Tips for people with normal hearing

Hearing impairment affects approximately one out of every ten people. Although it is known to affect senior citizens aged 60 and above, hearing impairment can affect people of all ages. There are no disease symptoms associated with hearing impairment, but there are psychological ones. The process of hearing loss may lead to depression and a desire for isolation, leading the affected person to distance themselves from their family and friends.

Learning to hear again

Using hearing aids requires physical and mental organization, which in turn takes time. Reaping the benefits of hearing aids after an extended period of not being able to hear becomes crucial for people who are using hearing aids for the first time. High-tech hearing aids can help those suffering from hearing loss to hear well. However, friends, family and co-workers play a significant role in helping the hearing aid user in the beginnings, as they will need their complete support and encouragement.

Some Practical Tips When Talking With Someone Wearing Hearing Aids:

• Speak in a clear and regular way

Do not raise your voice while talking to a person who uses hearing aids like you may have done in the past, as they can now hear you at your normal volume. Remember that they may be irritated by loud sounds now, so it is important to maintain one tone of voice and to speak clearly and unhurriedly.

• Try at the beginning to attract the attention of the hearing aid user with whom you wish to speak

When you want to talk to people who use hearing aids, you should first try to attract their attention, either by calling their name, appearing in front of them or placing your hand on their shoulder.

• Move closer

Closing the distance between the speaker and the listener facilitates a person’s ability to hear the dialogue and understand it. Therefore, if possible, get close to the person with whom you want to speak, especially if there is noise, making it easier to understand the conversation.

• Face the person with whom you want to talk

Try to sit opposite the person with whom you want to speak because people who use hearing aids can understand speech more easily by lip-reading.

• Take your surroundings into account

Avoid entering a conversation with a person who uses hearing aids when you are both in separate rooms or if you are in a noisy environment; for example, in places where there is a washing machine, vacuum cleaner or loud music. Never attempt to put the person who uses hearing aids in an unfair situation by expecting them to hear in unfamiliar circumstances, and always remember that hearing aid users have certain limits.

• Try to be understanding of the fact that wearing hearing aids can be tiresome

When you talk to someone who uses hearing aids, beware of signs of fatigue, intimidation or lack of attention. Focusing on listening requires much effort, and when a hearing aid user feels tired, they may not hear well anymore, so do not force them to listen to you.

• Repeat what you say

If you must repeat yourself, try and use different words as some may be harder to understand,  even with the hearing aid.

Conclusion

By being patient, understanding and a good listener, you will become the ideal conversation partner. If you follow these instructions, you can contribute to the hearing aid user’s progress, helping them become skillful in using the hearing instrument while also enjoying family life and the whole process.