Communication tips
If you have a hearing loss caused by presbycusis or know someone who does, share these tips with family members, friends, and colleagues.
- Face the person who has a hearing loss so that he or she can see your face when you speak.
- Be sure that lighting is in front of you when you speak. This allows a person with a hearing impairment to observe facial expressions, gestures, and lip and body movements that provide communication clues.
- During conversations, turn off the radio or television.
- Avoid speaking while chewing food or covering your mouth with your hands.
- Speak slightly louder than normal, but don't shout. Shouting may distort your speech.
- Speak at your normal rate, and do not exaggerate sounds.
- Clue the person with the hearing loss about the topic of the conversation whenever possible.
- Rephrase your statement into shorter, simpler sentences if it appears you are not being understood.
- In restaurants and social gatherings, choose seats or conversation areas away from crowded or noisy areas.
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