Hearing tactics for people with hearing loss Here you find advice on how to communicate successfully with other people when you have a hearing loss.

It could be a good idea to decide once and for all that you also have a right to hear and understand what is being said, especially when people talk to and with you. If you talk openly about your hearing loss, you will eventually feel relief because you’ll use less psychical energy on concealing your hearing loss. You may even be more relaxed, which can have a positive effect on your ability to hear.

Point out your requirements

It is fine to say “what did you say?” or “sorry?” when you do not understand what is being said. People with normal hearing cannot hear everything either.

Ask the others to repeat what they said until you understand it. Have pen and paper ready to support communication.

Ask people to catch your attention, for example, by tapping on your shoulder before they speak to you.

Ask the people present to speak one at a time only.

Turn off and on the light to catch the others’ (with normal hearing) attention for a moment. When you have caught their attention you can inform about your listening needs.

Ally yourself with someone you know well

If you know you will be meeting people you are not familiar with, for example at a social event, it can be a good idea to ally yourself with someone you know well and whom you can ask for help if needed. You could agree that you will use a special sign to indicate that you are feeling pressed.

Use hearing aids and other assistive listening devices

It is a good idea to use assistive listening devices such as hearing aids, FM systems and other devices that can help you communicate.

Tell children - and adults for that matter – that you wear hearing aids. Let them hold the instruments in their hands. They could perhaps try to listen through them. Hearing aids are actually a wonderful and interesting technological invention.

It can be helpful to learn lip-reading, but please keep in mind that special training is often necessary.

Warn your hosts that you may have to leave early

Tell your hosts that you may not be able to stay very long because your hearing loss tires you out. You may also want to say that you will leave very discreetly so that the rest of the guests do not break up also.

Find the seat with the best listening conditions

When you are at lectures, parties or other gatherings, always make sure to choose a seat where you have the best possible listening conditions. If the best seat is already taken, ask the person in the seat to move and explain why.

Before going to a party it is a good idea to remind your hosts well in advance that it is important that you sit as far away from the music and kitchen noise as possible. We recommend that you draw attention to your listening needs – you cannot expect that those with normal hearing will always remember it.