Hearing problems are universal. They may come from listening to loud music live or through earphones, or from being in noisy environments over a period of years. Shooting guns without hearing protection (which is what happened to me) can lead to permanent hearing loss. A tendency toward hearing loss may be genetic. Many of my relatives have had hearing problems. The best way to prevent or minimize hearing loss is to stay away from loud noises.

I have trouble hearing high-pitched voices and distinguishing the sounds of consonants. I often miss parts of conversations but let it pass because I don’t like to say “What?” all the time. If somebody I’m not looking at speaks to me I may not realize it. A voice may sound like background noise to me. I often retreat into my shell at noisy parties and restaurants, because all I can hear is a roar.

My wife, Bonny, complains about having to repeat herself when she’s speaking to me, especially when she’s trying to get my attention from the other side of the house. This is only partly a joke, and I give her credit for acting as my interpreter in many noisy situations.

I have a number of suggestions for people talking to hearing-impaired persons. It’s important to face the person you’re speaking to. Speak directly to him and enunciate clearly. It’s not necessary to shout, but don’t whisper either. I can’t hear whispers. I can sometimes hear people but can’t understand what they’re saying because I can’t distinguish their consonant sounds.

Don’t mumble or tail off your words at the ends of sentences. I’ve missed many punchlines because the speakers said them as throwaways with their voices fading into the sunset. Some hearing-impaired people can read lips. I can’t but it helps if I can see your lips. At least, I realize you’re speaking to me.

When talking on a telephone speak distinctly and not too fast. I often miss what’s being said because the speaker is going a hundred miles per hour. When I listen to phone messages I sometimes can’t understand the message because the caller talks rapidly and gives a number to call back not only at lightning speed but with her voice disappearing, as if she can’t wait to disconnect the call.

Listening to somebody give a talk to a group of people is also a problem for the hearing impaired. If there is a microphone available, use it correctly. Don’t have your mouth too far away from it or too close to it. Don’t move around so that some of what you say is picked up by the microphone and some isn’t.

When not using a microphone it’s important to speak directly to the audience with a voice loud enough to reach the back of the room. It’s a good idea to ask if people can hear you, but after you’ve asked that in a loud voice don’t forget and lower your voice as if you were speaking to just the front row. When answering questions from the audience it’s helpful to repeat the question, so that everyone knows what it is.

We live in a noisy world. To preserve your hearing stay away from loud noises as much as possible, and use hearing protection when you’re around them. Be aware of other people’s hearing problems and make an effort to help them hear you. Good communication with others is the key to understanding and peace.