Hearing loss is not just an ear issue but at its root, a communication issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the US affecting an estimated 48 million people. When hearing loss goes unaddressed it can not only affect how you participate in daily conversation, but self-confidence, sense of well-being, and likeliness to stay active and try new things. It quickly goes from being an ear issue into a quality-of-life issue affecting not only social interaction but cognitive functioning, decline and less awareness of space, making falls and accidents more likely. Living with hearing loss can leave us feeling alone but it’s important to remember it is not just who is affected.
Hearing Loss and its Effect on Loved Ones
Hearing loss can be devastating for loved ones, colleagues, friends, and coworkers. Conversations which used to be fun and easy are suddenly strained, leaving the person on the other end often feeling just as alone. A person with untreated hearing loss may appear to seem disinterested, unfocused, and distracted when it is a hearing issue. The beauty of communication is that it takes at least two people to participate. If you care for someone in your life who seems to suffer from a hearing loss, there are communication strategies which can improve connection on the day to day. Focusing on specific communication strategies can improve understanding in conversation on both sides.
Get Their Attention
Before you start speaking to someone with a hearing loss, make sure they are paying attention. This allows them to focus and be prepared to hear. You can try saying their name before you speak, or even gently tapping their shoulder if appropriate.
Maintain Eye contact
When you look into someone’s eyes when you speak to them it can allow you to understand how much they are following what you are saying. If someone with a heairng impairment becomes confused during conversation, eye contact will allow you to detect this. You can stop the conversation to ask them if they need any clarification or if they are following. This also allows the listener with a hearing impairment to rely on visual cues such as facial expression and lip reading.
Speak Clearly
Many people make the mistake thinking shouting will help hard of hearing people understand, however it can actually distort the sound. This can ultimately do the opposite and make it harder to understand what you are saying. Instead speak clearly, enunciating each word. It makes it easier to hear and lip read as well.
Keep Your Face Clear
Avoid covering your face with your hands. Make sure your face is well lit so the listener can rely on visual cues. In this age where masks are common it can be especially difficult for the hearing impaired. If you have to wear a mask an need to communicate with hard of hearing people, try investing in a medical grade mask which offers a see through window, to access lip reading.
Rephrase Rather Than Repeat
One of the most common signs of hearing loss is the need to regularly must ask people to repeat comments or sentences. If this happens while speaking to someone close to you instead of repeating what you just said, try rephrasing. Everyone’s hearing loss is just a little different and people struggle diverse tones or consonants. Rephrasing may avoid these “problem” sounds as well as add extra context to help the other person understand. Ask leading or clarifying questions throughout the conversation to ensure your message is clear.
Avoid Background Noise
Background noise can make listening difficult with hearing loss as the brain struggle to prioritize sounds. When speaking to a person with hearing loss, when you really need them to understand, turn down music, turn off the TV and extraneous appliances. A quiet environment will make important conversations much easier.
Seek Treatment
Hearing loss is most often a permanent condition but can be effectively treated with hearing aids. Hearing aids amply sounds and make conversation much easier to follow and participate in. If someone in your life is struggling with a hearing loss encourage them to schedule a hearing exam today.