Communicating With an Impaired Friend or Family Member With the Help of a Hearing Center

Many a hearing center has been confronted with the problem of friends and family members who aren't sure how to communicate with loved ones who have lost some of their auditory sense. It can be frustrating to feel as though you are constantly repeating yourself, even after an official diagnosis and evaluation. But having a loved one with a disability is not a time to feel sorry for yourself or get irritated about things that are beyond either of your abilities to control. What you can do, however, is learn to cope. Here are some ways you can maximize your communication skills.

Speak Directly

When communicating with your friends and family, it is human nature to speak in a casual, off the cuff manner. This often leads to talking in a different direction or letting your tone turn into a near-mumble. People with heathier ears can usually pick up these modulations in volume and sound direction with little trouble. For those with auditory disabilities, however, it is a nearly insurmountable challenge. When speaking to these individuals, make sure they know you are talking to them so that they can focus on what you are saying.

Stay Close

Speech can change frequencies and lose a lot of volume when you try talking to someone at long distances. Of course, we think nothing of it when communicating normally among ourselves. But these are the things you need to be cognizant of when talking to someone with a disability. Keep the distance short so that you don't have to yell across the room. Many with auditory problems not only have trouble with low volumes, but also with sounds that go out of certain frequencies. Shouting and yelling can often do just that, making it just as impossible to hear as the quietest whisper.

Eliminate Background Noise

A hearing center will usually advise people in your situation to take steps to avoid background noise when speaking to someone who is impaired. It can be difficult for these people to distinguish between many different sounds happening at once. They often get lost in conversations that involve multiple people for this very reason. Turn off the television, try to make sure everyone takes their turn when speaking, and you'll make things much easier on the person you're accommodating (as well as yourself).

Use Gestures

Many hearing center employees will tell you that one of the biggest challenges to the impaired is speaking on the phone. Part of the reason is because they can't rely on physical gestures to help them follow the conversation. Make liberal use of these gestures when talking, and you'll help them overcome their disability.