How to help your loved one hear you better

For people with hearing loss, listening is hard work. It takes a lot of energy to try to follow a conversation. So, your loved ones — a partner, family member or friend — may not have the focus they once had.¹

Even if your loved one has hearing aids, they may struggle to hear everyday speech. To keep connected, you need to help them out.

“You have to actively think about changing the way you communicate,” says Rebecca Younk, Au.D. She’s the owner and chief audiologist at Associated Hearing Care with Beltone Technology in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. It isn’t easy though. Many of us have bad communication habits, Younk notes.

But it’s never too late to become a better communicator. Keep these tips in mind when talking to a loved one who has hearing loss.

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Let them see you talk

Communication is more than verbal — it’s also visual. Besides listening to words, most people read facial expressions, body language and even lips, says Younk.

For those with hearing loss, those visual cues become even more important for following conversations. To help make it easier:^{2, 3, 4}

• Look directly at the person when you’re talking, so that they can use their eyes with their ears, Younk says.
• Pick places with good lighting when you have conversations. It makes it easier for your loved one to see your expressions.
• Sit or stand only 3 to 6 feet away.
• Try not to cover your mouth, look down at your phone or chew gum when speaking.
• Use body language. Hand gestures and facial expressions help to get your message across.

Speak as if you’re singing

Many people, especially women, have soft voices that are hard to hear, says Younk. But it’s not necessary to raise your voice and shout either. That doesn’t help.¹

Instead, try to speak from your belly (diaphragm) when you have a conversation. “Like you’re singing,” Younk says. That will help you speak more loudly and forcefully. And your loved one will be able to hear you better.

Younk also encourages speaking at an even volume from the start of a sentence to the end. “Many people lower their voice or drop off at the end of a sentence,” she explains.

Slow down

Another bad habit we all fall into? Speaking too quickly. To slow yourself down, say each word individually. You can also pause a bit more.²

This helps your loved one process the sounds more easily. Hearing loss is often caused by nerve damage, which affects how quickly and clearly the brain interprets different sounds.⁵ Talking at a slower pace allows the brain to interpret each word.

Other tips:^{1, 3}

• Don’t repeat. Find another way to say the same thing.
• Use shorter, simpler sentences if you can.

Lower background noise

The quieter the setting, the easier it is for your loved one to hear. “So, if you’re doing the dishes, turn off the water,” Younk says. Turn down the TV, air-conditioning or radio too, or move away from them to have your conversation.²

It’s tougher to control background noise when you’re out in public. But do your best to keep the noise level down.

For example, if you’re eating out, try to get a table away from busy areas such as the kitchen and bar, Younk advises. See if you can sit at a booth instead of a table, as booths are better at blocking out noise. Have your loved one sit with their back to the noisy area.

Keep them engaged with a group

Getting together with friends or family is tough for people with hearing loss. It takes even more energy to follow group conversations when people break off into side conversations.² Or when there is a lot of crosstalk.

To make it less challenging:^{1, 2}

• Let your loved one know the general topic of conversation. Then give them a heads-up when it changes.
• Ask people to take turns speaking.
• Include your loved one in the conversation by asking questions. Get their attention by using their name.

Consider technology

You don’t have to go it alone. There are all sorts of high-tech solutions that didn’t exist even a few years ago. In fact, Younk often helps patients download speech-to-text apps on their phone or tablet. These apps transcribe live speech right onto the device screen so your loved one can read the words. This makes it easier to interact with others. You can find many free versions in the app store.

Talk directly into device’s microphone and get as close to the device as you can. Just keep in mind even the best app isn’t always accurate. So, keep practicing those other good communication tips too.

Also, consider seeking out the help of a hearing care professional for your loved one. Maybe they’re due for a comprehensive hearing exam. Or an updated pair of hearing aids.

And while it takes effort to make changes, it’s worth it. After all, you don’t want your loved one to miss out on what you say — whether it’s discussing what’s for dinner or saying “I love you.”

Did you know that many hearing benefits, including a hearing exam and consultation, are covered through UnitedHealthCare Hearing? Learn more.

Sources

1. Improving the communication experience between caregivers and patients with hearing loss Cleveland Clinic. Accessed April 25, 2024.
2. How to communicate with someone who has hearing loss Mayo Clinic. Published November 10, 2021.
3. Tips for improving conversation in noisy environments American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Audiology. Published 2022.
4. Hearing loss in adults: strategies at home American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Accessed April 25, 2024.
5. Sensorineural deafness National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Last reviewed May 30, 2022.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.