It can be challenging to navigate conversations when you have hearing loss. But there are many useful strategies you can use to support your hearing needs. Integrating the following practices in your everyday life can significantly contribute to effective communication:
1. Wear hearing aids. Hearing aids are the most common way that hearing loss is treated. These savvy electronic devices are designed to absorb, amplify, and process speech as well as sound. This provides the ears and brain with significant support that maximizes one’s hearing capacity. Hearing aids alleviate symptoms and make it easier to process sound. Today’s hearing aids are more innovative than ever before, offering a range of technologies that deliver sharp sound quality and personalized listening experiences. Be sure to discuss the latest features with your hearing healthcare provider who can help you navigate your options. It is important to wear your hearing aids during waking hours so that your hearing is adequately supported throughout the day, including when you are having conversations.
2. Share communication strategies. You likely know of specific ways that others can support your hearing during conversation. Sharing these strategies is a really useful way to make conversations more accessible for you to engage in. Different strategies that you may find useful include:
- Grabbing your attention before a conversation is started. People can do this by tapping you on the shoulder or saying your name.
- Speaking in a natural voice, pausing between sentences, and avoiding projecting their voice.
- Being completely visible throughout the conversation so that you have access to body language.
- Rephrasing rather than repeating if you missed or didn’t hear something that was said.
- Sending detailed information via text or email.
Sharing these strategies with loved ones invites them to participate in effective communication.
3. Maximize technology. In addition to hearing aids, there are other technologies that you can maximize to support your hearing and communication. This includes assistive listening devices and hearing aid accessories. These technologies are designed to support hearing in a range of contexts including one on one conversations. You can learn more about these technologies from your hearing healthcare provider who can recommend options that are ideal for your hearing and lifestyle needs.
4. Reduce background noise. Another useful strategy is to reduce background noise as much as possible. Background noise provides more noise for the brain to have to process. The brain is already working harder – using more resources and expending greater energy – to detect and process sound. Additional background noise creates more work for the brain and this can make it tougher to hear. It can also lead to fatigue and exhaustion as well as discomfort during conversations. It is helpful to reduce background noise as much as you can. There are various ways you can do this including: powering off (or lowering the volume) any sources of background noise – TV, music, appliances etc.; putting phones on silent, closing windows to reduce environmental noise, and choosing quieter settings to have conversations in.
5. Know what to avoid. You can also support effective communication by knowing what to avoid. This includes:
- Noisy settings: this includes places like busy restaurants and bars, especially during peak hours.
- Poor lighting: visibility is important because it gives you greater access to body language and lips for lip reading.
- Seating: be sure to avoid sitting next to sources of noise (fans, windows, kitchens etc.), sit in the center around a dinner table so that you are able to see as many faces.
6. Advocate for hearing needs. Be sure to always advocate and prioritize your hearing needs. This includes asking for clarification when needed rather than pretending to hear and nodding along, sharing communication strategies, choosing optimal settings and seating etc. This supports your hearing and communication which allows you to navigate conversations with greater ease. Other ways you can advocate for your hearing needs is by getting your hearing tested regularly as well as discussing hearing technologies with your hearing healthcare provider.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can communicate effectively with hearing loss. There are many technologies and resources that are available for you to access to support your hearing as well as communication in everyday life.