A letter from Dr. Lindsey: As we celebrate the holidays I wanted to voice my thoughts on communication with family members with hearing loss and hearing aids. 1. Get their attention or call their name before you start talking to them. 2. Look at them when you're talking. Even if they claim they can't read lips, facial cues do help! We have a tendency to raise our voice right into the ear of those who are hard of hearing (like we're telling them a secret but shouting). A better technique is to be in front of them. 3. Reduce excess background noise like radios and TVs that aren't necessary. 4. Speak low and slow, rather than raising your voice. 5. If they say "what", try to rephrase rather than repeat. They may be missing one word that gives the message context. 6. Even the BEST hearing aids on the market can't cure difficult communication at a loud family gathering. If you're struggling to hear, so are they. Consider stepping aside into a smaller room to have a more intimate conversation. 7. Tell young children to slow down, look up when they're talking, and speak plainly. I know this isn't easy (I have a two year old at home)! 8. I promise your family members want to hear what you have to say and more than anything they want to feel a part of the family this holiday season. Please go out of your way to make sure they're included! AUDIOLOGY always Happy Holidays, Dr. Lindsey Koble Audiologist 1045 W Seventh St Auburn, IN 46706 (260) 226-8834 Dr. Lindsey Koble & Family A letter from Dr. Lindsey : As we celebrate the holidays I wanted to voice my thoughts on communication with family members with hearing loss and hearing aids . 1. Get their attention or call their name before you start talking to them . 2. Look at them when you're talking . Even if they claim they can't read lips , facial cues do help ! We have a tendency to raise our voice right into the ear of those who are hard of hearing ( like we're telling them a secret but shouting ) . A better technique is to be in front of them . 3. Reduce excess background noise like radios and TVs that aren't necessary . 4. Speak low and slow , rather than raising your voice . 5. If they say " what " , try to rephrase rather than repeat . They may be missing one word that gives the message context . 6. Even the BEST hearing aids on the market can't cure difficult communication at a loud family gathering . If you're struggling to hear , so are they . Consider stepping aside into a smaller room to have a more intimate conversation . 7. Tell young children to slow down , look up when they're talking , and speak plainly . I know this isn't easy ( I have a two year old at home ) ! 8. I promise your family members want to hear what you have to say and more than anything they want to feel a part of the family this holiday season . Please go out of your way to make sure they're included ! AUDIOLOGY always Happy Holidays , Dr. Lindsey Koble Audiologist 1045 W Seventh St Auburn , IN 46706 ( 260 ) 226-8834 Dr. Lindsey Koble & Family