🔹World Hearing Day: Here’s what you can do!
This World Hearing Day we want to encourage YOU to be a better communicator!
World Hearing Day is an annual global advocacy event for raising awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care.
This year’s theme is Changing Mindsets: Empowering Yourself – and our lovely colleague Vicki De La Cour is doing just that!
“As someone who has hearing loss mainly through tinnitus (a condition when a person hears a loud ringing sound or different varieties of sound when no corresponding external sound is present and other people cannot hear it) I welcome World Hearing Day!
We ask you to be patient…
- It can be tiresome being asked to repeat yourself – it’s not easy having to ask!
- It really helps if people speak clearly, concisely, and face us.
- If calling to a landline, please ring a few times as we may have to put headphones on.
Just a reminder that tinnitus and/or hearing loss can affect anyone of any age and without any warning!!
Whilst hearing aids can assist with hearing loss, unfortunately there are no solutions to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus.“
Take a look at this document which includes guidance for gamers and music lovers, plus loads of other resources!
By taking the following advice into consideration, you can be a better communicator – whether it’s chairing meetings, presenting to a group or just being a better colleague.
Get my attention
Before you start to speak, ensure you are in the same room as the person and have their full attention.
Get to the point
Use plain language and don’t waffle.
Don’t speak too fast
If someone doesn’t understand what you are saying you need to try and slow down your speech.
Face them
Always turn and face the person as it helps them pick up on any visual clues you may give them.
Don’t cover your mouth
Speak clearly and use normal lip movements, natural facial expressions and gestures.
Don’t shout
You should keep your voice at a normal level. It is uncomfortable for a hearing aid user if you shout and it is harder to lipread.
Don’t turn away
Find a suitable place to talk with good lighting and away from noise and distractions.
To continue raising awareness – why don’t you try this Safe Listening Quiz with your teams and/or students?!