Holiday Season and Those With Hearing Loss

Posted by HearUSA on December 6, 2010 under Hearing Loss | Be the First to Comment

Suggestions for making holiday meals and celebrations more comfortable and enjoyable for people with hearing loss and for those around them.

• Speak clearly, distinctly, and not too fast. Never shout.
• If you must repeat something, try not to appear frustrated or annoyed.
• If your comment or question is still not being understood, re-word it. Some words are easier to understand than others.
• In a group situation, try to include that person in the conversation.
• Look directly at the person when speaking and place yourself no more than five feet apart.
• Your facial expressions, gestures, and overall body language are important aids in communicating; make sure you have the listener’s attention and that the room is well lit.
• Conversation is greatly enhanced when there is no distracting background noise, for example, from a radio or TV.
• When dining out, choose a quiet restaurant. Noisy conversations or the clatter of dishes and tableware are barriers to effective understanding.
• Conversation is much easier in a room with carpeting and upholstered furniture than in a room with tiled floors, high ceilings or wooden furniture.