Good Listening Tips
*Confidently inform the speaker (where possible) that you have a hearing loss and suggest what he or she can do to help. Most people are happy to do what they can to help.
*Face the speaker – preferably position yourself so that the light is on the speakers face.
*Get as close as possible to the speaker.
*Ask the speaker to speak clearly and naturally but not to shout or exaggerate their mouth movements.
*Ask people to repeat what they have said or to say it in a different way if you have not understood them
*Arrive at talks early so you can have the option of sitting near to the front of the gathering. This may also give you chance to speak to the talker and to establish if there are any Loop ‘T ’ facilities which could be used.
*Watch carefully the speaker’s mouth, facial expressions and gestures.
*Obtain crucial information in written form where possible.
*If you are holding a conversation in a room which is very noisy, suggest moving to another room which is quieter.
*Plan ahead for difficult situations. Find out, if possible, a little about the people you will be meeting with and what the potential topics of conversation may be.
*Don’t pretend you have understood what has been said if you haven’t. This could cause more frustration and annoyance later on!
*If you need glasses – wear them – this will help you make the most of visual clues.
*If you have a better hearing ear – position yourself so your good ear is towards the speaker.
*Build your confidence by taking responsibility for communicating as effectively as possible – Consider a Computerised Auditory Training Program such as LACE.
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