For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally and don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject changes, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If your listener is not following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.