Tips for Connecting When You’re Hard-of-Hearing

Day-to-day conversations can be difficult when you’re hard-of-hearing, but sometimes just a little added effort can make the world of difference. Here are some ways you can create an environment where you can hear and be heard by those you care about.

• Position yourself so that you can get a view of the person’s entire face. Looking directly at the person you’re talking to and not just their profile will help you to actively listen. You’ll be more interested in what they're saying and have a full view of their mouth for lip-reading.
• Use lighting to your advantage. Try to establish seating where the light is in front of the speaker and illuminating their face. Again, you want to see their mouth and facial expressions as much as possible.
• Keep conversations static. Avoid walking into another room where sound can trail off or you can’t see the other person. Also avoid multi-tasking.
• Remember active listening techniques and keep your focus on the person speaking.
• Minimize background noise. When you’re at home, turn off or mute the television while talking. Fans and running water can also generate enough background noise to interfere with chatting. If you can’t turn off these sounds, try another room.
• Follow the main idea of what’s happening. You might not catch every single word in the conversation, but sometimes you don’t have to. People often use extra words, and context can usually fill in any missed information. Following along is what’s important. The rest usually comes together.
• Don’t pretend if you’re having trouble following along. If you missed something, nodding as if you understood will only create more confusion later. It’s better for your own understanding to ask questions. Not to mention, it shows your friend or family member you really care about what they are saying.
• Arrive early to parties. This will give you a chance to find the best places for conversation before all the mingling starts. Ideally, you’ll want to be away from kitchens and food and drink areas, as these places will have the most foot traffic and noise.

Want even more tips for connecting with friends and loved ones? Check out our list of suggestions for celebrating Valentine’s Day.