Communication Tips & Strategies - UCSF EARS
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Communication Tips & Strategies

Practical strategies for better communication with hearing loss - for individuals and families.

Good communication is a two-way street.

Whether you have hearing loss or you're supporting someone who does, these strategies will help improve understanding and reduce frustration in daily conversations.

Communication Basics: What Works Best
Watch real families demonstrate effective communication strategies for different hearing loss situations.
Duration: 4-5 minutes | For: Communication Tips

What's your role in communication?

I Have Hearing Loss
Tips to help me communicate better
I'm a Family Member
Helping my loved one with hearing loss
I'm a Colleague/Friend
Working or interacting with someone who has hearing loss
Show Me Everything
I want to see all perspectives and tips

Communication Strategies by Situation

If You Have Hearing Loss

  • Choose the best seat at the dinner table (back to wall, facing family)
  • Ask family to get your attention before speaking
  • Use visual cues and gestures to help understand
  • Ask for repetition or clarification when needed
  • Let family know what helps you hear best
  • Use assistive listening devices for TV

If You're the Family Member

  • Face the person when speaking - they may read lips
  • Make sure you have their attention before talking
  • Speak clearly, but don't exaggerate or shout
  • Reduce background noise (turn off TV/radio)
  • Use gestures and facial expressions
  • Be patient and willing to repeat or rephrase
Pro Tip: Family Signals
Develop simple hand signals for common needs like "turn down TV," "someone's at the door," or "phone call." This helps avoid frustration and keeps communication flowing.

If You Have Hearing Loss

  • Choose restaurants with carpet, curtains, and soft surfaces
  • Request a quiet table away from kitchen/bar
  • Sit with your back to the wall to reduce background noise
  • Use smartphone apps that reduce background noise
  • Don't hesitate to ask servers to repeat specials
  • Bring a friend who can help relay information

If You're the Companion

  • Help choose quieter restaurants and seating
  • Speak directly to your friend, not louder to the group
  • Subtly relay missed information without drawing attention
  • Include them in conversations by facing them when speaking
  • Be willing to move to a quieter location if needed
  • Don't order for them unless they ask you to
Pro Tip: Technology Helpers
Many smartphones have "Live Listen" features that can work with hearing aids. Some restaurants also offer assistive listening devices - just ask the host.

If You Have Hearing Loss

  • Sit where you can see everyone's faces in meetings
  • Request written agendas and meeting notes
  • Use video calls instead of phone calls when possible
  • Ask for captions on presentations and videos
  • Let colleagues know the best way to get your attention
  • Consider disclosure and workplace accommodations

If You're the Colleague

  • Face them when speaking and maintain eye contact
  • Get their attention before speaking (tap shoulder, wave)
  • Send follow-up emails summarizing key points
  • Speak one at a time in meetings
  • Use video calls and visual presentations
  • Be patient with repetition requests
Pro Tip: Meeting Accommodations
Many employers can provide real-time captioning services, assistive listening devices, or sign language interpreters for important meetings. Ask HR about available accommodations.

If You Have Hearing Loss

  • Inform staff about your hearing loss when checking in
  • Bring a companion to help with important information
  • Ask for written instructions and summaries
  • Request the doctor face you when speaking
  • Don't pretend to understand - ask for repetition
  • Bring your hearing aids and backup batteries

If You're the Healthcare Provider

  • Face the patient when speaking
  • Speak clearly without exaggerating
  • Use visual aids and written instructions
  • Check for understanding frequently
  • Provide written summaries of visit
  • Be aware that masks make lipreading difficult
Pro Tip: Medical Rights
Under the ADA, healthcare providers must provide effective communication. You can request interpreters, written materials, or assistive listening devices at no cost to you.

If You Have Hearing Loss

  • Use video calls instead of phone calls when possible
  • Enable captions on video calling apps
  • Use speakerphone or headphones for better sound quality
  • Choose quiet environments for calls
  • Ask callers to speak slowly and clearly
  • Consider text messaging or email for important information

If You're the Caller

  • Suggest video calls over phone calls
  • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
  • Pause between topics
  • Spell out important information (names, addresses)
  • Follow up with text or email confirmation
  • Be patient with repetition requests
Pro Tip: Technology Solutions
Apps like Live Transcribe, Ava, or built-in caption features on Zoom, Teams, and FaceTime can make calls much more accessible. Many are free to use.

Quick Reference Cards

Do's for Everyone

  • Face the person when speaking
  • Make eye contact before talking
  • Speak clearly and at normal volume
  • Use gestures and visual cues
  • Be patient with repetition
  • Choose quiet environments
  • Confirm understanding

Don'ts for Everyone

  • Don't speak while walking away
  • Don't cover your mouth when talking
  • Don't shout or exaggerate speech
  • Don't assume they heard everything
  • Don't get frustrated with repetition
  • Don't speak for them without permission
  • Don't exclude them from conversations

Technology Helpers

  • Live Transcribe app (real-time captions)
  • Hearing aid smartphone apps
  • TV assistive listening devices
  • Video calling with captions
  • Sound amplifier apps
  • Vibrating alarm clocks
  • Visual doorbell alerts

Home Modifications

  • Good lighting on speaker's face
  • Reduce background noise sources
  • Add soft furnishings to reduce echo
  • Install visual alert systems
  • Position seating for best hearing
  • Use vibrating notifications
  • Clear sight lines for visual cues
Explore Hearing Solutions More Family Resources Get Professional Help

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