Communicating despite hearing loss

Simple steps that people with impaired hearing and people talking with them can take to build effective communication and understanding.

Hearing loss affects approximately one out of ten people in our society. About 30 percent of people aged 65-plus and half of people aged 75 and over have some degree of hearing loss.

Unfortunately, many people don't realise, or don't want to admit, they are having trouble hearing and do not receive proper treatment. As the problem worsens, people can become increasingly depressed and withdrawn because they feel frustrated or embarrassed at their inability to understand what's being said.

When you're speaking with someone who has hearing loss and/or uses hearing aids
Do not –

• Exaggerate your words or talk too quickly
• Cover your mouth with your hands, paper, food etc.
• Talk softly or mumble
• Shout; it's embarrassing and can cause discomfort and distort speech
• Move around or look the other way while speaking
• Stand too far away or too close.

Do –

• Get the person's attention before you speak
• Pick a best place to communicate. Avoid background noise or gloomy lighting
• Give clues when changing subject
• Use lots of facial expressions and hand gestures
• Use body language. It helps to project the meaning of what is being said
• Face the listener while speaking
• Have good light on your face; this will help the person to lip-read
• Speak clearly and naturally, but perhaps a little slower than usual.

If you have hearing loss
Do –

• Tell the people you're speaking with about your hearing loss
• Tell them the best way to talk to you
• Provide feedback if you don’t understand
• Ask for repeats or rephrasing if you don’t understand
• Look for visual clues to what is being said
• Share responsibility for good communication
• Keep a sense of humour. Be patient, positive and relaxed

Don't –

• Give up or withdraw from communication!

Test

How's your hearing? Take our self-test. > LINK to test.

Comment

Unacknowledged hearing loss can become a barrier to older people's full involvement in society and enjoyment of life.  It's easy to overlook the signs, as deterioration can be slow.  Age Concern says that affordable and accessible audiology, including fully-funded hearing aids, is a vital part of seniors' health care.

Resources

> GO TO our information on hearing aids

> VISIT the Hearing Association New Zealand

> VISIT the Life Unlimited Trust (a NASC and hearing therapist)

> VISIT the New Zealand Audiological Society

Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Health

• Read our information for Hon Tony Ryall. > DOWNLOAD [PDF file, 0.02MB] 

Source: Audiology Services, Capital + Coast District Health Board