Even if someone is wearing a hearing aid
it doesn't mean they can hear perfectly.
When someone starts to wear hearing aids for the
first time the most important thing is to have realistic
expectations.
Nothing will restore lost hearing completely and
the sound produced by hearing aids may at first seem strange and
unfamiliar.
It is important to persevere as after a week
or so most people realise that their hearing aids have actually
transformed their lives.
Here are some ways you can
help.
- Make sure you have face-to-face or eye-to-eye contact with the
person you are talking to
- Make sure you have the listener's attention before you start
speaking
- Speak clearly but not too slowly, and don't exaggerate your lip
movements
- Use natural facial expressions and gestures
- Don't shout. It's uncomfortable for a hearing aid user and it
could look aggressive
- If someone doesn't understand what you've said, don't keep
repeating it. Try saying it in a different way instead
- Find a suitable place to talk, with good lighting and away from
noise and distractions
- Use plain language and don't waffle
- Avoid jargon and unfamiliar abbreviations
