Do you care about your partner, but sometimes feel like it's hard to really connect with them? If you're a hard of hearing partner, then communication can be tricky.
But don't worry, there are many things that make for better understanding no matter the circumstance. Taking time to listen actively and without judgment is one of the best things any person, regardless of hearing ability or not, can do to strengthen their relationships.
Be aware of body language
Being a good listener is a valuable skill! It not only shows hard of hearing people we respect them and their experience, but it allows us to build strong relationships with those around us.
Good listening requires focus and engagement from both the speaker and the listener. This means being aware of body language, eye contact and tone of voice in order to be an active listener.
Listening enables us to understand what someone has to say as well as helping us better communicate our own feelings or opinions in return. With understanding and empathy comes true communication; something that is extremely important in any relationship!
Bring calm and balance
Being a good listener has many benefits, one of the most important being that it helps create calm and harmony in our lives. Listening carefully to what others say allows us to gain insight into their point of view and respond accordingly.
This, in turn, reduces stress, both our own and that of the other person, and helps promote greater understanding between people. Learning how to be a good listener can bring calm and balance to all our days.
Pay closer attention to the speaker
Becoming a better listener takes practice, but it can drastically improve your relationships in both personal and professional life. An easy way to start improving is to pay closer attention to the speaker, put away distractions like phones, computers or other tasks and give them your full focus. A little eye contact and active non-verbal participation like nodding along to show you’re paying attention are also helpful.
Reserve judgement or assumptions until all the facts and information have been presented. Listen for key words or phrases that the speaker emphasizes, so that you can later ask meaningful questions about those specific points.
Lastly, try summarizing what was said to make sure that you truly understand what was discussed. Being an engaged and understanding listener will benefit all of your interactions which will result in better communication overall!
Encourage respectful and effective dialogue
Communication between people can be a tricky thing and so many of us are unaware of how to properly adjust our communication style depending on the person that we're speaking with. It's especially important to remember when we interact with individuals who could be hard of hearing, as they may rely on their visual cues more so than those that can hear normally.
The key is to remember to keep both our volume and gesture consistent as well as use direct eye contact when talking loudly enough for them to understand. Furthermore, it's beneficial to repeat what you said if necessary or provide written information to reinforce the message in order for it to be better understood.
Understanding and practicing these communications methods will allow for respectful and effective dialogue for everyone involved.
Utilising hearing centre resources
If you or someone in your family is hard of hearing or deaf, resources are available to help manage hearing difficulties. Stockport hearing aids can be prescribed through hearing centres or hearing clinics, while Stockport ear wax removal is available at many hearing practices via micro-suction and Stockport ear syringing.
Many hearing practices also offer hearing tests Stockport carried out by experienced audiologists who will be able to provide the best advice and guidance specific to the individual case. Other popular resources include online communities that connect people with hearing impairments, enabling them to share their experiences and support one another.
By utilising these resources, those with hearing loss are sure to get the best possible advice and care.