Talking to someone with hearing loss

Description

It may be hard for a person with hearing loss to understand a conversation with another person. Being in a group, conversation can be even harder. The person with hearing loss can feel isolated or cut off. If you live or work with someone who does not hear well, follow the tips below to better communicate.

Tips That Can Help

Make sure the person with hearing loss can see your face.

Find a good environment for the conversation.

Make an extra effort to include the person in a conversation with others.

Say your words slowly and clearly.

References

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) website. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults. Updated March 17, 2023. Accessed June 13, 2023.

Walker LK. Patients with disabilities. In: Ritsema TS, Brown DL, Vetrosky DT, et al, eds. Ballweg's Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 54.


Review Date: 6/4/2023
Reviewed By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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