If you have someone in your life with hearing loss, you know that it can create a barrier for effective communication. Here are a few helpful tips to improve communication before treatment and alleviate some of the frustration.

1.  Whenever possible, face the person directly and on the same level.

2.  Keep your hands away from your face while speaking.

3.  Reduce background noises when carrying on conversations – turn off the radio or TV if possible.

4.  Your speech will be more easily understood when you are not eating, chewing, smoking, etc.

5.  See that the light is not shining in the eyes of the hard-of-hearing person.

6.  Recognize that people with hearing loss have more difficulty hearing when they are tired or ill.

7.  Be sure to get the person's attention before starting to speak. Never talk from another room and try to stay within four feet of the person.

8.  Speak in a normal tone without shouting.

9.  If a person has difficulty understanding something, find a different way of saying the same thing rather than repeating the original words over and over. Incorporating these tips may help you communicate better with your friend or family member with hearing loss.