How to speak effectively with people who have hearing loss

• May 22, 2024
• Written By Digibionic India

Firstly, discussing hearing loss offers several ways to help loved ones recognize that they may be experiencing some degree of hearing loss. Initially communicating with someone who has hearing impairment can be time-consuming and challenging, as various reactions may be encountered.

‘Reluctance to Acceptance’ is common. Hearing loss can be difficult to notice, mainly because it typically exceeds 25 decibels, indicating a hearing problem. Generally, our speech volume ranges from 50-70 decibels.

• Signaling Before Communication: Before initiating communication, signal or inform individuals with hearing impairment.
• Optimal Positioning: Stand close and directly in front to better observe lip movements.
• Clear Speech: Speak slowly to ensure prompt understanding of the message.

Research on Urgent Communication in Hearing Loss highlights how hearing impairment can lead to various medical issues. Individuals may develop social anxiety, avoiding social interactions and outings, particularly in challenging listening environments (e.g., noisy conversations).

Prolonged untreated hearing loss may lead to depression, reduced cognitive abilities, or an increased risk of dementia, akin to the effects of physical inactivity. Encouraging continuous auditory stimulation is crucial to maintaining brain activity and addressing hearing issues promptly.

Hearing aids can compensate for hearing impairment by amplifying external sounds, restoring vocabulary and sentence comprehension by 70% to 80%. This facilitates effective communication and helps reduce age-related diseases such as dementia.

It’s advisable to undergo a hearing test, ear canal examination, and obtain a personalized hearing report before selecting and using hearing aids. Similar to wearing glasses, hearing aids are essential tools for improving quality of life.