hearinng challenged | Hearing Ambassadors

Seven simple tips; One BIG impact

Imagine struggling to understand what someone says, not because they’re far away but because background noise, poor lighting, or overlapping voices make communication difficult. Whether it’s your workplace, a community space, or an online meeting, here are seven simple tips that won’t break the budget but will make a world of difference to your meeting space and help to foster full participation.

Tip 1 – Background Noise

If you are in a big meeting or just chatting with a friend, turn off background noise such as music, the radio, the TV or even the tap when having a conversation. This might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people forget that background noise has an enormous impact on how well we hear. That’s why we have made it our number one tip.

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Tip 2 – Lighting

Have you noticed that often people subconsciously put their glasses whilst listening intently to what you have to say. Why? Because they want to see your face clearly so they can pick up on your expressions and read the sounds that you make through your lips.

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Our second tip is that because everybody lipreads, good lighting makes for good listening. Look out for our next post which will be dedicated to lighting!

This goes for online meetings too. Always check that your camera is positioned so everyone can see your face clearly, and add a desk lamp for that extra illumination.

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Tip 3 – get their attention before speaking

Often the most important part of a sentence is right at the beginning where you put everything into context so get their attention before speaking. How? Say their name or gently tap their arm.

Tip 4 – Talk one at a time

Nobody likes meetings where everyone talks over one another this is because it’s hard to know which conversation to listen to. In order to get the best from your meeting, encourage participants to talk one at a time. An added unexpected benefit is that if you follow this tip, your meetings will be more productive and quicker too!

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Tip 5 – Avoid Shouting

Some people think that it’s a good idea to speak a little louder or more clearly. We would suggest that a calm, normal tone works best. Always avoid shouting, as it can come across as aggressive.

Tip 6 – Skip Exaggerated Gestures

You should also just talk normally and skip those exaggerated gestures, which can confuse rather than clarify.

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Tip 7 – Soft Furnishings

If you have ever hung curtains in an empty room, you will know that soft furnishings make a real difference. Rooms with high ceilings and hard surfaces can be difficult for everyone, so if you can, add soft furnishings like carpets, curtains or even a cushion or two. This will reduce echo and improve acoustics.

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Want to make your meetings more hearing-friendly?

Hearing Ambassadors offer expert talks to any organisation on simple, effective ways to improve hearing well-being for your entire team.

Click here today to contact us directly or select one of our talks and book an in-person or online session via Speakernet

How Do People with Hearing Loss Self-Identify?

Language matters, especially when it comes to identity. For those with hearing loss, how they describe themselves can be deeply personal, influenced by cultural factors, life experiences, and even how others perceive them. But what terms are most commonly used, and what are the connotations behind them? Let’s explore the different ways people with hearing loss self-identify and what might be the best approach.

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Hearing Impaired – A Term Falling Out of Favour?

For many years, “hearing impaired” was widely used in medical and professional settings to describe individuals with hearing loss. However, this term has fallen out of favor, particularly within Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. The word “impaired” carries a negative connotation, implying a deficiency or something that needs to be fixed. Many people prefer more neutral or affirming language that doesn’t frame their hearing loss as a limitation. That said, some medical professionals and institutions still use the term, though its usage is gradually declining in favour of more person-centered language.

Deaf – A Strong Cultural Identity!

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For those who identify as Deaf (with a capital ‘D’), hearing loss is not just a medical condition but a cultural identity. Deaf individuals, particularly those who use sign language as their primary mode of communication, are part of a rich and vibrant Deaf community. They often reject the idea that they are “missing” something and instead celebrate Deaf culture and the unique way they experience the world.

Lowercase “deaf” is sometimes used more generally to describe a severe or profound hearing loss without necessarily implying cultural affiliation.

Hard of Hearing – A Common Middle Ground?

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Many people with partial hearing loss prefer the term “hard of hearing” (HoH) as it accurately describes their experience without labeling them as either Deaf or impaired. This term is widely accepted and used by advocacy groups and individuals alike. It acknowledges hearing loss while allowing for a broad spectrum of experiences, from mild to severe.

Another commonly used term is “late-deafened”, which describes individuals who have lost their hearing later in life. Unlike those who are born Deaf or hard of hearing, people with “acquired hearing loss“often face unique challenges in adapting to a world without sound, particularly if they previously relied on spoken communication.

Slightly Deaf, Partially Deaf, or Hearing Challenged – Informal but Descriptive

Some people, particularly those with mild to moderate hearing loss, might refer to themselves as “slightly deaf” or “partially deaf.” These terms can be useful in everyday conversation to quickly convey their hearing status. Another term some people use is “hearing challenged,” which emphasises the difficulties faced without implying a complete lack of hearing. However, these terms are not widely recognized in medical or advocacy contexts, and their meaning may vary from person to person.

What’s the Best Term to Use?

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There is no single “best” term—it all depends on personal preference. However, what matters most is how individuals with hearing loss communicate their needs. No matter how someone self-identifies, the key to better interactions is expressing what helps them in conversation. The best way to be supportive is to ask and listen.

Language Matters!

The words we use shape our understanding of hearing loss and those who experience it. By being mindful of language, we can create a more inclusive and respectful conversation around hearing identity.

No matter the term, what matters most is recognising and supporting the diverse experiences of people with hearing loss. Whether someone identifies as Deaf, hard of hearing, or something else entirely, what’s most important is listening—both figuratively and literally—to how they wish to be seen and understood.

We love this video about how language matters from Gael Hannan

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If you have hearing loss, how do you prefer to identify?

Share your thoughts in the comments!