In conjunction with hearing aid use, better hearing is a total communication approach often-times requiring implementation of communication strategies, assistive listening devices or Bluetooth technology. In fact, there are some simple strategies you can use on a daily basis to improve and maximize your hearing ability.A� These include:

• Turning off the radio or television during conversation
• Asking others to speak slightly louder than normal, but not to shout. Shouting may distort speech
• Asking that others speak at a normal rate but not to exaggerate sounds
• Avoiding crowded, busy,A� and noisy areas in restaurants and at social gatherings

In situations when you are speaking to a hearing-impaired person, effective strategies include:

• Facing the person who has a hearing loss so that he or she can see your face when you speak
• Being sure the lighting is in front of you when you speak.A� Avoid back lighting.A� This allows the listenerA� to observe facial expressions, gestures, and lip and body movement that provide communication clues
• Avoiding conversation while chewing food or covering your mouth with your hands
• Clueing the person with hearing loss about the topic of conversation whenever possible
• Rephrasing your statement into shorter, simpler sentences if it appears you are not being understood

Assistive Listening Devices may also help in difficult listening environments. These devices include: TV ears, PocketTalkers, amplified telephones, closed caption, vibrating alarm clocks and FM Systems.

Bluetooth compatibility may also be a feature used in conjunction with some hearing aid models that allows for increased phone, computer and television enhancement.