Hearing Aid Communication Strategies

Although hearing aids can improve hearing, they cannot provide complete correction of hearing impairment. Unfortunately, no hearing aid will ever restore your hearing to normal. The benefits derived from wearing hearing aids, even the most technologically advanced, will vary from person to person. In conjunction with hearing aid use, better hearing requires a total communication approach often-times implementing communication strategies, assistive listening devices or Bluetooth technology.

Some Helpful Communication Strategies

You Can Use:

Face the person who has a hearing loss so that he or she can see your face when you speak
Be sure the lighting is in front of you when you speak. This allows you to observe facial expressions, gestures, and lip and body movement that provide communication cues
Avoid speaking while chewing food or covering your mouth with your hands
Clue the person with hearing loss about the topic of conversation whenever possible
Rephrase your statement into shorter, simpler sentences if it appears you are not being understood

Others Can Do:

During conversation, turn off the radio or television. Minimize any background noise.
Ask others to speak slightly louder than normal, but not to shout. Shouting may distort speech
Ask others to speak at a normal rate but not to exaggerate sounds
In restaurants and social gatherings, choose seats or conversation areas away from crowded or noisy areas.

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