Communication is at the heart of all good relationships. In order to minimize confusion, misunderstandings and other problems, it’s important that we all communicate well with our loved ones. That can be difficult at the best of times, but it becomes even more challenging when our loved one has hearing loss.
In that case, it’ll be important to take additional tips to ensure that your communication remains as robust as it has always been. In this blog, we’ll look at some useful tips you take on board that’ll help to manage your communication with your family member that has hearing loss.
Have an Open Conversation
Nobody wants to have hearing loss. But it’s important to remember that there are things they can do to address the issue. By visiting an audiologist, they can get a hearing test and if required, get fitted for a hearing aid. With that being said, though this is an accessible and convenient solution, some people can be a little wary of addressing their hearing loss. In that scenario, it’s recommended to gently introduce the topic and even say that you’ll go with them to the appointment.
Focused Communication
It’s important to keep in mind that your loved one may find it more difficult than they used to focus on the conversations that you have with them. As such, it’s important to change your conversation style slightly to ensure that it’s as easy as possible for them to follow along with what you’re saying.
When you want to initiate a conversation, be sure to have their attention first. You should also ensure that you’re facing them and that you’re clearly pronouncing your words, as it’ll be easier for them to understand you if they can see what words you’re saying. If they can’t understand what you’re saying, then it’s recommended to use different words to say the same thing, rather than simply speaking louder or deciding that the conversation is not important.
Limit the Background Noise
People without hearing loss can focus their hearing on what they want to listen to. For example, they can tune out the noise of the television if they want to focus on what someone is saying. However, people with hearing loss can find it difficult to do this. As such, when you’re having a conversation with your loved one, try to keep background noise as low as possible — that means turning down the TV or radio or picking a quiet environment.
Another helpful tip is to improve the acoustics of your home since rooms with poor acoustics can make voice speech more muffled.
Pick Your Moments
If you’re talking with a loved one who hasn’t yet received treatment for their hearing loss, then keep in mind that there’ll be better times than others to have a conversation. If they’re overly tired, then they may not have the energy to focus their hearing on what you’re saying. At that point, it’ll be best to wait until they’ve given their mind a break for a little while.
Stay Patient
It’s normal for people to grow a little frustrated if it feels like their loved ones are struggling to hear what they’re saying. However, keep in mind that your loved one isn’t doing it on purpose – hearing loss is normal and if they could listen to you, they would. Be sure to stay patient and kind, so you don’t cause frustration for both yourself and for them.
Be Mindful
Finally, remember that hearing loss won’t go away on its own – your loved one will be living with it on a daily basis. It’s normal to forget that your family member has hearing difficulty and slip back into talking to them in the way that you used to. Be mindful to keep the tips we’ve provided in this blog at the forefront of your mind.
If you have a loved one who you think may benefit from a hearing aid, then be sure to get in touch with us here at Pittsburgh Ear LLC by calling us at 412-348-8016, 412-348-8195 or 412-348-8194. Our team of trained audiologists are on hand to provide thorough hearing tests that will give your loved one a clear overview of their hearing level. If it’s determined that they would benefit from a hearing aid, then we’ll work with them to select the right one from our range of options, which include in-the-ear, in-the-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids.
