Shouting at Someone Hard of Hearing Is Not Good

It might not always be easy to communicate with someone who has hearing loss, but shouting is not a good solution. It is not easy for them, either. Shouting at them can be offensive to them, and it may not be the volume that’s the problem. Try to be mindful of what you say and how you say it.

Change what you say

Certain words or phrases might be the problem. Understanding certain letters or words may be hard with hearing loss. You might simply need to change what you say, not yell or talk really loud.

Don’t yell

Clarity may be the problem--it isn’t always volume. Repeating and enunciating what you say at a reasonable pace is a good solution, if changing what you say doesn’t work.

Don’t give up

To pass off the conversation and let it go is hurtful. Try your best to communicate, even if you have to change your words or repeat yourself. Don’t say, “Never mind; it’s not important.”

Don’t be sarcastic

Don’t jokingly act like you have hearing loss too when someone else says he or she has it. To ask, What?” as a joke in a sarcastic voice in response to someone who says they can’t hear is rude. It’s not funny to respond to someone with hearing loss in that way. Ask what you can do to help him or her hear better, instead.

Don’t ask about being deaf

Don’t be hurtful and do something like ask, “Are you deaf or something?” That amounts to commenting on their condition as a slur.

Don’t degrade someone

Don’t say, “Turn your hearing aids up!” That’s just insensitive. Hearing loss is a true medical condition.

Don’t infer someone has selective hearing

Don’t infer, say, ask, or assume someone has selective hearing. The noise levels in any environment will vary. It is not a matter of voluntarily shutting out what someone is saying. People hear differently from each other. Noise can make all the difference.

Hearing loss is a condition that continues to grow. Chances are you someone with hearing loss. Be kind and sensitive. Make communication successful for you both.

If you suspect someone has hearing loss, have him or her contact Pure Sound Hearing Aids for the best free hearing test.

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