Tips to Communicate with a Person who has a Hearing Loss

If someone you know or love has hearing loss, you can help them understand what you are saying. Encourage them to have annual screenings and show you care by following these tips:

• Face them directly.
• Make sure there is light on your face, not shining behind you.
• Avoid noisy environments.
• Get attention first, then speak.
• Ask what you can do to make communication easier.
• Don’t shout at them.
• Speak clearly and at moderate pace.
• Remember not to cover your mouth, chew food, gum, or smoke while speaking.
• Use facial expressions like big smiles and gestures such as nodding yes.
• Be patient if their response is slow.
• Do not talk about a hard of hearing person to another person in the same room.
• Keep your sense of humor, relax, and stay positive.