Helping a Family Member

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The following steps can make communicating easier when you're interacting with those who have difficulty hearing or who are still adjusting to a new hearing device.

Make it Easy to Read Your Lips

• Be sure your friend or colleague has your full attention before you begin to speak.
• Face the person with whom you're talking. Don't try to converse from a different room or with your back turned.
• Stand in well-lit areas to make reading your lips and facial expressions easier.
• Avoid activities that make lip-reading difficult like chewing, smoking, reading the newspaper or leaning your cheek on your hand while talking.

Speak at a Natural Pace and Level

• Most hearing instruments are set to amplify a normal level of speech, so if you shout it may be too loud for the listener.
• Try not to talk too quickly. Speak naturally, but try to pronounce your words more clearly. This will naturally slow your speech, so be careful not to overdo it.
• If others are having trouble understanding you, try rephrasing your sentence rather than just repeating yourself. Some words are easier than others to hear or lip-read.

Try to Reduce Background Noise

• For someone who has trouble hearing, the most difficult listening environment is one that contains background noise. Try to eliminate background noise when holding a conversation. Turn off the television and close any open windows to reduce outside interference.
• Move closer to your listener so your voice is louder than the background noise. Your face and lips will also be easier to read.
• Find somewhere quieter to talk. You'll simplify the situation and protect your own hearing in the process.