How Body Language Helps You Communicate

If there is one thing that those managing hearing loss experience it’s awkwardness from other people about how to communicate. It’s a challenge to experience hearing loss as it is, so to get up to speed on how to communicate with the hard of hearing people around you is important. Between body language and lipreading practices, you can effectively communicate without causing offence to anyone. 

What is lipreading?

For many people, lipreading is an important skill to learn, but for those experiencing hearing issues, it’s vital for their communication. To recognize the shapes that the lips make during conversation, gestures during communication and the facial movements – it all comes together to create conversation that is an alternative to the regular conversation speakers have together. It’s important to get a better understanding of what is being said, so it’s something to bear in mind when you next speak to someone who has difficulty hearing, and your body language is another great form of communication when talking to someone who is wearing hearing aids.

What is body language?

One of the best forms of communication is body language because everyone can understand it. It’s a universal way to communicate with everyone around you regardless of ability and it doesn't rely on verbal communication. It’s an excellent breaker of the language barrier, too, and you gain a lot of insight into what people need without them having to say it. When we pay attention to the body language of others, you can understand more than words. A large percentage of our communication comes from the gestures and movement of others, as well as their facial expressions and intonation. A good example of this is in the smile: we know when a genuine smile is there as it’s in the eyes, not the mouth. Some examples of thoughts or feelings when people use different parts of their bodies is below:

Feet

If you notice feet are pointing away from you, the person could be anxious to leave the conversation. Those with hearing loss who are new to reading body language and communication without hearing may display awkwardness, but you should always ask before assuming they want to leave the conversation. Your hearing instrument specialist should be able to explain to you the body language barrier and how to converse and show you are interested in trying to communicate if you are the one experiencing hearing loss.

Ears

As part of general conversation, people tend to tug the earlobes to show that they would like to speak next. It’s an excellent visual clue and it stops you from talking over someone without realizing it.

Facial expression

When people touch their own faces during conversation, it often indicates one of two things. If the hand lightly rests on the cheek, they’re interested in what is being said. However, if the head is heavy on the palm, they may be bored. You should also consider frowning and smiling and whether there is any indication of unhappiness there, too.

Head

Be aware of your own mouth when communicating with someone with hearing loss. Don’t put your hand over it or look down or away; look them in the eye and let them see you. 

Communication tips

Here are a few communication tips to get you started:

• Gently tap their shoulder from the side or the front if you want to have a conversation. Don’t approach from behind, as it’s not polite.
• Conduct the conversation in a place with good lighting so as to be able to see mouth movements and lips.
• Enable them to see your face, so look at them and hold eye contact.
• Speak clearly but not too slowly. They are experiencing issues with hearing, they’re not dumb. Use the correct facial expressions and gestures so that you are getting your message across properly.
• Ensure what you are saying is being understood.
• Never say never mind; instead, explain what you’re saying again in another way. 
• Don't shout, either. Always keep your volume neutral and natural as otherwise, this looks aggressive.

Never cover your mouth with your hands when you are speaking. Some people don’t lipread, but they use the movement of the mouth to help with the general interpretation of words.

It could be very beneficial to learn sign language or finger spelling to help you with your communication

Learn more about communication today

If you know that someone is experiencing hearing loss, never be afraid to ask what they need from you to make communication simpler. If you feel you are experiencing issues with your hearing, contact Nu-Life Hearing Centre at this phone number: (855) 867-7449.