Tips to Make Communication Easier

Tips to Make Communication Easier

As a listener, if you have hearing concerns…

• Have realistic expectations, ie. choose a restaurant that is less noisy, meet friends in a café during off-peak times, and be aware that it can be harder if the person has an unfamiliar accent
• Say what you need to improve communication – ie. “Because of my hearing loss, I need you to write that down or say it in a different way”
• Be specific as to what you didn’t understand, i.e “Did you say X or Y?”
• Don’t bluff or avoid conversations
• Ask people for feedback, i.e. to let you know when your hearing aid is whistling or when you are shouting
• Try a hearing aid or assistive listening device, i.e. an amplified telephone, PA system, meeting microphone

As someone talking to someone with hearing difficulties…

• Use your facial expressions to explain what you are saying
• Keep your face clear of anything (i.e. your hand or moustache) that may prevent the listener seeing what you say
• Try to use words and phrases that the listener is familiar with
• Try to use more shorter simpler sentences than highly complex sentences
• Speak at a slower rate – not exaggeratedly slow, because that may be worse – just a bit slower than usual
• Enunciate your words – don’t exaggerate, just speak clearly
• Raise your voice slightly – don’t shout because that can make things worse

Communication strategies for everyone…

• Reduce background noise or distractions
• Get the listener’s attention FIRST – let them know you are talking to them
• Directly face each other and relatively close (within 1.8meters)
• Make sure the speaker(s) face and lips are clear – avoid shadows on the speaker’s face by not having light behind the person talking
• Speak clearly and more slowly – do NOT shout
• Re-phrasing the sentence may help