How to Communicate with People with Hearing Impairment

First of all, communicating about hearing loss can be challenging — it often takes time and patience to help someone you care about recognize that they may be experiencing some degree of hearing loss. It’s common to encounter different reactions at the beginning.

“Denial” is quite normal. Hearing loss is often difficult to notice, especially when it exceeds 25 decibels — a level that already indicates some hearing difficulty. For reference, normal conversation typically occurs around 50–70 decibels.

Here are some effective ways to communicate with people who have hearing loss:

1. Before starting a conversation, gently get their attention to let them know you’re about to speak.

2. Stand close and face them so they can see your lips clearly.

3. Speak slowly and clearly to help them follow and understand the conversation.

Research on hearing loss and communication difficulties indicates that untreated hearing loss can lead to various health and social issues. Some people may develop social anxiety, withdraw from social interactions, or avoid going out because they struggle to communicate effectively in challenging listening environments — such as group conversations or noisy places.

Over time, this isolation can lead to depression, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of dementia. Just like physical exercise keeps the body active, consistent auditory stimulation keeps the brain engaged. Therefore, it’s essential to encourage friends or family members to acknowledge and address their hearing difficulties early.