If you suspect or know that the person you are speaking with has a hearing loss, please consider the following tips to enhance communication:
- Sit or stand within three to six feet to maximize audibility
- Remain at eye level to foster visual cues
- Gain the person’s attention before speaking
- Use facial expressions and gestures to give clues to the meaning of your message
- Raise your voice but do not shout because loud speech may sound distorted
- Speak slowly and distinctly
- Use short, simple sentences
- Rephrase your words if the person does not appear to understand or responds inappropriately
- Avoid speaking directly into the person’s ear because it can distort your message and hide all visual clues