Communication
Strategies
in Victoria BC
Communication is incredibly important to our well being. It helps foster understanding, inclusion, and connection.
For individuals with hearing loss, effective communication can significantly impact their ability to engage with others, maintain relationships, and participate fully in various activities.
Communication Strategies for Individuals with Hearing Loss
Position Yourself for Better Hearing
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Face the speaker: Position yourself so that you can clearly see the person speaking. Lip reading and visual cues are helpful in understanding speech.
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Maintain eye contact: This can help you pick up on non-verbal cues, like facial expressions and gestures, which aid in understanding the message.
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Put background noise behind you: If you wear hearing aids in a noisy environment, they will automatically focus forwards, reducing sounds coming from behind you.
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Request Clearer Speech
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Ask for slower, clearer speech: If you're having trouble understanding someone, it’s okay to ask them to speak a little slower or more clearly. Avoid asking them to speak louder, as it may distort the sound.
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Use simple language: Ask the speaker to use simpler words or sentences if the conversation is complex.
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Minimize Background Noise:
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Move to a quieter location: When possible, relocate to a place with minimal background noise. This can help you focus on the conversation.
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Turn off distracting sounds: If you're in a room with loud music, TV, or other distractions, try to reduce or eliminate them during important conversations.
Use Assistive Devices:
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Hearing aids: If you wear hearing aids, make sure they are properly fitted and adjusted to meet your hearing needs.
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Remote Microphones: Some hearing aids can connect to remote microphones, which can help improve communication in noisy environments, such as classrooms or large meetings.
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Captioning services: For conversations on the phone or television, consider using captioning services to get real-time transcriptions.
Use Visual Aids:
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Ask for written communication: If necessary, ask the speaker to write down key points to ensure clarity.
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Speech-to-text apps: Use apps or devices that transcribe speech into text, especially in situations where you cannot easily hear the person speaking.
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Video calls with captions: When using video calls, enable captions to read along with the conversation for easier comprehension.
Clarify and Confirm:
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Ask for clarification: Don’t hesitate to ask the speaker to repeat or rephrase their statement if you didn’t understand something.
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Summarize: Repeat key points back to the speaker to confirm your understanding. This helps ensure that the conversation is on track and that you’re both on the same page.
Be Open About Your Hearing Loss:
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Inform others of your hearing loss: Let people know about your hearing loss in advance so they can adjust their communication style. Most people are happy to help if they understand your needs.
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Set expectations: It’s helpful to explain how you prefer to communicate, whether that’s through lip reading, gestures, or written communication.
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Use Sign Language:
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If you use sign language as your primary form of communication, let others know so they can accommodate by learning some basic signs or arranging for a sign language interpreter if necessary.
Communication strategies for those who have a communication partner with hearing loss
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Supporting someone with hearing loss requires understanding, patience, and effective communication. Here are several ways to offer support.​
Create a Supportive Communication Environment
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Face the person when speaking: Always make sure you are facing the person and maintain eye contact. This helps them to read facial expressions and lip movements, which can aid understanding.
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Use clear and natural speech: Speak at a moderate pace and avoid shouting. Enunciate words clearly, but don't exaggerate your speech, as this can distort the message.
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Minimize background noise: Try to reduce distractions like TV, music, or loud environments when speaking. A quieter setting helps your family member focus on the conversation.
Be Patient and Understanding
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Give them time to process: It may take a little longer for someone with hearing loss to fully understand a message, especially in group conversations. Be patient and allow them time to process the information.
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Avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences: Let them speak at their own pace. Offering to help them fill in words can be helpful, but be mindful not to make them feel rushed or embarrassed.
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Repeat & Rephrase: Be willing to repeat and rephrase what you have said multiple times. Using different words can often help someone understand what is said if they didn't hear properly the first time.
Encourage the Use of Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices
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Promote device usage: If your family member wears hearing aids or uses other assistive devices, encourage them to use them regularly.
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Assist with technology: Help them with setting up and using any devices or technology that supports hearing, such as phone live speech transcription apps, clip on microphones, or captioned services.
Learn About Their Communication Needs and Preferences
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Discuss preferences: Have an open conversation about the best ways to communicate. Does your family member prefer to use written notes or visual aids, or do they prefer a quieter environment? Understanding their needs helps reduce frustration.
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Ask if they need clarification: If they don’t understand something, offer to repeat, rephrase, or write it down. Check in to see if they need any adjustments to help with communication.
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Encourage Social Participation
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Involve them in conversations: Encourage your family member to participate in social activities and group discussions. Let them know you value their presence and input, and help facilitate communication if needed.
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Use inclusive activities: Suggest activities that don’t solely rely on hearing, such as watching movies with closed captions, playing games, or engaging in activities like art or sports, which provide opportunities for interaction without relying on auditory communication.
Learn About Hearing Loss Together
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Educate yourself: Learn more about hearing loss and its impact. By understanding the challenges, you can provide better support.
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Attend appointments together: If they are open to it, accompany your loved one to audiologist appointments. This can help you understand their needs better and stay informed about their hearing health.
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Be Mindful of Their Emotional Needs
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Acknowledge the emotional impact: Hearing loss can be isolating and frustrating. Be empathetic to your loved one's feelings and offer reassurance and encouragement. Acknowledge their struggles without minimizing them.
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Foster self-esteem: Hearing loss can sometimes lead to feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Encourage your family member and help them feel confident in social situations, reassuring them that they are not defined by their hearing loss.
Provide Encouragement for Seeking Help
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Encourage professional support: If your loved one has not yet sought help for their hearing loss, gently encourage them to see a healthcare professional or audiologist. Offer to assist with appointments or research on hearing aids and assistive technology.
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Support their choices: Whether they opt for hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other treatments, support their decision. Encourage them to explore options that best fit their lifestyle and hearing needs.
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Maintain Open Communication
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Encourage open dialogue: Keep the lines of communication open. Let your loved one know that it’s okay to talk about their hearing loss, ask for help, or express frustrations.
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Use a team approach: Collaborate with your family member to create strategies that work best for them. Make adjustments together so that everyone feels comfortable and included.
Stay Positive and Patient
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Focus on solutions, not problems: Emphasize positive solutions and ways to overcome challenges. Fostering a positive attitude can help reduce stress and make communication easier for both the individual with hearing loss and the people around them.
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Stay adaptable: Be ready to adjust your communication strategies as your loved one’s needs change over time. Flexibility and patience are key to maintaining effective communication.