Communication Strategies: Essential Techniques for Better Conversations

Hearing loss doesn’t just change volume — it changes clarity, especially in background noise, at a distance, and when people speak quickly. The good news: small, repeatable strategies can make conversations feel less like an endurance sport.

Set the environment up for success

Lighting and sightlines

Whenever possible, choose a spot where you can see faces clearly. Backlighting (someone sitting in front of a bright window) makes speechreading harder. If you’re in a group, sit where you can see most people without turning your head constantly.

Distance and “acoustic gravity”

Sound quality drops quickly with distance — and background noise fills in the space. Moving closer by even a few feet can help more than turning volume up.

Reduce competing sound

• Turn off the TV/radio for important conversations.
• In restaurants, aim for a booth, a wall behind you, or a quieter corner.
• If you can, choose off-peak times. Less noise = less effort.

Use repair strategies that keep the conversation moving

“What?” works… but it’s a blunt instrument. Specific requests help your partner help you.

• Ask for the missing piece: “I caught everything except the street name — can you repeat that part?”
• Ask for a rephrase: “Can you say that a different way?”
• Confirm what you heard: “Did you say Tuesday or Thursday?”
• Use a quick recap: “So the plan is: 3 PM, meet you at the front, then dinner.”

Help your conversation partner help you

Most people want to be supportive — they just don’t know what works. These requests are usually well-received:

• Get my attention first. Say my name or tap my shoulder before starting the sentence.
• Speak clearly, not loudly. Shouting can distort speech and feels tense.
• Slow down a notch. A tiny pace change can improve clarity without sounding “robotic.”
• If I miss it twice, rephrase. Repeating the same words at the same speed often doesn’t fix it.

Technology that can make life easier

Think of these as communication accessories. You don’t need to use everything — just the right tool for the moment.

• Captions: Turn on captions for calls/meetings when available.
• Phone settings: Many smartphones support live captions, louder call audio, and hearing-device pairing.
• Remote microphones: A small mic placed near the speaker can help in noise and at a distance.
• Assistive listening systems: Some theaters, places of worship, and lecture halls offer hearing loop or transmitter systems.

Common pitfalls

When to get checked

Most hearing changes are gradual, but some symptoms deserve prompt medical attention. Consider getting checked soon (or urgently) if you have:

• Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing (over hours to days)
• New hearing loss in one ear
• Severe dizziness/vertigo, new neurologic symptoms, or facial weakness
• Ear pain, drainage, or fever
• Pulsing (“heartbeat”) tinnitus

Quick FAQ

Should I ask people to speak louder?

Sometimes — but clarity usually improves more with face-to-face positioning, less background noise, and a slightly slower pace. If volume helps, ask for a modest increase rather than shouting.

What’s the best way to handle repeats without tension?

Use a “repair phrase” you both like: “Different words, please.” It’s short, specific, and less frustrating than repeating the same sentence several times.

Does this mean my hearing aids aren’t working?

Not necessarily. Even with well-fit hearing aids, many people still struggle most in background noise. If speech understanding feels worse than expected, it’s reasonable to ask your hearing care team for a check: device cleaning, fit, settings, and — when needed — additional options.

Bottom line: Clear conversations are a team sport. A few repeatable moves — environment, positioning, repair phrases, and the right tech — can dramatically reduce listening effort.