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Tips for Better Communication
Tips for Better Communication
For You
• Move closer to and look at the speaker
• Sit face-to-face in a quiet room
• Try different locations to find the best
place to listen
• Minimize distractions
• Background noises may be frustrating
at first; remember, you have not heard
them for a while
• Let others know what you need; keep
in mind that people cannot “see” your
hearing loss
• Develop realistic expectations of what
your hearing instruments can and
cannot do
• Better hearing with hearing instruments is
a learned skill combining desire, practice
and patience
For Your Family and Friends
Your family and friends are also affected by
your hearing loss. Request that they:
• Get your full attention before
beginning to speak
• Look at you or sit face-to-face in a
quiet room
• Speak clearly and at a normal rate
and level; shouting can actually make
understanding more difficult
• Rephrase rather than repeat the same
words; different words may be easier
to understand
• Minimize distractions while speaking
