Sometimes Frustrated.

This post is just to get something of my chest. It is a problem I come across frequently. The issue is this; why do so many people in the medical profession not know how to communicate with people that are hard of hearing? I am talking about the receptionist in the ENT's office that doesn't look at you when they speak. The doctor that specializes in hearing impairments that covers his mouth while telling you what the problem is. The audiologist that talks to fast to follow. Maybe I expect to much but of all people that should have the knowledge and patience to communicate with, I find it increasing frustrated when doing so. Here are some tips to help better communicate with those that are hard of hearing;
* Make sure you have the listener’s attention before starting to talk.
* Speak slowly and clearly at a normal loudness level. Do not shout.
* When something is not heard or understood, rephrase, do not repeat exactly. Continually repeating the exact words may not help.
* Help the listener by providing visual clues. Look at the listener and keep your hands away from your mouth. Do not talk while chewing or eating.
* Keep the distance between you and the hearing impaired person from 3 to 6 feet for best listening and lipreading.
* Sit or stand so the light is focused on your face, not glaring from behind.
* Eliminate as much extra background noise as possible for better speech understanding.
* Remember that even with a hearing aid the hearing impaired person may not hear or understand everything you say.