More than 10% of people in the United States have hearing loss.[1] If you live with untreated hearing loss, you’re likely familiar with the frustrating experience of not being able to understand someone. In addition to muffled hearing, a lack of understanding can arise when the person speaking isn’t communicating effectively; for example, if they’re looking at their phone or mumbling while they talk. Other times, you may struggle to pay attention to what they’re saying.
When you’re dealing with hearing loss, your communication skills need to be on their game. One way to improve them is to practice active listening—the act of listening with intent. It sounds easy, but many people have difficulty staying tuned into a speaker’s words. Let’s look at a few ways you can improve your active listening skills for better communication.
Limit Distractions
Your phone, the TV, driving and background chatter at Harvest Hall are just a few of the possible distractions that can make communication more difficult. Whenever possible, limit distractions to improve active listening; put down your phone, wait until you’re not driving to talk and sit in a quiet corner of your restaurant rather than one in the middle of all the chaos.
Ask Questions
One of the simplest ways to practice active listening is to ask questions. You don’t need to ask questions constantly, but the occasional query will keep your mind engaged and show the speaker you’re interested.
Don’t Think About Your Response
Many of us are guilty of focusing on what we’ll say to the person we’re listening to, rather than on what they’re currently saying. Getting rid of the tendency to think about how you’ll respond is challenging, especially for people with social anxiety, but do your best and remember that it will get easier over time.
Decide Whether You Have Space To Listen
There are moments when, even with the best intentions, you just aren’t in a place to devote your attention to a conversation. Half-listening is especially impractical for people with hearing loss who already need to put in extra effort to understand. If someone is intending to start an involved conversation with you, but you don’t have the time or mental bandwidth to devote to it, ask if you can have it later. They’ll appreciate that you care enough about the conversation to give it your full attention.
Active listening works best when paired with professionally programmed hearing aids. Contact Heard It Through The Grapevine Audiology, PC today to learn how these remarkable devices can make every conversation more enjoyable.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2023, August 24). Hearing loss: Types, symptoms, causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17673-hearing-loss