Hearing Loss

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss Hearing Loss can occur at any age. Find out if you are a candidate for a hearing test more info         For more information: Contact the American Hearing Center more info

Guidelines to help Communication between the Hearing Impaired and the Speaker

Rules for the Hearing Impaired Person

1. Acknowledge that you have hearing loss.
2. Choose an area that is well lit and quiet to talk with people.
3. Tell others how to best talk to you.
4. Pay attention to the speaker.
5. Look at the speaker using visual clues to help you understand what is being said.
6. If necessary, ask for written cluese for key words.
7. Let people know whether or not you understand the conversation.
8. Don't bluff. When you don't understand the conversation.
9. Arrange for frequent breaks is discussions or meetings are long.
10. Anticipate difficult situations and plan how to minimize the problem.
11. Try not to interrupt too often.
12. Be realistic about what you can expexct to undrerstand.

Rules for the Speaker

1. Get the hearing impaired person's attention before you speak.
2. Keep your face visible.
3. Keep objects such as gum, cigarettes and food out of your mouth.
4. Speak clearly and at a moderate rate. Shouting and exagerating only distorts the speech, making it more difficult for the hearing impaired person to understand conversation.
5. Use facial expression and gestures
6. Give clues when changing the subject.
7. Rephrase a statement or question when a hearing impaired person does not understand after saying it two times.
8. Avoid noisy situations.
9. Do not speak directly into a person's ear.
10. When a hearing impaired person is in the room, talk to the person. Don't talk about him.
11. When in doubt, ask the hearing impaired person for suggestions to improve communications.
12. Be patient, positive and relaxed.