Hearing loss can be a confusing experience that leaves you feeling discouraged, frustrated and isolated. October is Audiology Awareness Month, which means now is a great time to learn about life changes that can help make for a better tomorrow.
Audiologists, including the experts at The Hearing & Balance Center, can help identify hearing problems and recommend a treatment solution for you or your family member. Let’s talk about the ways to improve speaking and listening with hearing loss.
Advise Others to Slow Down
Remember that you will hear some words better than others. That’s why experts at the University of California San Francisco recommend that you tell your loved ones to slow down a bit and speak clear.
It helps if someone talking to you pauses or take breaks between sentences. This allows the other person you’re speaking with to get the message through and allows you to ask for clarity.
Keep Distractions at a Minimum
Make sure to mute or turn off any TVs, radios or other audio devices. This keeps you focused on the person that you’re speaking with and helps you better understand what they have to say. When in doubt, it never hurts to repeat information back or ask if the person you’re speaking with can repeat something you missed.
Keep Focus on Who You’re Talking To
Make sure you stay in the same room and face the other person while having a conversation. You should also let them know that it helps to say your name beforehand; this gives you a better opportunity to catch words that you didn’t hear.
Here are some other tips to help you better communicate with hearing loss:
- Know your limits. If you’re tired, back out of a conversation when you need to.
- Let the other person know if you can hear better in one ear.
- Avoid conversations where there may be loud background noise.
- If someone gives you instructions or information, such as a phone number, repeat the information back.
Now is a great time to protect your hearing by scheduling a hearing test, getting acquainted with an audiologist at The Hearing & Balance Center. To learn more about hearing protection or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call The Hearing & Balance Center today.