Good Communication
A successful conversation is memorable and delightful, an unsuccessful conversation is unforgettable for its frustration and confusion.
Good communication strategies for communicating with people with a hearing loss:
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Gain their attention before talking
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Face the light and ensure your face is in clear view
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Try to place yourself on the same level i.e. standing or sitting
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Place yourself approx 3 to 4 feet, a meter or so but be prepared if the person comes closer or steps back
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Speak clearly, at a steady pace and pronounce words without exaggerating them
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Eating, smoking, mumbling, looking away, covering your face will ensure you won’t be understood and will have to repeat yourself
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Make your subject clear from the start and make subject changes clear
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Be prepared to write things down such as numbers, times, dates, names, places etc, all are potential homophones and will inevitably lead to communication breakdowns
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Use your hands, facial expression and body language to convey meaning
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Listen, when the person repeats what you have said for gaps, and fill in the missing words for the person.
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Watch their face for extra concentration such as furrowed eye brows; communication is becoming hard work for them.
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Don’t be embarrassed to ask if you haven’t understood what they are saying
Never give up, Never ever say it doesn’t matter! It matters a great deal to the
person with a hearing loss.