Valentine's Day Tips for Better Communication with Hearing Loss

Carolyn Stern, Director of Outreach and Strategic initiatives

Carolyn Stern, Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives

Love is about connection—and connection starts with communication. These simple strategies can help your Valentine feel truly heard, seen, and supported all year long.

If someone you love has a hearing loss, one of the most meaningful ways to show you care is by helping them hear and connect more easily. Hearing aids and cochlear implants open the door to sound, but in noisy or challenging environments, simple communication strategies can make all the difference.

This Valentine’s Day, try these thoughtful tips to help your sweetheart feel more included and part of every conversation.

Communication Tips for Hearing Loss

Seek quiet and well-lit settings

Have one person speak at a time

Face each other before speaking

Speak up, articulate and pause periodically

When asked to repeat, rephrase your statement

Cue in the topic as it changes

Use written or digital communication

Let’s Connect

Hearing aids and cochlear implants provide vital access to sound, but there’s a world of assistive technology—accessories, apps, and devices—that can further enhance connection. To explore technology solutions that could be right for you or a loved one, contact the Center for Hearing and Communication.

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About the Author

Carolyn Ginsburg Stern, MBA, is the Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), a not-for-profit hearing rehabilitation center based in New York City. As a bilateral cochlear implant user, she helps others hear and connect better with tips, technical information and support and is passionate about the role of healthy hearing in helping people lead productive and connected lives. She is a proud graduate of HLAA’s N-CHATT (Network of Consumer Hearing Assistive Technology Trainers) program where she learned how to train other adults with hearing loss about hearing assistive technology. Prior to working at CHC, she had an extensive career in product management and marketing roles at American Express and other large corporations. She earned her MBA at Columbia University School of Business and BA at Northwestern University. Contact Carolyn at cgstern@chchearing.org.