Better telephone conversations
Most people take the convenience of their telephone for granted. But people with hearing problems may not even hear it ringing or may have trouble conducting a telephone conversation.
In many cases technical devices can solve some of the problems for hearing-impaired people, but simple hearing techniques can also make it easier for a hearing-impaired individual to have a phone conversation.
Good advice
Here is some simple advice on how to reduce your hearing difficulties when on the phone:
- Be aware which ear is your better ear and hold the receiver accordingly.
- Too much background noise makes it hard to hear the person on the other end of the line. Take and make your calls in quiet surroundings.
- Tell the person on the other end that you have reduced hearing, and ask her to express herself clearly. Focus on doing the same.
- If you know much about the topic of the conversation but find it difficult to hear everything, ask the other person to spell key words.
- Do not be afraid to guess what the other person is saying. In many cases you will often be able to deduce the right meaning from the context alone.
- Use close-ended questions that lend themselves to yes or no responses or short answers. This promotes simple and clear answers.
- Listen for changes in tone of voice which may indicate whose turn it is to speak.
- In some situations you could ask a friend to listen for you and repeat to you what the person on the telephone is saying, while you give your own answers.
- Look into getting phone equipment specifically designed for hearing impaired people.
