Tips for Communicating with Someone Who Has Hearing Loss

If your elderly loved one has hearing loss, to any degree, it is important that you adjust the way you communicate with them. You and their elderly care providers are going to have to make changes to the way you talk and listen. This can take some time. However, once you do this, you can have better conversations and be able to better communicate with your elderly loved one.  

Slowing Conversations Down

Elderly Care Long Prairie, MN: Communicating with Hearing Loss

If you are a fast talker, you are going to have to slow the conversations down. If your elderly loved one has hearing loss, they are going to need you to talk slowly. They won’t be able to catch everything you are saying if you talk too quickly. This is because when you talk fast, your words often blend together. This could cause your elderly loved one to misunderstand what you say or not hear you at all.  

Projecting 

You and the elderly care providers should start projecting what you say. When you speak a bit louder, your elderly loved one can hear you better. You should slowly increase the volume of your voice until your loved one can hear you. This way you aren’t immediately shouting and causing more issues for your elderly loved one.  

Facing Your Loved One 

If your elderly loved one has hearing loss, you should face them when you talk. If you face your loved one, they will be able to hear you better. If possible, stand a bit closer to your loved one when you are talking to them. This can help your loved one to also read your lips, if they still can’t hear you well.  

Repeating Things 

Don’t get irritated when your elderly loved one asks you to repeat things. Your loved one’s hearing loss can be frustrating for you. However, it is important to remember how it feels for them. They probably don’t like to admit that they can’t hear people talking. If they do ask you to repeat things, do so nicely and calmly.  

Using Touch 

If you are talking to your elderly loved one and they don’t seem to hear you, use a light touch. You can touch them on their shoulder to let them know you are communicating with them. This can get their attention, so they can focus on what you are saying. 

Conclusion 

These are some of the best tips for communicating with someone who has hearing loss. If your elderly loved one has hearing loss, to any degree, be sure to follow these tips to better communicate with them.  

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elderly Care in Long Prairie, MN please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350

Sources 

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000361.htm