Start by asking what helps, get the person’s attention and speak where they can see your face. Clear speech, less background noise and patience can make conversation easier. Shouting, exaggerated mouth movements or speaking for someone are not substitutes for understanding their preferences.
Communication is a shared task. These suggestions are useful for partners, friends and colleagues, whether or not someone uses hearing aids. If hearing has changed, a free adult home hearing assessment can help explain the difficulty alongside practical changes you can make now.
What should you change first?
Ask a straightforward question: “Where would it be easiest for us to talk?” That gives the person a choice without making assumptions about how much they can hear.
Choose a place where your face is visible, reduce competing sound where possible and gain their attention before starting. Speak naturally and clearly. If a sentence is missed, try different wording rather than repeating it louder each time. These approaches follow RNID’s communication guidance.
One useful household agreement is to avoid starting important conversations from another room. Coming into view before speaking can prevent a missed opening from turning into frustration on both sides.
How can family meals and group conversations work better?
| Situation | A practical change to discuss |
|---|---|
| Several people speak at once | Let one person finish and make it clear when the topic changes. |
| Television or music competes with speech | Turn it down or pause it for the conversation. |
| A meal out is difficult to follow | Ask about a quieter table and choose a seat with a clear view of faces. |
| An important detail is missed | Repeat or write the detail, rather than abandoning the conversation. |
Ask which changes actually help. Someone may prefer a smaller gathering, a different seat or a break from a long conversation. Do not decide that they should stop joining in because a setting is difficult.
Hearing aids may help, but busy rooms can still be challenging. Read hearing aids and background noise for a realistic explanation of what technology can and cannot do.
What can help with phone and video calls?
Before an important call, agree how to handle a missed word or number. A short follow-up text can be useful for an appointment time, address or name. On a video call, a visible face and one speaker at a time help make the conversation easier to follow.
Captions, text chat and compatible hearing equipment may be useful, depending on the device and the person’s preferences. Automated captions can make mistakes, so confirm important details rather than assuming the transcript is correct.
Our guide to assistive listening devices covers broader options. If hearing aids are already being used, phone compatibility is worth checking before buying an accessory.
How do you raise the idea of a hearing test?
Choose a calm moment and talk about a specific experience rather than a fault. For example: “The family meal seemed hard to follow. Would you like us to look at the options together?” This is a suggested way to start a conversation, not a script that will suit everyone.
Give the person time to respond. They may have concerns about cost, travel, results or being pressured to buy hearing aids. Ask which part worries them before offering a solution. Hear Better’s adult home hearing test is free and does not commit anyone to purchasing aids.
Our guide to arranging a test for a parent covers practical booking support while keeping the person involved in decisions.
What if you are helping at an appointment?
An accompanying person can be helpful without becoming the decision-maker. Tell the service in advance about communication or accessibility needs so these can be discussed before the visit.
Where can you find more help?
RNID provides information about communication preferences, lipreading and support. Some people use sign language, captions, writing or a combination of approaches. Ask what works for that person rather than assuming hearing aids are the whole answer.
For gradual hearing concerns, arrange a professional home assessment. If you are still learning about the problem, start with understanding hearing loss or explore the hearing loss and ear health hub.