There’s nothing quite like coming home after a hard day at work, dropping your things by the door and jumping onto the couch you so carefully chose. That goes double when it’s chilly outside. Our homes offer that little bit of sanctuary at the end of the day, and it’s essential to cultivate them for everyone. For the 13% of people in the U.S. with hearing loss, that means arranging things to make communication easier.
How Does My Home Impact Communication?
Sound travels in waves. When you hear something, it’s because sound waves have traveled through the air from their source to your ear and then to your brain. Unfortunately, when something gets in the way of those sound waves, they don’t arrive at your ears as clearly. Sound can also echo off the walls of your home, resulting in a confusing cacophony by the time it reaches your ears.
In your home, anything from the way you arrange your furniture to the layout and size of the room you’re standing in can cause that sound distortion.
Tips for Clear Sound in the Home
To prevent echoing in your home, place plenty of soft surfaces, such as wall hangings, rugs or cushions, in the common areas. Minimizing sound muffling requires a combination of communication techniques and home tweaks:
- Remove any large furniture surrounding the kitchen, dining room or living room that could block the path of sound
- Place your TV or radio against a non-adjoining wall to minimize how much sound transfers from room to room
- Use wood or plastic cooking utensils to minimize metal clanging
- Keep noisy toys in specific play areas if you have young children
- Avoid talking to each other from separate rooms of the house
- Turn on the lights when you’re having a conversation
A home is meant to be a place where you can relax and spend quality time with your family. By following the above tips, you can ensure everyone can participate in the fun, regardless of their hearing loss. For more information on managing hearing loss, contact SoundLogic today.