I’ve got hearing devices. What else can I do to improve communication?

Speechreading is very helpful regardless of the degree of hearing loss, whether you use hearing devices or not. The term speechreading includes lipreading, facial cues, body language, intonation, rhythm of speech, and word stress. Most people use speechreading without realizing it. The proof is what happens when watching a foreign film dubbed in English. You know the words you see are not the ones you are hearing.

Visibility is one of the most important considerations when trying to communicate. If you can’t see the person you are talking to, it can affect how well you understand the conversation. This includes the person who talks with their hand at their mouth, the gentleman with excessive facial hair that obscures his mouth, or the person who talks without moving their mouth.

Good lighting and a clear view of your communication partners’ face is the key. Visual cues from the lips, facial expressions and body language can make the difference between understanding and misunderstanding.

Changing human behavior is a difficult task. Patient and consistent reminders requesting the person speak more deliberately are often needed.

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AudiologySecond Opinion

D. Krystin Farrell, Au.D., CCC-A: Dr. Farrell received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders (cum laude) from San Diego State University and her clinical Doctorate in Audiology from Gallaudet University. She is proficient in American Sign Language and is a strong advocate for the Deaf. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is certified in clinical competency with the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Dr. Farrell comes to Maico with 9 years of experience in the ENT setting and is highly respected by her patients and the medical community in which she’s worked, most recently in Culpeper, Virginia. She enjoys riding her motorcycle and spending time with her cat.