Communication Tips

Better Hearing Requires More Than Just Hearing Aids

Better hearing requires more than just hearing aids. Hearing your best means having the right technology — fit specifically to your unique hearing needs — for the environments you find yourself in most often, and maximizing that technology with better communication strategies.

Anytime someone is fit with new technology, there will be an adjustment period. Regardless of whether the person you’re communicating with has an untreated hearing loss or is using hearing aids for the first time, the following communication tips can be used to enhance your conversations:

Sit or stand 3 to 6 feet away to maximize audibility
Stay at eye level to help with visual cues
Make sure you have the person’s attention before speaking and turn off/reduce any distracting noise, like television or music
Use facial expressions and gestures to accentuate your message
Raise your voice slightly
Speak slowly and distinctly
Use short, simple sentences
Rephrase your words if the person is having a hard time understanding you
To avoid distortion, don’t speak directly into a person’s ear

We can help with better communication techniques. Our practice regularly hosts open houses and hearing events in which patients, their family, and their friends are welcome to come by and discuss their unique communication issues at greater length.

We recommend booking an appointment for a comprehensive hearing consultation so that our hearing care providers can find out more about your specific type of hearing loss and lifestyle. Contact us to request a complete consultation.

Sit or stand 3 to 6 feet away to maximize audibility

Use short, simple sentences

Raise your voice slightly

Frequently Asked Questions

Hearing loss is a puzzle that our professionals love to solve, and it is based on your individual experiences, lifestyle, and severity of impairment. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment method for hearing loss — it’s based on the sounds that you can’t hear, which vary greatly, and the sounds that you want to be able to hear. A quality hearing system from a reputable manufacturer isn’t effective until an experienced, qualified hearing care professional programs the technology properly based on your unique hearing needs.

Research has found connections between untreated hearing loss and several aspects of overall health, including cognitive function and balance. For example, hearing loss has been associated with an increased risk of falls and may place additional strain on the brain as it works harder to process sound.

Addressing hearing loss early can support not only better hearing, but overall well-being and quality of life.

Since hearing loss is cumulative, hearing loss begins as an infant and continues throughout life. Most individuals don’t begin to experience symptoms until their late 20s or early 30s, and by age 45 a yearly hearing check becomes of greater importance. One-third of people beyond the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss, however mild or severe, and that share of the elderly population increases as they age.

While many types of hearing loss are not medically reversible, there are highly effective ways to improve how you hear and communicate. Treatments like professionally fit hearing aids and personalized care plans are designed to match your specific hearing needs and can make a meaningful difference in daily life

Protecting your hearing from noise levels greater than 85 decibels at work and during leisurely activities will greatly reduce your chances of noise-induced hearing loss. Many manufacturing jobs require hearing protection in loud environments, but hearing protection is also recommended while ATV riding, hunting, attending concerts and sporting events, and playing music — all situations where your hearing is vulnerable.

Though it is difficult to say what genetic factors predispose individuals to hearing loss, there seems to be a connection. Some genetic disorders present at birth cause a hearing loss, but in the absence of a disease, hearing loss can still have a basis in your genetics.

If you experience sudden hearing loss, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, as it’s considered a medical emergency. In many cases, prompt treatment—ideally within 72 hours—can significantly improve the chances of recovery.

Ready to start your journey to better hearing?

Contact our team of dedicated audiologists today and take the first step toward personalized, concierge-level care tailored to your lifestyle. Request your appointment with Professional Hearing Services.

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