It makes a big difference if the people around you know how to make it easier for you to understand them. Here are some suggestions you can give them:
- Get my attention before talking to me. – This allows me to “get ready” to listen.
- Please don’t speak to me from another room. – This is too difficult. I may hear you but won’t understand.
- Don’t talk fast. – I would like to hear and understand rather than try to figure out what you said.
- Face me when you talk to me. – I understand more if I see your face; don’t cover your mouth while talking.
- Come closer. – When standing closer your voice is louder and lipreading is much easier.
- Turn down the noise. – Turn down the TV, radio, or air conditioner. Please understand that hearing in noise is difficult for me.
- Just because I heard you doesn’t mean I understood you. – Hearing is not the same as understanding.
Submitted by Laurie DeWine, Au.D.,CCC-A; The Place for Better Hearing; Call her at 513-922-0123 with questions or for help with hearing.
Call A Caring Choice at (513) 574-4148 if your loved one needs help at home.
