How can I help a person with hearing loss hear me? Part 2

One thing that should not be done when speaking to someone with hearing loss is to shout. Shouting, speaking loudly or speaking extremely slowly does not help the person with hearing loss hear more clearly. The fact is speaking loudly or shouting can cause the words being spoken to come across less clearly or unintelligible. Speaking extremely slowly can interfere with those who use lip-reading techniques to understand others. The expressions of the face and mouth can be misinterpreted or misunderstood. It is also important that, while speaking at a normal speed and tone, one should not eat or chew gum while they are speaking to someone with hearing loss. This can also interfere with lip-reading techniques.

For those who interact with hearing loss patients on a regular basis often adjust their speech tone and speed to accommodate their patients. Often, spouses and family members of those with hearing loss make the same adaptations in their day to day interactions with their loved ones. If there is a question on the best methods to use when speaking with hearing loss patients, there are many online resources that can answer many of the questions that may occur to those who interact with hearing loss patients.

One of the most important methods for interacting with hearing loss sufferers is to try to remain calm and patient. By exhibiting patience with those afflicted with hearing loss, caregivers and family members can greatly alleviate the anxiety and depression that hearing loss can cause. It is also important to stay positive and not to react with irritation or anger when the need arises to repeat yourself regularly. This is not only one of the most important things to remember, it can also be one of the most difficult to practice. Interacting with a loved one with hearing loss can be a trial of patience and can require behavior modification on the part of the patient and the caregiver.

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