July 15, 2008

Audiologist speaks up about tips for talking in our noisy world

"We live in a noisy environment, and people with normal hearing report problems hearing because of background noise," says Lata Krishnan, a clinical associate professor of audiology. "Patients with hearing loss often tell audiologists that if everyone spoke like an audiologist, they wouldn't have a problem hearing."

Krishnan says people should always think about how they speak because they never know when they are speaking to someone who has hearing difficulties. Hearing loss, especially noise-induced hearing loss, is a factor for people of all ages. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that 10 percent of Americans ages 20-69 already may have experienced permanent hearing damage because of excessive noise exposure. Sources for such exposure are found at work, home, restaurants and other recreational settings. Frequent use of music devices also can result in hearing problems.

"Hearing loss is not limited to grandparents, and it is not always obvious who is struggling to hear or who has not been diagnosed with a hearing loss," Krishnan says. "Try to always use clear speech. Speak slowly and say each word distinctly. These tips can help you be sure you are heard.

"If speaking to someone with a known hearing loss, make sure you have their attention first. It's also important to have good lighting on your face so the person with the hearing loss can see your mouth movements and facial expressions."

Other suggestions include keeping your hands from in front of your face, not chewing gum while talking and not speaking from another room or with your back toward the person, she says.

"The overall message is to concentrate on communicating with that person," Krishnan says. "Turn the TV off or stop working on the computer when engaged in conversation. Do not start speaking, then walk away."

Individuals with hearing loss tend to be isolated, and they decrease their group activities and friendships when they cannot communicate well. These small changes may encourage a person to be more social, Krishnan says.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Lata Krishnan, (765) 494-6842, krishnal@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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