Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: I am the audiologist in Oshkosh, Wis., who wrote you with advice for people with hearing loss on how to “take control” of answering machines. May I once again ask you to put some advice in your column on behalf of people who have hearing loss?

“Listening in noisy environments is difficult. Move closer, and turn off the TV or radio before talking. (Hearing in noisy environments is the No. 1 complaint of those with hearing loss/hearing aids.)

“Get attention. Make sure your face is visible, and avoid talking from another room.

“Speak clearly, pronouncing each syllable. This helps slow your speech and gives the listener more time to process your information.

“Avoid cross talk when in a group. In restaurants, request that background music is turned down or off.

“Teach children to use their “big girl/boy” voices. Lower-pitched voices are easier to hear.– Dr. Juliette Sterkens, Oshkosh, Wis.