How to talk to someone with hearing loss

Bupa Partnering with Amplifon

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Is someone you care about experiencing hearing loss?

This can be an isolating experience, but there are ways to communicate effectively with them, so they feel understood and connected.

Read on for how to talk to someone who may have hearing loss.

Get their attention

To help someone with hearing loss prepare to concentrate on your words, get their attention by saying their name or, if appropriate, touching their arm or shoulder lightly. This means they’ll be less likely to miss the start of the conversation. If they hear better in one ear, move to that side before speaking.

Be close

Talking to someone face to face assists everyone to hear better because we all use lip-reading, however it’s even more important if you have a hearing loss. Position yourself close to the other person when speaking, ideally less than two metres.

Limit background noise

Limit background noises during conversation by turning off the radio or TV. In a restaurant or pub, it’s a good idea to choose a table far away from large groups, busy staff stations or entrances.

Resist the desire to shout

It might be tempting to shout, but this will make you harder to understand because it distorts your words. Instead, speak naturally and at an even speed. Rather than speaking slowly, use pauses in your words to give the other person time to process speech. It’s a good idea to be guided by the other person’s rate of speech.

Tune into body language

Make sure the person you’re speaking to can see your face, ideally in good light, as they may rely on lip-reading to figure out words they might have missed. Avoid sitting in front of a window, as the light behind you may make it hard for the other person to see you.

Keep your hands away from your face, maintain eye contact and avoid speaking while chewing or eating. Don’t exaggerate your words as this could distort your lip movements. Be aware, too, of facial expressions, posture and gestures – body language makes up a big part of the way we communicate so make sure these non-verbal cues support, not contradict, what you’re saying.

Be mindful of repetition

If you need to repeat yourself once, use the same words as the first time. If you need to repeat yourself again, change the words to make it easier for the other person to understand.

Be patient

For someone with hearing loss, communication can require a lot of effort. Be patient with them as they may get tired, ill, distracted or feel like a burden – which will, in turn, affect their ability to understand your words.

If you’re concerned about your hearing, or the hearing of someone you love make an appointment to see one of our audiologists. It’s important to always investigate any sudden change in your hearing as well as ear pain or dizziness.