How to Communicate With Someone Who Wears Hearing Aids

Hearing aids help, but communication is shared

When a parent, partner or friend starts wearing hearing aids, it is easy to assume the problem is solved. It is not quite that simple. The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) states that a hearing aid will not restore normal hearing. The NHS says hearing aids will not make hearing perfect, but they make sounds louder and clearer.

So the way the people around them speak still matters, often a great deal. The good news: the habits that help most are simple, and they cost nothing but a little attention.

Before you speak

• Get their attention first. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) advises getting the listener's attention before you begin to speak. Say their name, or touch their arm lightly.
• Come closer. ASHA suggests standing or sitting about 3 to 6 feet (roughly 1 to 2 metres) from the listener. Shouting across a room or from another room rarely works.
• Choose the place. ASHA recommends a quiet, well-lit room for conversation.

While you speak

• Face the person. ASHA advises facing the person as you speak. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that this lets them see your face, making it easier to lip-read and understand facial expressions.
• Keep your mouth visible. ASHA advises not blocking your mouth when speaking. Hands, a cup, food and a phone in front of your face all get in the way.
• Speak clearly, not loudly. WHO advises avoiding shouting, as it can distort speech and make lip-reading harder. ASHA notes that shouting can make understanding more difficult and unpleasant for the listener.
• Cut background noise. ASHA suggests eliminating background noise such as the TV. Turn the TV or radio down before you start a conversation, not halfway through.
• One at a time. WHO advises speaking one at a time and not talking over others, as this can create confusion. At a busy family table, this is the single most useful rule.

When something is missed

• Rephrase, don't just repeat. ASHA advises that if the listener does not understand, you should rephrase or simplify what you said. "We're leaving at five" may work better than repeating "Shall we head off around five o'clock?" three times.
• Check understanding gently. For important details such as a time, an address or a medicine, ask them to say it back. ASHA also encourages listeners to check what they heard by repeating the message, and not to pretend to understand when they do not.
• Write it down. WHO suggests writing on paper or typing on your phone or computer. A short message with the key details is a useful backup.
• Be patient. ASHA's tips include simply: be patient. Misunderstandings are tiring for everyone, and most of all for the person with hearing loss.

At home, in the car and on the phone

• At home: sit at the same level, in good light. A window behind you puts your face in shadow, so turn so the light falls on your face.
• In the car: the driver cannot face the passenger, and road noise is loud. Keep important conversations for when you have stopped.
• On the phone: speak a little more slowly, say who you are at the start and confirm key details. See hearing aids and phone calls.
• In noisy places: restaurants and family events need a plan. See hearing aids in noisy places.

Supporting someone with new hearing aids

The first weeks with new hearing aids are a time of adjustment. The NHS says it may take a few weeks or months to get used to them. You can help by:

• Encouraging regular wear. NIDCD notes that wearing hearing aids regularly helps people adjust to them.
• Noticing what is still hard, such as phone calls, groups or TV, and suggesting they mention it at the follow-up appointment.
• Not teasing about volume, whistling or "selective hearing".

See your first weeks with new hearing aids.

When it is still hard

If someone wears hearing aids every day and conversation is still a struggle, it may be worth a review. The hearing aids may need adjusting, or accessories such as a remote microphone or TV adapter may help in particular situations. See follow-up and adjustments and accessories and connectivity.

With the person's consent, a family member can call G-Sound in English to discuss next steps. G-Sound offers Philips and Oticon hearing aids.