How to talk to someone with hearing loss: 10 essential tips
How to talk to someone with hearing loss: 10 essential tips
8 min.
Publication Date: September 21, 2022
Article Updated: January 15, 2026
Whether you live with hearing loss or want to better support someone who does, communication matters. But certain environments, habits, and even good intentions can make it harder for someone to follow along, leading to frustration, isolation, or misunderstandings.
That’s why we’ve put together 10 practical tips for improving conversations with someone who has hearing loss. These are useful whether you're advocating for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to be more inclusive in daily conversations.
Note: Our Hearing Care Providers (HCPs) are here to support your hearing health and provide personalized guidance. However, if you're concerned about medical issues affecting your hearing, always consult your healthcare provider first.
10 ways to improve communication with someone with hearing loss
1. Don’t start talking from another room
Walls, doors, and distance all interfere with sound, and hearing aids are typically designed to pick up speech within about five metres. If someone relies on hearing aids or lipreading, face-to-face communication is always best.
If you need to communicate between rooms regularly, ask a Hearing Care Provider (HCP) about assistive listening devices that help bridge that gap.
2. Don’t raise your voice or shout
It’s a common instinct, but speaking loudly can actually make your voice harder to understand. Shouting distorts your facial expressions and mouth movements, which makes lipreading less effective.
Instead, speak clearly and naturally. Keep your tone friendly and your mouth unobstructed.
3. Don’t cover your mouth
Lip movements and facial expressions play a big role in how people with hearing loss process speech. Covering your mouth with your hands, chewing gum, or speaking while eating can make communication much harder.
Tip: If you’re wearing a face mask, opt for a clear panel mask or read our communication tips for mask use.
4. Don’t brush over important details
When sharing key information—like names, addresses, or times—slow down and double-check that you’ve been heard correctly.
Consider writing things down or sending a quick follow-up message.
Ask the person to repeat the detail back to confirm they’ve got it.
5. Don’t speak too slowly
Slowing down your speech too much can be confusing and unnatural. It may actually make speech harder to understand, especially for people who rely on lipreading. Use your regular pace, but add small pauses between ideas to allow time for processing.
6. Do repeat or rephrase with patience
If someone asks you to repeat yourself, don’t say “never mind.” That sends the message that they aren’t worth the effort. Instead:
Repeat the sentence clearly.
Try rephrasing it in a different way if it’s still unclear.
A little patience goes a long way toward making someone feel included.
7. Do give cues when changing topics
People with hearing loss work harder to follow conversations. Abruptly switching topics can make it harder to stay on track. To help:
Say the person’s name before shifting the topic.
Use clear transitions like “Speaking of…” or “That reminds me…”
This keeps everyone oriented and reduces the need for clarification later.
8. Do make adjustments in noisy places
Background noise makes conversation more difficult for everyone, but especially for people with hearing loss. Restaurants, parties, or busy public spaces can be challenging. If you’re in a loud setting:
Face the person directly when speaking.
Use pauses and gestures to support your words.
Move to a quieter spot if needed for important conversations.
9. Do be mindful in group settings
In group conversations, overlapping speech can quickly become overwhelming. People with hearing loss may lose track of who’s speaking or miss key parts of the discussion. Instead, encourage turn-taking and avoid interrupting. Help the person stay included by summarizing if they seem lost or disengaged.
10. Do let others know how they can help
If you have hearing loss, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Most people want to be helpful—they just need a bit of guidance. Try simple phrases like:
“I hear best when you face me.”
“It helps if you speak a little slower.”
“Can we move to a quieter spot?”
These gentle cues can transform how others communicate with you, and should gradually reduce miscommunication on both sides.
Why better communication benefits everyone
Good communication isn’t just about avoiding misunderstandings. It’s about creating space where everyone feels heard, included, and connected.
When people understand how to support someone with hearing loss, they become more thoughtful communicators overall. That creates better conversations, less frustration, and stronger relationships at home, at work, and in social spaces.
If you or someone you care about is noticing signs of hearing loss, the best next step is to get tested. A hearing test provides clarity, and from there, a Hearing Care Provider (HCP) can guide you toward helpful tools or habits that support your daily life.
Take the first step today
Being proactive about your hearing—whether it’s your own or someone else’s—can improve the way you live, connect, and communicate.
Key takeaways
Face-to-face communication makes a big difference for clarity and inclusion.
Speak naturally and clearly; don’t shout or exaggerate.
Small adjustments in noisy or group settings can help everyone feel included.
People with hearing loss benefit from early support—and that starts with a hearing test.
Want to improve the way you hear and connect? Ready to learn more? Book a free hearing test or find a clinic near you to get started.