SOUTHWESTERN
H earing C are
VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
VARIABLES AND
CLARITY
Dr. Roger M Angelelli,
Licensed Audiologist
Speech is too fast, too soft, too distant to be heard with clarity. These three speech variables
must be addressed.
Verbal communication, unlike written communication, is a fluid motion of sounds constantly
changing in rate of delivery, i.e., “FAST TALKERS”, sound level or intensity of delivery, i.e., “SOFT
TALKERS” and distance of delivery, i.e., “OTHER ROOM TALKERS”.
Clarity of amplified verbal communication among the hearing impaired is dependent upon
controlling these three different delivery variables.
Amplification can only improve clarity if the speaker is conscious of the speed at which he/
she is conversing; i.e., the faster one speaks the greater level of listener frustration and sound
degradation occurring because of reduced clarity associated with consonants not being heard
distinctly.
Soft speakers also challenge the degree of clarity associated with verbal communication and
hearing loss. Amplification should certainly enhance the soft spoken words to an audible level
where the consonant sounds are louder than the background noise. In 2018 there are amplification
systems that address the speech to noise ratio to effectively improve clarity of speech.
Never speak from another room. Be sure to get the person’s attention prior to speaking.
Amplification systems generally do not work well when the speaker is more than twelve feet away.
To determine if you are hearing the important sounds (consonants) of the special people in your
life, contact Dr. Angelelli at Southwestern Hearing Care located across from the Bethel Park Post
Office on South Park Road.
For over 35 years Dr. Angelelli has devoted his time to helping
people understand and correct their hearing loss.
• Several Hearing Aid Brands to Choose From
• Repair & Service Available
412.831.0430
2754 South Park Rd., Bethel Park • swhearingcare.com
TREATMENT CAN LEAD TO BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
AND IMPROVE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS