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Talking louder to a person with a hearing loss does not increase understanding. In fact, using a loud voice may be annoying to the listener. It involves exaggerated mouth movements, and may result in the loss of some speech information.
Communicating with other people involves active participation by both listener and speaker. The following are ways to improve communication and can be used not only with people with hearing impairment; but in other communication as well.
Look at the person speaking. Stand where you get a full view of the speaker's face, not just a profile view. A lot of information can be obtained by looking as well as by listening. The sounds we make that are most difficult to hear are the easiest to see. The ability to speech read (to get information on what is being said by watching a speaker's lips, facial expressions, gestures, etc.) is a skill we all have. You can take speech-reading classes and watch videotapes to further develop these skills.
Remove distractions or objects such as cigarettes, chewing gum, pipes, and food when speaking. People with beards and mustaches should understand that this can interfere with the ability of others to understand their speech read . Pay attention to the listener. A puzzled look will show you don't understand. Face the listener. Don't turn away from people while speaking. Don't use distracting gestures if possible. Just as gestures can add to meaning, they can also distract people. When someone is hearing impaired get the listener's attention first. This can be accomplished by gently touching the shoulder, raising your finger, or some other type of signal.
Listener:
Don't act like you understand when you don't. It is better to ask questions than to go the wrong way.
Speaker:
If necessary, ask the listener to explain what was said or ask questions so you know you managed to get your message across.
Listener:
If it is possible walk to a quiet area of the room with the person you are speaking with. This will mean avoiding noisy backgrounds such as television, radio, and running water. You might ask the person if they have an assistive listening devices (personal listening system, loops, etc.) that might be used. Make use of light whenever possible by having it behind the speaker, so it will not shine in the person's eye's or cast a shadow. Also avoid sitting close to walls or other hard surfaces that will bounce the sound. Try to get close, but not to close from the speaker. Furniture and carpet absorb noise and can improve the acoustics of the room.
Speaker:
Take turns speaking; avoid interrupting other people speaking. You might want to tell the person who is hearing impaired that there is a new speaker when talking in a group. When across the room try not to call out for the listener.
Listener:
In advance get information (lectures notes, vocabulary, and agenda) so you can understand and be familiar with the speaker and the topic. By staying current with news events and things around town and your country you can understand others better.
Speaker:
Before a presentation make sure to provide written information (text of presentation, etc.) that can be use for later reference. You might ask the person who is preparing for you what types of things make the message easier to understand.
Listener:
Sometimes you must ask for people to repeat themselves, or you might repeat or rephrase what you think you heard. This will let the speaker have the right to correct any mistakes. "You said that you would be back around 9:00PM. Is that right?"
Speaker:
If you are in a group, repeat questions if needed to continue the discussion. You might have to rephrase if the listener is having a hard time when you repeat yourself.
Listener:
If you are straining to understand every word that is said there may be a problem. Have you lost the flow of the conversation? You might be able to catch up, but if necessary ask questions.
Speaker:
You should slow down your speech but you don't have exaggerate. People who speak rapidly can be tiring and may be confusing.
Listener:
Humor is the best medicine for mistakes. Try to keep a sense of humor when things go wrong.
Speaker:
Do not shout or talk loud! Shouting make sound distorted and more difficult for someone who is speech/reading. Always remember to speak naturally, clearly and distinctly.