By following the suggestions below, you can communicate much better with someone who has hearing loss.

• You can communicate better by:


• Speaking clearly and naturally


• Speak in a normal tone of voice. Shouting makes many words hard to understand.


• Don't slow your speech. Speak at a pace that allows words to be clearly distinguished from one another, but not so slowly that you lose the natural rhythm.


• Attracting the listener's attention before you begin speaking


• Before you begin to speak, be sure the listener knows you want to communicate.


• Facing the listener


• When speaking to someone with hearing loss, make sure they can clearly see your mouth - especially in noisy environments. Most people have a natural ability to lip read.


• Maintain eye contact while speaking.


• Staying close


• Stay within 1-2 meters (4-6 feet) of your listener.


• If the listener can hear better on one side, try to stay on that side.


• Using body language to emphasize your feelings


• We communicate a lot more than we realize through facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice.


• Repeating and rephrasing if you are misunderstood


• If you need to repeat a sentence, try using different words that may be easier to understand.


• If someone with hearing loss walks in during the middle of a conversation, bring him up to speed on the subject.


• Eliminating or reducing room noise


• Reduce background noise as much as possible before starting a conversation. TVs, radios, air conditioners and even other people talking can greatly affect a hearing-impaired listener's understanding.


• In noisy places, speak directly into the listener's ear at a suitable volume (not too loud).


• Avoid sitting on the sidewalk or near open windows close to traffic. When entering a noisy place such as a restaurant, choose a quiet corner instead of the main seating area.

Use these simple suggestions and you'll soon find that good communications doesn't have to be difficult. And remember - a little extra consideration and effort will go a long way towards helping the new wearer to get the best from his or her hearing aid.