As we get older, experiencing hearing loss is very common. It can be frustrating for seniors affected by hearing loss to communicate effectively with those they love. Seniors who experience age-related hearing impairment often feel isolated and may withdraw from social situations, negatively affecting their overall quality of life.
Some seniors are fortunately able to seek assistance for their hearing through assistive devices like hearing aids. Unfortunately, not all types of impaired hearing can be fixed with those devices. Luckily, we can help improve communication with our loved ones through these proper techniques.
Speak one at a time. While conversing with a group of people, be mindful that communication for your senior can be tough to follow. Make sure only to speak one at a time.
Speak loud and clear. Slightly raise your voice, but don’t shout! Pronounce each word and speak at a reasonable speed, not too fast but not too slow.
Rephrase. Sometimes, repeating yourself doesn’t get the message across. Take a shot at rephrasing what you are trying to say. Sometimes shortening your sentence makes it simple and easier to understand.
Quiet environment. A quiet location makes it much easier for your senior to hear. Whether it is turning down the television sound, radio, or even taking the conversation into a different room, the smallest change can make a difference. We understand that sometimes in a restaurant or other public environments, it can be hard to communicate with your senior. Perhaps ask the host or hostess for a less crowded seating area.
Seniors’ preference. Ask your senior how they prefer to communicate. Many different hearing impairments can adjust the way we communicate with each other. When in doubt, ask your senior the most efficient way to communicate with each other.
Help keep your senior interacting with their loved ones and the community with these tips. Learn more about how Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park cares for those with hearing impairments by scheduling a tour today.
