Communication Strategies

Communication Strategies It Takes Two to Tango

Don’t try to hide your hearing loss • Listener: Acknowledge your hearing loss and tell who you are communicating with about your hearing loss • Communication Partner: Don’t shout or exaggerate mouth movements. Try to speak clearly with pauses between phrases

Use hearing assistive technology • Listener: If you own hearing aids, use them. Check to see what devices are available. Consult your audiologist on the latest in hearing assistive technology • Communication Partner: Encourage the use of assistive devices

Polish your concentration skills • Listener: Pay extra attention to the talker. Watch the talker’s mouth. Try to concentrate on the topic of conversation • Communication Partner: Realize that it is a strain for people hearing difficulties and appreciate their attempts

Be prepared • Listener: Anticipate difficult listening situations. Create an environment conducive to listening. Read up on the topic beforehand • Communication Partner: Think ahead of time on how to minimize communication problems. Remember that planning ahead and creating a conducive listening environment will benefit everyone

Use effective clarification strategies • Listener: Avoid saying, “Huh?” or “What?” Try asking specific questions or repeating what you did hear • Communication Partner: When the listener misses something, repeat what you said once, using clear speech. If that’s not successful, try rephrasing

Try to determine the source of your difficulty • Listener: Try to figure out what is causing your difficulties with a specific talker and make specific requests, such as, “Could you speak a little slower?” • Communication Partner: Speak clearly and a bit more slowly. Try not to cover your mouth

Verify what you think you heard • Listener: If you are unsure you heard a message correctly, confirm the details with the talker • Communication Partner: When speaking, be sure to speak clearly and ask if the person with hearing difficulty understood

Accentuate the positive • Listener: Use positive words when you need help, such as, “Could you speak a little bit louder?” • Communication Partner: When the listener with a hearing loss asks you to speak louder, take it as a compliment; they want to hear what you are saying

Be assertive • Listener: Let your communication partner know what you need to help facilitate conversation • Communication Partner: If the person you’re talking with indicates they have a hearing loss and asks for accommodations, please try to follow through

Listen with your eyes not just your ears • Listener: Watch the speaker’s face to help figure out what is being said • Communication Partner: Since listener’s can benefit by watching your lips, please try not to cover your mouth while speaking

Sometimes it’s okay to break the rules • Listener: It’s okay to interrupt people sometimes to ensure successful communication • Communication Partner: Remember even if someone seems rude, they’re just trying to let you know they are having difficulties communicating

Go easy on yourself • Listener: Don’t blame yourself or others for communication difficulties. Try to stay positive and use the tips provided • Communication Partner: Even if it’s hard for you to communicate, it’s even harder for the person with hearing loss, so remember to use the tips provided

Communication Strategies