Hearing Loss Affects Us All in Different Ways

Some people struggle with high pitch sounds, others struggle with low pitch.

Rooms with high ceilings can make it difficult to understand clearly, and microphones do not mean that we can hear clearer; it's just louder.  

Some wear hearing aids, but it is not a sure fix. Situations can still bring missed information, even with a hearing aid or cochlear implant. 

Please remember the following when working with someone with hearing loss:

• Don't get frustrated - we realize you don't want to repeat

• Say their name to get their attention before speaking. 

• Talk at a normal rate and don't over enunciate your words.

• Look directly at the person.

• Don't face the board, computer, or look down when speaking.

• Monitor the room - ask for one question at a time and repeat the question before answering.

• Write down important information even if they tell you, "Yes, I understand."

• Recap what was discussed.

• Wearing a mask? Definitely write things down or send a recap email

• Can you use live captioning such as otter.ai, Zoom, Google Notes, or Google Keep showing a transcript of what is being said during the conversation?

• Review any captioned video for accuracy.

• Reach out to Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services - we can join a meeting with a hard of hearing student to help facilitate communication and make sure information is understood.