Social skills are acquired, learned and fine-tuned throughout our life.   Whether a person is young or older…if they have a hearing loss then their ability to communicate easily and appropriately may be lacking.  A hearing loss often effects a person’s self-esteem.   Often their views of society and their surrounding may be quite different than someone who has normal hearing and is able to fully communicate with others.   The hearing impaired may pretend to understand and thus end up communicating totally different than they actually would just because they interpreted a conversation on limited information.

So how can a person with a hearing loss obtain better social awareness?  One way is to be totally engaged in the situation and the speaker.  Watch for non-verbal cues and facial expressions.  What is the person’s body doing?  Are they leaning in?  Are their arms crossed in defense?  Are they relaxed and possibly smiling?  Get them to repeat or rephrase their comments.  Is the situation enjoyable for both parties.   Misinterpretation can lead to the end of relationships/friendships and team

Work. 

Even though a person may have a hearing loss; they can still be a good listener.  Listening is an important key to social awareness.  Relaying the fact that you may not have understood what the person has said is crucial if you have a hearing loss.   This is important because if will provide accurate  assessment of the world around you.  This in turns allows for deeper relationships and more empathy for those in your world.  

If you find yourself stressing out in situations caused by your hearing loss then we can help.  Call today! 385-3497.  To Hear Better Is To Live Better!

By: Roseann B. Kiefer, B.A., BC-HIS