How to communicate with the hard of hearing

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"In the UK, one in seven of the adult population has a hearing loss."

The degree of hearing loss varies from no useful hearing to faint or distorted hearing.

Many people with a hearing loss can join in conversations by using a hearing aid, lip-reading or sign language.

There are several things we can all do to aid communication:

For those with a hearing impairment:

Help the speaker:

tell them that you have a hearing impairment
tell them how they can help you: eg by speaking more slowly (but not too slow!) and more clearly (but not over exaggerated)
ask them to get your attention before they start speaking (this might just be by catching your eye, by giving a small wave or by touching your arm)
encourage them to start their conversations by telling you what the subject is (this will help you interpret what they are saying)
if you don't understand, ask them to repeat or re-phrase what they have said (be assertive but stay calm, and don't panic).

Where you position yourself in relation to the speaker:

watch for expressions and gestures. Make sure you can see the face and lips of the speaker. Preferably, face them. If you have to sit next to them and your hearing is better in one of your ears, position yourself on the best side for you (tell them why you are doing this). Try to position them so the light is on their face (you will miss more visual clues if the light is behind them).

"Remember, the listener is watching you closely because they might be lip-reading and/or can get extra clues from your body language and expressions."

For those speaking to someone with a hearing impairment:

Be understanding. Hearing aids can not restore hearing to normal.

attract the attention of the listener before you start speaking (catch their eye, lift your hand or lightly touch their shoulder)
don't guess how much the person can hear or how they prefer to communicate; ask them
make sure they know what subject you are talking about eg 'Tomorrow's appointment at Addenbrooke's; do you know where we have to go to?'
speak clearly (don't mumble or shout) but not too slowly or with over exaggerated lip movements
make sure the light is on your face. Keep your hands away from your face. Remove sunglasses so the listener can see your expressions more clearly. Put down your cup of tea or cigarette (because they can distract you both)
if they don't understand you, rephrase the whole sentence (not just one word - it might not be the one they are having problems with)
if someone can't hear what you say, write it down
move closer to the listener (don't shout from the next room).

Changing rooms: modify your environment

choose a quiet room with low background noise (or try to reduce it by turning down music or equipment)
echoes and harsh sounds make hearing more difficult: use soft furnishings and even mats and tablecloths to reduce them
arrange lights in the room carefully: it is easier to understand a speaker if their face is well lit

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