How to Talk to Someone with Hearing Loss

Crucial tips for supporting those with a hearing problem

People who have hearing loss may struggle with a surprising side effect: less satisfying relationships, as friends and family struggle to know how to communicate, says Katherine Bouton, author of Shouting Won’t Help. Clinically deaf, Bouton taught friends, family and colleagues how to help. Follow these simple tips so people with hearing loss will more easily understand what you’re saying and be able to participate.

DON’T

Shout Speak in a normal voice and articulate as clearly as possible; yelling doesn’t help a person with hearing loss hear you any better. The exception: if your voice is particularly quiet, you should speak louder.

DON’T

Lean in towards the ear Almost all people with hearing loss read lips. Don’t speak directly into their ear because the person won’t be able to see your lips.

DON’T

Forget to eliminate white noise Most people with hearing loss have a hard time distinguishing speech over a noisy air conditioner, a humming fish tank or anything that whirs, murmurs or rumbles. Don’t try to chat over the TV.

DON’T

All talk at once At a dinner party or meeting, where there may be eight to ten people present, try to have one general conversation instead of several overlapping ones.

DON’T

Say “Never mind, it doesn’t matter” If someone doesn’t hear what you’ve said after you’ve restated it two or three times, don’t give up. Rephrase and retry. To the person who can’t hear you, everything matters.