Mid America Hearing Center - Effective Listening Strategies

EFFECTIVE LISTENING STRATEGIES

1.	Distance	Get closer to the talker both in individual and group/audience situations.
2.	The Better Ear	If you hear better in one ear, or if you wear only one hearing aid, direct your better/aided ear toward the speaker. When several people are talking, direct your better/aided ear to the speaker of the greatest interest.
3.	Noise	Keep away from noise sources as much as possible when trying to listen. Noise sources include: fans, vents, motors, open windows, TVs, radios, dishwashers, etc. If noises can't be avoided, reduce them as much as possible. Turn down the TV or radio before engaging in conversation. The quieter the environment, the better the communication.
4.	Watch Faces	Arrange your position so you can see the speaker's face and so the light is on the speaker's face rather than in your eyes.
5.	Tell People About Your Hearing Loss	If they know about the loss and the limitations of your hearing aid(s), they may be asked reasonably to speak more slowly and distinctly or to provide necessary repetition.
6.	Context	Use your knowledge of language and situations to help you deduce what is being said without having to hear every word and sound. Focus on the main idea and concept rather than isolated words.
7.	Realistic Expectations	Know the limits of what you can hear in situations normally encountered. You must work harder than a normal hearing listener to take part in conversation. When you are tired or ill, you will not perform as well as when you are well rested.
8.	Relax!	You communicate better when you are not tense.