SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION

Did you know that according to the Ordre des audioprothésistes du Québec, 80% of people with hearing loss haven’t been diagnosed or treated? In fact, it’s believed that around 15% of Quebeckers have hearing loss and 92% of those people use lip reading as a communication strategy. Lip reading is therefore often done unconsciously to compensate for their hearing loss. As mentioned in the article on page 18, masks make lip reading impossible. That can cause problems for people with hearing loss, as well as for children whose language is still developing. Here are some communication strategies you can use to facilitate conversations, even while wearing a mask.

Communication strategies

If you have hearing loss: • Tell the people you’re talking to that you have hearing loss. • If you have hearing aids, don't forget to wear them. • Put a sticker on your health card or driver’s license with a pictogram indicating that you have hearing loss.

You can also wear a button with the pictogram. • Ask people to repeat themselves; don’t pretend you understood them. If you’re talking to someone with hearing loss: • Wear a mask that has a window so the other person can lip read. • Stand behind Plexiglas so you can lower your mask. • Get the person’s attention by saying their name or waving before talking to them. • Speak clearly and slowly, but don’t exaggerate your words. • Talk louder than usual, without shouting. • Rephrase if necessary. • Eliminate background noise (like TVs, radios, or music) during the discussion. • Use natural gestures when talking. • Keep your sentences short and simple. • Write down important information if necessary. If you find that you’re having trouble understanding people because they’re wearing masks, take care of your hearing by having it assessed and using communication strategies.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your audioprosthetist or specialized educator if you’d like more advice!

Laurie Lafantaisie Audioprosthetist practicing in Mirabel

References - Suzanne Colpron. Masque obligatoire : « On a oublié les malentendants ».

Online. https://www.lapresse.ca/covid-19/2020-07-22/masque-obligatoire-on-a-oublie-les-malentendants.php. Consulted on July 22, 2020. - Agence de presse. Les sourds et malentendants face au port du masque.

Online. https://agencedepresse21udemdess.com/2020/05/28/lessourds-et-malentendants-face-au-port-du-masque/. Consulted on July 22, 2020.