The Best Ways to Communicate during Emergencies if You Have Hearing Loss

If you’ve ever experienced an emergency, whether medically related or due to another unfortunate disaster, some challenges may have happened when you tried to communicate. These could have included loud sirens going off, poor phone signals, or stressing over trying to communicate quickly, clearly, and efficiently, just to name a few. 

For anyone who is deaf or has difficulty with their hearing, this is an additional barrier to effective communication.

The Complications that Come with Communicating during Emergencies

For anyone with normal hearing abilities, sirens and alarms can be so painful and loud that they need to cover their 

For some, especially those with high-frequency hearing loss, hearing things like sirens or smoke alarms can be challenging. 

Have You Ever Failed to Notice Indirect Cues that Would Alert You to Danger?

Loud sirens are not the only thing that signals impending danger. The ability to hear allows you to be more aware of your surroundings - whether you notice an intruder, a car engine that doesn’t sound right, or the sound of a child’s cry. Hearing also lets you know which direction the danger is coming from. Anyone with hearing problems might unknowingly go towards danger or walk away from someone else’s dangerous situation and neglect to help that person. 

Listening and Speaking to First Responders
 
Following directions from first responders or answering their questions can be challenging. Here are some tips for communicating with others during an emergency.

1. Be prepared. Emergencies are usually unexpected. However, there are ways to prepare how you will manage these situations. Plan a meeting place and what to do after the crisis occurs.  Prepare a go-bag with emergency supplies stored inside. Let at least one neighbor that you are friendly with know your plans and ask them to check in on you if they hear your alarm go off. 

2. Make sure your alarms and safety devices are updated and functioning correctly. Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will make a beeping noise, create a flashing visual cue, or vibrate if a person is in danger. Doorbells that create blinking lights or alarms for a person’s bed shake can also alert hard-of-hearing people of potential threats.

3. Keep your hearing aids on. It’ll be easier to detect danger and communicate while wearing them. Have them fully charged or a pair of new batteries on hand. Recharge the hearing aids by your bed to make them easily accessible if you are awoken suddenly at night. 

If you live in an area that frequently experiences earthquakes, place your hearing aids securely in a container next to your bed so they don’t fall off.

Store spare batteries in a designated cool, dry place for emergencies. If you wear rechargeable hearing aids get a portable charger to place in your go-bag to access it easily.   

Emergency Alerts

Add your name, phone number, and other information to text alerts instead of phone alerts so emergency messages can be easily accessed and followed. Consider wearing a medical bracelet. It’s a helpful way to provide information about anyone with hearing loss, allergies, or any other serious medical condition. Include details about medications you take, what type of hearing device you wear, or crucial health information. 

Keep means of Communication in an Emergency Supply Bag.

Here are some things to keep in mind when packing your supply bag:

• Have a power source for your hearing aids.
• Keep a pen/pencil and notepad of paper to help with communication.
• Bring a flashlight and batteries for the flashlight so your hands are visible when signing. Flashlights are helpful for lipreading.
• Have a waterproof container for your hearing aids.
• Add some pre-printed and laminated communication cards. 

Other Things to Keep in Mind for Better Communication

• Let others know you are hard of hearing: Hearing loss is an invisible disability. People around you may not know you have hearing loss and need other accommodations or help. Let others know so they may communicate with you better - whether you need them to speak slowly or write things down. This information is valuable when interacting with law enforcement. You don’t want others to believe that you are deliberately being disobedient. Show them your hearing aids and communication cards. 
• Get help: Rely on others to help you. Everyone from first responders to family, neighbors, and friends can help with your communication. If there’s an emergency in a public space - like a fire at a building, don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you to listen to the instructions on your behalf. 
• Speak slowly and clearly: Remember to speak slowly, calmly, and clearly. Make sure others can see your gestures and facial expressions. If you didn’t hear or understand something, ask them to repeat or rephrase themselves. Ask questions to make sure you fully understand what was said. Use paper and pencil or the notes app on your phone.  

Are You Experiencing Problems with Your Hearing Aids during an Emergency?

If your hearing aids have stopped working during an emergency, rely on your other senses. Get near people who are speaking. Ask them to talk louder, slower, and enunciate their words. Focus your attention on their facial expressions and do your best at lipreading. 

Caregivers for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing

If you care about someone hard of hearing, here’s how you can help them during an emergency:

• Simply check in with them: In any emergency, be sure the person is aware of it and understands the instructions. If the emergency happens overnight, confirm with the person you care for that they are awake and understand the plans. Speak clearly and slowly while facing them, and make sure they understand your instructions.
• Be an advocate: Let others, including first responders, know that the person you care for experiences hearing loss. Ask them to repeat instructions to make sure the person understands you. 

Have good lighting so they can see your face and a quiet space without too many distractions or background noise.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and need hearing aids, contact us at Northumberland Hearing Center for a hearing evaluation and consultation. 

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