Communicating with a hard-of-hearing person can be very frustrating, for you and for them. Many people with a hearing loss are embarrassed to ask you to keep repeating what you say. Sometimes, they will nod and act like they hear you, even when they don't.
There are some simple things you can do to help maximize what the other person hears. Number one is to face the person when you speak. Many people with a hearing loss have learned to read lips even if they don't realize it.
A direct conversation helps the person to use all of the senses to put the sentence together. Please don't try to talk to them if you have food in your mouth. This just garbles the voice further.
Eliminating background noise during the conversation can help the person focus on what you are saying. Turning off the television or radio can reduce competition for attention.
If the person wears hearing aids, it is good to have a checkup to see if the aid can be adjusted for better reception. Some people benefit from a personal amplifier, like the Pocketalker Ultra. It is a small unit that will fit in a shirt pocket. The user has an earbud or headset and can adjust the volume and tone control very easily. We have had great experiences with this product.
Above all, patience and understanding are needed. No one wants to lose their hearing and it is not an easy thing to live with.
For important information that you need to convey to the person with the hearing loss, such as medical situations, appointments, etc., it may be a good idea to write the information down and present it as a reminder in case it is needed.
Good Luck to All!
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