Regardless of the hearing abilities of the person you are communicating with, the following communication tips can be used to enhance your conversations:

• Sit or stand 3 to 6 feet away to maximize audibility
• Stay at eye level to help with visual cues
• Make sure you have the person’s attention before speaking
• Use facial expressions and gestures to accentuate your message
• Raise your voice slightly
• Speak slowly and distinctly
• Use short, simple sentences
• Rephrase your words if the person is having a hard time understanding you
• To avoid distortion, don’t speak directly into a person’s ear