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Submitted by Dana Luzon, Au.D. CC-A, FAAA
Written by Danette Jackson, Au.D.
Communication could be considered one of the most important factors in any successful relationship. Whether it is with your spouse, your children, or your friends, a relationship lacking communication can be detrimental to yourself as well as your loved ones.
Hearing loss affects all parties
A lack of communication can be the result of many factors, often not immediately recognized. Many people with hearing loss, along with their loved ones, face this major problem every single day. Not being able to hear someone can cause embarrassment for those experiencing the loss and annoyance for those trying to speak with them. One party may feel as if the other is not listening, or may grow weary of having to repeat themselves. Meanwhile, the person with the hearing loss is tired of saying, “What?”
A cause of relationship struggles
Without addressing the severity of the hearing loss, many relationships struggle due to this lack of communication, leaving both parties exasperated. Moreover, many people in this situation have no clue as to why they are so frustrated. Too often, I have seen individuals withdraw from their daily lives and the things they love to do, because they struggle with communication.
As the quote above states, in order to maintain effective communication, both parties must be willing to understand one another and see where the lack of communication is occurring. If you or a loved one has hearing loss, you probably understand the significance of communication in your relationships. Below are some tips on how to communicate when someone in the relationship is hard of hearing. Remember, hearing loss does not just impact those who have it but also their family members and friends.
Communication Tips
For a person with hearing loss:
•Watch the person you are speaking with to pick up visual clues.
•Decrease the background noise as much as possible. Closing doors and windows may help.
•When you cannot control background noise, position yourself so the noise is behind you and the person you are talking with is in front of you.
•Ask people to rephrase rather than repeat; be specific about what you did not hear.
•If you have hearing aids, use them consistently.
•Paraphrase and repeat back important information to be sure you understood correctly.
•Please be patient.
For family members and friends:
•Speak slowly and clearly without exaggerating speech.
•Face the person you are talking with so he or she can make use of visual cues.
•You may speak in a slightly louder voice, but do not shout, as you will distort the way speech sounds and looks.
•Do not talk with your hands or objects (such as mugs, newspapers, or pencils) in front of your face.
•Keep all auditory and visual distractions to a minimum.
•Be sure you are understood by asking the person to repeat back important information.
•Rephrase rather than repeat when necessary.
•Get the other person’s attention before speaking. Call their name, tap their shoulder, etc.
•Please be patient. Communication is a two-way street.
Dana Luzon,
Au.D., CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology
Originally from Southern NJ, Dana Luzon received her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the Richard Stockton College of NJ, and continued on to receive her Doctorate of Audiology at Salus University’s residential program. Her varied clinical experiences throughout her doctoral studies include: VA hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, ENT and private practice settings. Her professional interests include: audiologic rehabilitation and progressive tinnitus devices. Her interests in the field outside of the clinic include: Humanitarian Audiology, and Audiology Awareness. Dr. Luzon currently lives in West Palm Beach, FL.
Audiology & Hearing Aids
of the Palm Beaches, Inc.
4266 Northlake Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
561.536.5557
www.hearingcarefl.com
