Hearing aids can make conversations easier to follow, but background noise and the way we speak can still make a difference.
If someone you know wears hearing aids, a few simple changes can help them hear and understand you more easily.
Face the person you're speaking to
Try to face the person directly when you're talking.
Being able to see your face and mouth gives them extra information to help follow the conversation.
Avoid covering your mouth with your hand or turning away while you're speaking.
Get their attention before speaking
Make sure the person knows you're talking to them before you start.
Getting their attention gives them a chance to focus on what you're saying, rather than trying to work out what they've missed.
Choose somewhere with less background noise
If you're having a conversation in a noisy restaurant or at a busy gathering, consider moving somewhere quieter.
Background conversations, music and other sounds can make speech harder to follow, even with hearing aids.
A quieter setting can make a noticeable difference.
Ask what works best for them
Everyone's hearing is different, and so are their preferences.
If you're unsure how to make a conversation easier, ask the person what helps.
They may prefer you to sit on a particular side, face them more directly or move away from background noise.
Need a hand?
If you or someone you know would like more advice about communicating with hearing aids, call us on 0800 737 662 and we can talk through practical ways to make everyday conversations easier.
Resonate. The Podcast
Hello, I'm Nellie, the Navigator at Resonate Cambridge. I’m originally from Ukraine and have been in New Zealand since 2009.
