With everything around us becoming more virtual, such as communicating with loved ones, remote work meetings and attending online classes, many challenges present themselves when you have a hearing loss. It can sometimes feel overwhelming adapting to new ways and learning to use technology more frequently.
Below are some tips to help you communicate effectively in a virtual world.
- Wear Headphones or Sync Your Hearing Instrument: Headphones makes it easier to hear the dialogue. Many headphones are noise cancelling as well. If you have hearing aids, ask your audiologist if there is a connectivity option that will allow your hearing aids to connect via Bluetooth directly to the device you use for virtual meetings.
- Utilize Video: Try to use video as much as possible and encourage others to do so as well. Visual cues help those with hearing loss to understand what others are saying as well as understand nonverbal communication. Make sure you and others are projecting your voice when speaking.
- Good Lighting: Lighting is essential for seeing visual cues. Let others know if you are having trouble seeing them.
- Record: Record your meeting if you are having trouble following along. This is a great tool to look back and review information or gaps you may have missed.
- Share Your Screen: Use features like sharing your screen, which allows you and others to gain more context on the conversation or topic.
- Mute: Try to reduce background noise as much as possible by asking other participants to use the mute button until it is their time to speak.
- Advocate for Yourself: The first step is always letting others know if you are not able to hear or understand. This will allow them to adjust to make sure everyone is communicating effectively.
We are here to keep you connected. Call us at 425.454.1883 to schedule a phone call with your audiologist for more tips!