HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 118 APRIL 2025 | Page 16

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Helping your loved one with hearing loss Tips for better communication from the team at Ear Studio

with Ear Studio
With so many Australians affected by hearing loss— either personally or through a loved one— it’ s important to recognise the daily challenges this brings and how we can support better communication. While hearing aids can significantly improve quality of life, some individuals may still need additional assistance depending on the severity of their condition. Let’ s explore practical ways to help your loved one navigate hearing loss effectively:
1. Face-to-Face Communication: When speaking with someone with hearing loss, ensure you’ re in the same room. Avoid talking to them from another room or with obstacles obstructing your face. Seeing your facial expressions and lip movements can significantly aid their understanding, as many individuals with hearing loss have started to also employ their other senses to follow conversations. Also, adequate lighting is crucial for clear visibility, enhancing communication effectiveness.
2. Gain Their Attention: Before initiating a conversation, ensure you first get their attention. Address them by name or gently tap their arm to signal that you’ re about to speak to them. This simple gesture can help avoiding
misunderstandings and frustration, fostering a more attentive and engaged interaction.
3. Speak Clearly and Slowly: When communicating aim to speak clearly. Be mindful that some individuals may process speech slightly slower meaning they require more time to decipher what you are trying to say. Speaking a little slower can be therefore quite helpful to stay engaged. Avoid shouting, as it can make lip-reading more challenging. If they ask for repetition, refrain from simply increasing volume. Instead, rephrase your sentence or simplify your message. For example, if you state“ the weather has been absolutely terrible all week” and they can’ t comprehend what you’ re saying, you could rephrase your sentence to“ It has been raining all day!” Keeping things little bit simpler.
4. Minimise Background Noise: Reduce environmental distractions by minimising background noise wherever possible. Appliances, televisions, and other sources of noise can interfere or compete with conversations, making it difficult for individuals with hearing loss to follow. Sometimes it may be possible to position yourself and the person with hearing loss away from noisy distractions for example outside seating at a café vs inside. If you can’ t eliminate background noise, make
sure the noise is positioned behind the person with the hearing loss making the most of the natural shape of our ears.
5. Show Empathy and Patience: Understand the frustration and challenges faced by your loved one with hearing loss. Put yourself in their shoes by imagining how difficult it would be to understand conversations with blocked ears. Approach communication with empathy, patience, and dignity, avoiding frustration or annoyance. Remember, they desire to communicate effectively, and your understanding can make a significant difference.
In conclusion, supporting a loved one with hearing loss requires patience, empathy, and effective communication strategies. By implementing these simple yet impactful tips, you can help make conversations more accessible and enjoyable for both parties. Remember, your loved one wants to engage with you, and by creating a supportive environment, you can encourage open communication and strengthen your relationship.
Hearing loss affects
millions of Australians, making clear and effective communication essential. At Ear Studio, we follow best-practice hearing care to ensure that individuals with hearing difficulties feel valued, respected, and empowered to engage in conversations without barriers.
Contact us at Ear Studio today for all your ear health needs on( 02) 9159 6122, or visit www. earstudio. com. au for more information or to book online.
16 ISSUE 118 // APRIL 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT