Hearing loss can make it tough to engage in conversations. Impaired hearing reduces one’s capacity to hear and process speech as well as sound. Fortuatney, there are effective hearing solutions that transform hearing health and support effective communication. Hearing aids are essential items for people with hearing loss. These devices provide ample hearing support, allowing people to navigate conversations more comfortably. In addition to wearing hearing aids there are a number of strategies you can practice to communicate with hearing loss. This includes the following:
- Maximize hearing aids. Hearing aids are the most common way that hearing loss is treated. These electronic devices help absorb and process speech and sound which provides the ears and brain with significant support. Hearing aids alleviate hearing loss symptoms and increase capacity to hear. Today’s hearing aids are more innovative than ever before. You can maximize your hearing aids by taking advantage of the range of features and technologies they offer. This includes features like wireless connectivity, digital noise reduction, tinnitus management and much more. These technologies deliver sharp sound quality as well as personalized listening experiences. This supports hearing and communication in all settings. Be sure to ask your hearing healthcare provider about today’s technologies and the features that can work best for you.
- Share communication strategies. There are various communication strategies you can use and share with others to help support effective communication. This includes:
- Grabbing your attention before starting a conversation. People can do this by calling your name or tapping you on the shoulder. People should also avoid speaking to you from a different room.
- Maintaining full visibility throughout the conversation. This gives you access to nonverbal cues like body language and lips for lip reading.
- Rephrasing rather than repeating if you missed something that was said.
- Speaking in a natural tone rather than projecting or raising one’s voice.
- Using body language and other gestures to emphasize what is being said.
- Sending any detailed information via text or email.
It is important to share these strategies with loved ones because it invites them to
participate in supporting your hearing needs as well as effective communication.
- Take advantage of technology. In addition to hearing aids, there are other technologies that support hearing and communication. This includes assistive listening devices and various types of hearing aid accessories. These technologies range from personal microphone and amplifiers to hearing loop systems. These technologies support one on one conversation as well as accessing sounds and speech with greater ease. Be sure to ask your hearing healthcare provider about your options and the technologies that can work best for you.
- Eliminate background noise. Background noise makes it harder for anyone to hear and can be especially difficult for people with hearing loss. The brain is already using additional resources and energy in trying to detect and process sound. Background noise creates more sound for the brain to process and filter through. This requires even more work and this makes it harder to hear. It can also lead to listening fatigue and ineffective communication. It is important to reduce background noise as much as possible. There are various ways you can do this including: powering off any music or TV that is playing in the background, putting phones on silent or vibrate, avoiding using noisy household appliances while having conversations, closing windows to reduce environmental noise etc.
- Know what to avoid. Another way you can support communication is by knowing what to avoid. This includes the following:
- Loud noise: be sure to avoid settings that are noisy, this includes restaurants that are busy (especially during peak hours). Opt for quieter places to have conversations.
- Dim lighting: also avoid places that are dimly or poorly lit. Speakers should always be visible to you.
- Poor seating: it is also useful to be intentional about seating. You want to avoid seating next to sources of noise – windows, speakers, kitchen, bathrooms etc. Also, it is helpful to sit in the center if you are around a dinner table. This allows you to see the most faces.
- Prioritize for hearing needs. It is also incredibly important to advocate for your hearing needs. This includes asking for clarification if you missed something that was said, sharing communication strategies with others, and planning ahead for your hearing needs.
Practicing these strategies can significantly support your hearing and communication. Contact us today to learn more about the technologies and resources that are available to support you.