SPEECH & CLEAR - Better Communication Strategies

Since the start of COVID-19 restrictions I have been concerned about the impact of hearing loss on daily interactions in our homes and the new normal of physical distancing. The stress of being isolated in our homes can lead to a heightened awareness of problematic communication. I look at communication as a process that involves several different tools, from how a conversation should be carried out to the most advanced hearing technology available today. Communication strategy is just as important as good technology, and in many cases it is more important Today more than ever, we all need a reminder about good communication strategy, since we are around our family and companions much more now. 

There are strategies for both the person with hearing loss and those of us communicating with them. I learned these strategies during my training at Idaho State University. They are simply the acronyms SPEECH and CLEAR, developed by two of my professors Dr. Jeff Brockett, Ed.D and Dr. Ronald L. Schow, Ph.D. SPEECH are the strategies for communicating with a person with hearing loss and CLEAR are for a person who has hearing loss looking to improve their ability to hear in different situations. Let’s start with SPEECH. Strategies for communicating with someone who has hearing loss.

S - Spotlight your face and keep it visible. The person listening to you needs to be able to see your face and thus face-to-face conversation is always going to be best. Yelling from across the house is not a good idea for communication. 

P - Pause slightly between content portions of sentences. We do not need to slow down un-naturally and exaggerate our speech. This causes just as many problems as speaking too quickly. For example, “We are going to the store…….to get some milk.”

E - Empathize and be patient with the person with hearing loss or impairment. Hearing loss is very difficult for the person  and they know you are frustrated. They are frustrated as well and as well their mental exertion to hear and communicate are increased. Be kind and be patient. 

E - Ease their listening. A colleague of mine has said, “I need three types of attention for you to hear and understand me. I need your eyes, ears, and intellect.” Get their attention, reduce the noise around them, put down the smartphone game, and turn off the TV to have a conversation. 

C - Control the situation. Remove noises and distractions as much as possible. Be within  5 to 10 feet of each other and highlight your face.

H - Have a plan. Anticipate communication difficulties, and set up a plan for when communication breaks down. Rephrase what is being said and have a plan in place that all parties understand when communication falls apart. 

Next up, CLEAR. Strategies for communication when you have hearing loss. 

C - Control your communication situations. As mentioned above, the more control you can have with reducing distractions and noise the better the communication will be. 

L - Look at the speaker. The amount of information from hand gestures, facial expressions, and etc will provide better understanding of what is being said. Put down the smartphone and watch the person speaking. 

E - Expectations. Hearing loss can be difficult. Be realistic about your hearing abilities and realize that some situations are very difficult to hear in like a restaurant or a television program with an accent. Have a strategy in place ahead of time to deal with a communication breakdown in understanding. 

R - Repair strategies for communication breakdown help you and the speaker. Strategies and a mutual understanding of what can be done with breakdowns in communication, reduce stress and allow for you and the speaker to work together. If you miss what is being said, repeat back what you heard and ask for further clarification. “Huh” and “What” are not good strategies to use. 

Be patient with each other and work together to build better communication strategies during this strange time. Remember that hearing loss is difficult for the person with the loss and for all involved. Take the time to have a plan. Being isolated at home can be stressful, however these strategies of better communication can help to reduce the stress of dealing with hearing loss in the home. As we all social distance and stay at home, I hope that each of you are safe and healthy and I look forward to the day that we can all be out and about again. Be well.