Hearing loss can be experience for a variety of reasons and among every age group, but hit hardest are the elderly.

Made more frustrating are the stigmas which surround people with hearing issues and the way they are treated by those around them. To try to aid in lessening that frustration, here are a list of tips for dealing with those who struggle with a hearing disability, no matter their age.

– Speak clearly

– Make sure the person can see you. If you’re turned away, you’re removing the body language cues we all naturally look for, regardless of our hearing abilities.

– Eliminate unnecessary background noise, radio, TV, running water, clattering dishes.

– Be patient when you have to repeat something.

– Give support to the elderly person trying to adjust to a hearing aid

– Encourage the hard of hearing person to continue with all work, leisure and social activities.

– Remember to include the hard of hearing relative in group conversation.

– Learn as much as you can about communicating with a hard of hearing person and what makes it easiest for them to understand you.