Tips for the person with a hearing problem:
- stand closer (3-5 feet) and face the person you are talking to;
- invite your relatives or friends not to address you from another room or while standing behind you;
- eliminate background noise (television, windows, doors if required);
- pay attention to lighting; keep light sources and windows behind you;
- get accustomed to look at the face and lips, pay attention to normal gestures and body language;
- notify others of your hearing problem;
- ask what the subject under discussion is;
- ask to repeat slowly and repeat using different words;
- never pretend you understood if it isn’t the case;
- use your hearing aid or aids;
- remember that it is always more difficult to understand when you’re tired, ill or under medication.
Tips for people interacting with a person with a hearing problem:
- eliminate background noise;
- come closer to the person;
- make sure your face is always lit, and face the person;
- attract the person’s attention with a gentle touch;
- see if the person’s hearing aid is functioning;
- speak slowly and clearly without exaggerating or screaming;
- form short and simple sentences;
- make sure the person understood by asking questions and repeat if necessary;
- if the message is still not clear, re-phrase using different words; add normal gesture;
- if required, write down key words;
- regularly insist on the subject matter of the conversation;
- if another person is involved in the conversation, do not exclude the person with a hearing problem.
(Reference: Guide for health care professionals and personnel interacting with hearing-impaired adults and seniors.)
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