Tips for Improving Communication for Seniors With Hearing Difficulties

24 Jan Tips for Improving Communication for Seniors With Hearing Difficulties

While caring for an elderly loved one can be quite taxing, hearing loss can make this task even more challenging. When a senior suffers from hearing impairment, it can be tiring for them to effectively communicate with others. Fortunately, the application of effective communication methods can enhance listening and hearing performance. Use these tips to improve conversations with older individuals who have hearing problems.

Lower Background Noise

When dealing with seniors, get rid of as much loud noise as you can, including television sound, music, or even people’s conversations. This will be rather difficult in public settings, such as restaurants, places of worship, parks, or any other social gatherings. Selecting quieter venues or requesting seats in less congested areas can aid in minimizing ambient distractions and noise and enhance communications. Seniors should also try avoiding loud noises with hearing aids, as they don’t serve as a permanent solution to hearing loss.

Speak Individually

Conversations with numerous individuals can often be difficult for hearing-impaired seniors to follow. In a group setting, try to ensure only one individual speaks at a time. Talking over each other and having side conversations will make it overwhelming and confusing for an older adult with hearing loss to participate.

Speak Loudly and Clearly

Enunciate and face the individual while talking, but avoid exaggerating your speech. This also applies to your voice volume and tone. Some older adults with hearing impairment benefit from speakers using a moderately raised voice.

Reiterate Occasionally

When speaking with an individual suffering from hearing impairment, it’s essential to remember that they might not fully understand what you said the first time. When reiterating, ensure you use the exact phrasing and words. Similar repetition will aid them in piecing together your entire thought, whereas continually changing what you said will be unproductive.  If reiteration isn’t serving its purpose, try simplifying or shortening your statement or question and see if this yields a better result.

Visual Cues and Appearance

Proper visibility and lighting can help older adults with hearing loss utilize visual cues to fully comprehend what you are saying to them. Ensure you face them directly while talking and try maintaining constant eye contact throughout. While an elder may have never learnt lip-reading, they could still gain loads of information from just looking at facial expressions, body language, and the speaker’s mouth. Avoid covering your mouth, chewing, or looking around while speaking with them.

Cater Your Communication

There are different forms of hearing impairment and stages of hearing loss. Each person may have their preferred methods of communicating effectively, so consider asking the hearing-impaired senior how your interactions can be improved. If verbal interactions have been unsuccessful, try another approach.

In addition to all these tips, ensure you exercise patience always when dealing with older adults. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take deep breaths and think of them. If you think their situation is worsening, suggest they consult a specialist for potential solutions.

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