Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory changes people experience as they age. According to the National Institute on Aging, about one-third of older adults have some degree of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, typically affects the ability to hear higher-frequency sounds and makes speech less clear, especially in noisy environments. Presbycusis often runs in families, pointing to genetic factors playing a role in its development, and occurs because of changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve, which relays signals from the ear to the brain. Since the onset of presbycusis tends to happen very gradually, many people with it may not realize that they have lost some of their ability to hear.
Verbal communication is an everyday occurrence for most people, and understanding what others are saying can be more difficult for individuals with hearing loss. For those living with hearing loss, everyday conversations often require extra attention. Miscommunication can lead to frustration, withdrawal from social interaction, and even isolation. By understanding effective communication strategies, you can foster more meaningful and respectful exchanges with people living with the challenge of hearing loss.
Communication Do’s
Here are practical, evidence-based strategies to improve communication with someone who has hearing loss:
Get Their Attention First (click here for more information)
A person who has hearing loss may not always recognize when you have begun speaking to them, so try to get their attention first. Before speaking, say the person’s name or, if appropriate, lightly tap their shoulder to ensure they are looking at you. This helps them prepare to listen.
Face Them & Use Good Lighting (click here for more information)
Face the listener directly, sit or stand a few feet away, and ensure your face is well-lit and uncovered. This helps with visual cues that aid comprehension, such as facial expressions.
Reduce Background Noise (click here for more information)
Quiet spaces make speech easier to understand. Whenever possible, turn off televisions, radios, or other sound sources, and choose quieter seating in social settings.
Speak Clearly, Not Louder (click here for more information)
Speak at a normal pace and volume. It is not recommended to shout, as shouting can distort words and make comprehension harder. Instead, use clear articulation and brief pauses so the listener has time to process what is being said.
Rephrase Rather Than Repeat (click here for more information)
If your message is not understood, try rephrasing it instead of repeating the same words. This gives the listener additional context and increases the chance of comprehension.
Be Patient & Respectful (click here for more information)
Hearing loss can make listening effortful. Stay patient, maintain eye contact, and check in often by asking questions like, “Did that make sense?” or “Can I say that another way?”
Communication Don’ts
Don’t Shout (click here for more information)
Shouting distorts speech and can be uncomfortable or embarrassing for the listener. Instead, use clear articulation and a normal speaking volume.
Don’t Cover Your Mouth (click here for more information)
Avoid chewing, holding objects in front of your face, or turning away while speaking. These behaviors block visual cues that can be critical for comprehension.
Don’t Talk From Another Room (click here for more information)
Conversations from a distance or from another room are especially hard to follow, as the listener loses important visual and auditory context.
Conclusion
Verbal communication is a two-way process: a talker who sends the message and a listener who receives it. Ask people with hearing loss how they prefer to communicate. People with lived experience are best able to articulate their access needs, so it is beneficial not to assume what someone needs and to ask instead. Sometimes technology, such as speech-to-text apps, captioning, or other assistive listening devices, can also help support successful verbal communication. Most importantly, remember that kindness and patience go a long way toward making conversations more inclusive and rewarding for everyone involved.
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