communication strategies for your home
Last week, we discussed how to hear better in your home with environmental changes. This week, we're continuing our conversation about hearing your best at home and your loved ones through the use of communication strategies!
What are communication strategies? It's a fancy term to describe ways you can make your communication easier and more accessible, and these strategies are especially important for an individual with hearing loss. These communication strategies are not only practiced by the individual with hearing loss but also those around them... it's a team effort! And did you notice the key word of "practice"? Implementing these strategies is not a "one and done" situation but requires practice on a daily basis. The good news though? Once you start practicing these strategies, you won't be able to stop!
advocate for your hearing needs
Like previously mentioned, hearing difficulty is an issue that not only affects the individual with hearing loss but also those in your family, home, and social circles.
At the beginning of your hearing journey, take the time to advocate for your hearing loss. Discuss your hearing difficulties with those in your home so that everyone can be on the same page to reduce miscommunication and frustrations. I can help explain results of the audiogram or the hearing evaluation with family members or loved ones so they understand where or when you may require more help. I can also provide a hearing loss simulation for loved ones who want a more hands-on experience.
For family members or loved ones of the individual with hearing loss, here are some questions you could ask the individual to better understand their day-to-day experiences with hearing loss in the home:
Where do you feel like you have the most difficulty hearing in our home?
What situation do you think is the most difficult to hear in at home?
A description of the scenario may be helpful (i.e. when someone is washing the dishes while the football game is playing and the dog is barking to go outside).
Where or when can you hear your best in our home?
What are some ways you think I could personally help you hear better?
How does the hearing difficulty affect your emotional or mental health on a daily basis?
The most important part of these discussions is how everyone communicates their needs. It's easy for the conversations to be emotionally charged on both ends. Try to exercise empathy, patience, and encouragement. The better one person hears and communicates, the better it is for all!
use communication strategies in your conversations
Remember the communication strategies previously mentioned? Well here are some examples of strategies that can be helpful.
reduce distractions around you
When having important conversations, it may seem obvious to try to reduce noisy distractions around you. When life comes at you fast though and you're distracted by the to-do list that needs to get done, you'd be amazed how quickly one forgets good communication strategies.
Make sure you're wearing your hearing devices. Turn down the TV. Put the dog outside. Be in the same room when you're talking to each other instead of yelling across the house. Face each other. Use the tips from last week's blog post about reducing noise inside and outside of your home. Set yourself up for success!
have questions about any of the information you just read?
Feel free to reach out via phone at 405.367.7059, or send us a web inquiry! We are ready to help you hear your best not only here but there and beyond!
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