Resources · Guide
Talking with someone who is hard of hearing.
Share this with anyone. It takes two minutes to read and makes every conversation easier.
This helps
- Face the speaker so they can see your expression and lip movements.
- Reduce background noise: turn off the TV, or move to a quieter space.
- If they miss something, rephrase it instead of repeating the same words.
- Speak clearly and a little slower; you don't need to slow to a crawl.
- Make sure the room is well lit so visual cues are easy to catch.
- Take breaks in noisy places: straining to hear is tiring for everyone.
This doesn't
- Shouting. It distorts your voice and your face.
- Covering your mouth, chewing, or talking from another room.
- Saying “never mind, it wasn't important.” It was to them.
- Talking to their companion instead of to them.
- Giving up after one try.
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