Chronicle of a deaf audiologist

Why it doesn’t help to talk really loud to a PWHL

Originally Posted: March 20, 2026

When you talk loudly, only the vowel sounds get louder. You can’t yell consonants, such as S or SHSHSHSHSSH.

You’re better off giving the person with hearing loss (PWHL) some context (such as, we’re talking about our lunch plans tomorrow) and then slowing down a bit.

And if that doesn’t work…create the space for the PWHL to ask for clarification. If you are imparting information in a professional capacity, invite the person to ask you to repeat or clarify. A beautiful way to end the invitation is to say, “I don’t mind at all.”

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Related post: How can you tell hearing loss from selective hearing?

Category: General

Sandra Vandenhoff
Dr. Sandra Vandenhoff is an audiologist with hearing loss, founder of HEARa, Hearing Rehabilitation teacher, and Canadian author, who does not remember saying on her first day of wearing hearing aids: "Mom, I can hear my shoelaces!"

Click to access the login or register cheese