How to Have Better Video Calls With Hearing Impairment

With many of us spending more time at home, virtual meetings and calls with family/friends have become part of our “new normal.” This technology can be especially challenging for those with hearing loss. So, we gathered some tips that can help make the experience better.

• Getting Set-Up: 

  • Headphones: These often have noise-canceling technology, making it easier to hear other participants. Over-the-ear headphones can also be used with hearing aids. 

  • Bluetooth Hearing Aids: These can be synced with your computer, creating a clearer listening experience. 

  • Lighting: All video call participants should be aware of the lighting in their spaces as this can impact the ability of others to read facial expressions and lips. A light that projects from behind the camera/computer screen onto a participant’s face makes it easier for their facial features to be seen.

• Video Call Best Practices:

  • Starting the Call: Meeting/call leaders should schedule time at the beginning of each session for participants to adjust their sound and make sure their equipment is working. This time can be filled by introducing/saying hello to people who are on the call, going over the meeting agenda, etc. 

  • Speaking Practices: All participants should wait their turn to speak, or wait until the previous person is finished speaking. Those who are not speaking should mute their microphones to eliminate excess noise. Participants should also avoid covering their faces/mouths while speaking so that others can read their lips if necessary.

  • Video Recording: If possible, record each video session so that participants can go back and re-watch if they are concerned about having missed something. 

For more tips on how to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic with hearing impairments, check out this recent blog post. You can also find our COVID-19 response here.