Communication Strategies

Hearing loss itself is not the debilitating condition for people. Rather, it is the limited access to communication. Being cut off from communication is a very isolating experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, when communication access strategies are used with your personal listening technology (hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc.), many common communication barriers can be reduced.

Tips for Talkers

Get the person's attention before speaking
Do not put objects in front of your mouth
Do not have things in your mouth such as gum, cigarettes, or food
Speak clearly and at a normal pace
Use facial expressions and gestures
Rephrase your sentence when you're not understood
Do not shout
Avoid areas with noisy backgrounds
Give clues when changing the subject
When in doubt, as the person who is hard of hearing or deaf for suggestions to improve communication

Tips for People with Hearing Loss

Pick the best spot for talking and avoid areas that are poorly lit or noisy
Tell others how best to talk to you
Pay attention to the speaker
Look for visual clues to what is being said
Ask for written clues of key words, if needed
Tell others you don't understand and ask for repetition
Arrange for frequent breaks if discussions or meetings are long
Set realistic goals about what you can expect to understand
Try not to interrupt too often

Adapted from Tychin, S & Boone, M. (1987). Communication Rules for Hard of Hearing People. SHHH Press, Bethesda, MD, 1999, University of Colorado Hospital, Denver