Pandemic safety measures pose unique challenges for hearing impaired - The Herald-News
Get the listener’s attention before you speak.
Saying the person’s name and waiting for a response can greatly decrease the need for repetitions.
Speak clearly and at a slow/normal rate.
Do not talk unusually slow or exaggerated. Pausing between sentences and key words or phrases can also be helpful. This is called “clear speech."
Do not shout.
Shouting actually distorts the signal in the listener’s ears. Be sure the listener has a clear view of your face so that facial expressions and lip movements are visible.
Rephrase rather than offering a repetition.
Quite often, the same one or two words in a sentence will continue to be misheard with each repetition. Rephrasing eliminates many frustrations.
Avoid conversation if the TV or radio is playing, the dishwasher is running, and so on.
Noisy distractions can create difficult listening situations even for those with normal hearing.
Move to a quieter spot or turn off the noise distractions.
Remain patient, positive and relaxed.
Communication can be difficult sometimes. When communication partners become impatient, negative and tense, communication will become more difficult. When in doubt, ask the person with hearing loss for suggestions of ways to be better understood.
For more information, contact Karen Pastell at at 815-744-5661 or visit our website at prairielandaudiology.com.
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