Practical tips for communicating with hearing aid users
How do you communicate with people who use a hearing aid?
Addressing this question is particularly important, because hearing loss always comes with a social dimension. Some people avoid all contact. They feel insecure and don’t know how to communicate with a person who uses a hearing aid. However this can be overcome by following these small simple steps.
Speak clearly and naturally
You don’t have to shout. This does not help with understanding speech. Don’t speak more loudly, but more clearly and slowly.
Shorten the distance
In loud environments, you should shorten the distance between you and the listener.
Maintain eye contact
People with hearing loss gain important information from facial expressions and lip movements. The more clearly you speak, the better for your partner.
Get attention
Call the hearing aid user by his or her name. Make sure that the person can see you or lightly tap his or her shoulder.
Be aware of the surroundings
Avoid having conversations from one room to another or in a place with intense background noise. Vacuum cleaner, washing machine or loud music can make a conversation frustrating for both sides.
Respect the limitations
Please be aware that using a hearing aid can be very exhausting at first. When talking to a hearing aid user, look for signs of tiredness. Do not force or prolong the conversation unnecessarily.
Extendable modern hearing solutions
Imagine having the sound of your phone or television or even a live concert transmitted directly to your hearing aid. It means that you can enjoy a completely new level of hearing - without noise or feedback.
