to piece the puzzle together.
How you can level up your prosody game
Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you need to break into Shakespearean monologues or become a voice actor. Just a few small tweaks can make a big difference:
- Slow it down (just a touch)
You don’t need to speak like you’re in slow motion, but maybe give your words a little room to breathe. No one likes conversational whiplash. - Emphasise the important words
“I didn’t take the last Tim Tam” sounds very different to “I didn’t take the last Tim Tam.” And let’s be honest—those are crucial distinctions in any Australian household. (for anyone who doesn’t know the joy of indulging in a Tim Tam, you’re really missing out) - Let your voice show some feeling
If you’re happy, sound happy. If you’re sad, then sound sad. If you’re confused, let that come through. Don’t flatten it out like you’re narrating a corporate training video or a wildlife documentary. - Use pauses
A well-timed pause not only helps with clarity, it makes you look thoughtful and dramatic. Win-win. - Let your face do some talking too
Facial expressions, gestures, and body language all back up what you’re saying. Think of it as the subtitles of speech.
A note for hearing care professionals
If you work with people who have hearing loss, here’s a little reminder: it’s not just about decibels and device settings. Prosody is a practical, teachable skill that makes conversations less frustrating and more enjoyable—for everyone involved.
So, next time you’re running a hearing rehab session or coaching someone’s communication partner, throw in a few prosody tips. Roleplay different tones. Have a laugh. Let people see how even a small change in pitch or rhythm can make a big difference in meaning.
Final thoughts
Using prosody well doesn’t cost you anything, but it can mean everything to someone with hearing loss. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present, expressive, and willing to meet the other person halfway.
So go on—add a little music to your speech. Your conversations will be richer, your messages clearer, and you might even avoid that awkward moment where someone thinks you’re mad when you were just asking where the remote went.
And remember: it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it.
Talking Hearing Loss 
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