9 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNICATION

Communication is our primary means of connecting and interacting with others; for many people this connection is one of the most important facets of their lives.

The strategies on this page may appear obvious and to be "good old common sense" but don't be fooled. Many with hearing loss report that most people do not use these strategies and if asked to do so remember them for about 30 seconds before reverting back to their old ways.

Hearing loss can result in loneliness and isolation. By using these strategies you may be able to keep the person with a hearing loss engaged, connected and interested in life thereby lessening the effects of their hearing loss.

 

  • Get the person's attention
    before you start talking

  • Reduce the distance between
    yourself and the person
    you are talking to; three to six
    feet is ideal

  • Use proper lighting. Don't
    have the light shining directly
    into the eyes of the person you
    are talking to

  • Ensure that your mouth
    and face are visible. Don't turn
    your head away when talking as
    visual information from the lips
    and face is important

 

  • Speak slowly and clearly
    but don't shout or exaggerate
    your lip movements

  • Rephrase if necessary. Using
    different words is another way
    to make yourself understood

  • When writing or texting
    back and forth, keep your words
    simple and sentences short

  • When using an interpreter,
    speak directly to the Deaf person

  • Use pantomine, body language,
    facial expressions to aid
    communication

 

 


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