8 Tips to Enhance Communication while Wearing a Face Mask

Whether you experience hearing loss or not, communicating is difficult these days. Here are some tips to help you in these strange times. 

Be Aware

Ask yourself if the individual whom you speak with has difficulty understanding you. Ask them and adapt as necessary. 

Have Patience

Face masks block out visual cues and subdue sounds when someone speaks. This can create frustrating situations.

Mindfulness is Key

Think about how social distancing impacts the way that you communicate. The further away you are from someone, the ability to hear becomes straining, and visual cues are tougher to see.

Talk Loud and Clear

Raise the volume in your voice, but DO NOT shout. Concentrate on speaking clearly and at a normal pace. If possible, wear a clear face covering. If you experience difficulty in understanding, ask the person you are communicating with to speak up. If you rely on lip-reading, ask the people with whom you regularly interact to wear a clear face covering. 

Reduce Background Noise

Loud or distracting background noise can make communicating even more challenging. Move to a quieter area or turn the volume of the sound source down. 

Use Alternative forms of Communication

A smartphone that features talk-to-text or writing tools (pen/paper, whiteboard) are handy ways to communicate. You can even use captioning apps. 

Confirm that what You said was Clear

Make sure your message was correctly received and understood.  

Have a Friend with You, or Be that Helpful Friend

If there are situations where you must be able to understand vital information that is spoken to you - such as during an appointment with a healthcare provider - make sure you bring a family member or friend with you. You can also volunteer to be the person who can listen and take notes during an important appointment or meeting. 

If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule a free hearing test and consultation. 

Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings. If you have any problems with your hearing aids or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.     

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