Communication Strategies: It Takes Two to Tango! - Part
One
By Patricia B. Kricos, Ph.D. - University of Florida,
Gainesville, Florida
Editor: When a person with hearing loss and a person with normal
hearing are conversing, it's important to observe some simple conventions
that can make the whole process a lot more enjoyable. Here with her
thoughts on this topic is Patricia B. Kricos.
This is part one of two parts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mark Ross, a venerable audiologist with a severe hearing loss himself,
once said: "When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire
family has a hearing problem." Communication is a two-way street, and both
the listener with the hearing loss, and his or her communication partner,
can play a role in reducing the problems that may arise during a
conversation. Below are some communication strategies for both the
listener and the communication partner that may significantly reduce
conversational difficulties.
1. Don't try to hide your hearing loss
Listener: Acknowledge your hearing loss so that people will be more
likely to look directly at you when talking, and speak clearly when
addressing you. If your conversation partner knows that you have hearing
difficulties, there may be fewer misunderstandings if you do not respond
appropriately or if it appears that you are ignoring the talker.
Communication Partner: If someone you are conversing with wears hearing
aids and/or tells you that she has a hearing loss, do not shout or
exaggerate your mouth movements. Just speak clearly, a little bit slower
and a little bit louder. Pausing between phrases will help the listener
have time to process what you are saying.
2. Use hearing assistive technology
Listener: If you own hearing aids, by all means wear them. If you
don't, check with your hearing healthcare professional to see what's new
in hearing assistive technology. Some amazing improvements have been made
in hearing aids and it might be time for you to see what technology might
be available to make your communication situations flow more easily.
Communication Partner: If you see that the person you are conversing
with is having difficulty communicating and they do not use hearing aids
or other assistive technology encourage them to get help using modern
digital technology and/or other assistive technology. If they are
resistant to hearing technology or in denial consider using some of the
strategies for handling a loved one who is in denial about their hearing
loss.
3. Polish your concentration skills
Listener: Pay extra attention to the talker and try to hone your
listening skills. This may be especially difficult for new hearing aid
users, who may have spent several years "tuning out" during conversations,
movies, lectures, or religious services because of difficulties hearing.
Watch the talker's mouth instead of looking down. Try to concentrate on
the topic of conversation, even if you are missing a few words or phrases.
Communication Partner: Realize that it can be a strain for people with
hearing difficulties to listen for long periods of time. Try to appreciate
that folks who have to pay extra attention during conversations will often
tire more easily than other listeners, and may want to go home earlier
than you do from parties, family dinners, and other group events.
4. Be prepared
Listener: Anticipate difficult listening situations and plan ahead. If
you're dining out with friends, for example, suggest going at a time that
is not likely to be busy, recommend a restaurant that you know is
relatively quiet, and familiarize yourself with the restaurant's menu,
which can often be found online. Going to a bowling luncheon banquet? Try
to arrive early so that you can pick a seat at the table furthest from the
noisy kitchen, and choose to sit with your back to a brightly lit window
so you can reduce glare. Be as prepared as you can to minimize listening
difficulties.
Communication Partner: When accompanying a friend or family member to
an event that is likely to be a difficult listening situation, think of
ways ahead of time to minimize communication problems. For example, if you
are going to a lecture together, try to arrive early so that the two of
you can get a good seat, up close to the podium. Engage beforehand in
conversation about the lecture topic as a way of perhaps anticipating what
the lecturer will say. If you are hosting a social event and know that
someone who is attending has a hearing loss, strategize as to how you
might reduce problem situations. Perhaps you could choose a relatively
quiet restaurant and ask to have a private, carpeted room for your event.
Ask that the table be set with plastic cutlery and paper dishes, which may
significantly reduce the clatter of dishes and eating utensils. The
efforts you take to plan for a "noise-free" event will probably actually
benefit ALL of your guests.
5. Use effective clarification strategies
Listener: Avoid saying "Huh?" or "What did you say?" when you have
heard at least part of what the speaker was saying. Instead, try saying
something like "I know you said you are talking about the new house you
are building, but I didn't catch where you said the house is located."
This way, the talker does not have to repeat everything that was said.
Communication Partner: When the listener has missed something you said,
try repeating what you said one time, using clear (but not exaggerated)
speech. If the person still does not understand, try rewording. For
example, if the person did not understand you when you said, "It's not
polite to boast", repeat it once, then reword your sentence to "It's not
nice to brag."
Here's Part Two
