Listening strategies

In most cases, adults with listening challenges may not even be conscious of their behaviour. They may not realize that they interrupt conversations or tune out when someone is speaking. The first step is to help learners become aware and understand how their struggles impact their listening abilities and social interactions with others. When learners are conscious of the behaviour, they can develop self-monitoring strategies that are the best fit for them.

The following are additional tips to help improve adults' listening skills:

• Be sensitive to the fact that some learners with auditory disabilities may miss parts or misinterpret what is said
• Use eye contact, appropriate touch and individuals' names
• To help with listening - provide visual summaries that outline what the learners will be hearing or learning
• Vary your speech (loudness, inflection, and speed, etc.)
• Provide information in smaller chunks; confirm learners' understanding and repeat if necessary
• Be brief, concrete; carefully define directions, etc.
• Complete directions before handing out materials
• Have learners paraphrase what they heard
• Encourage learners to take brief notes to help with their retention of what was stated and to help them focus on the information they are receiving