I try to do likewise but I find that the people close to you are the most often fed up and bad tempered and the shout loudly because they are angry (which with tinnitus is worse) So I try to encourage the person to stand cloer, face me and speak slowly and clearly. I tell them having tinnitus and deafness is not my fault and hopefully that makes them think...

I also try to always state immediately that I have a severe hearing loss...especially on the phone. Many people try and actually have no idea how fast or too quietly (for me) they speak. I often stop the conversation multiple times...repeating the apology that it's me, thank you for your patience, I appreciate your effort and similar comments. Some people are like telemarketers and always start at the beginning of a long spiel even though I might say," I did not hear that last sentence." My husband repeats the whole long sentence even though I repeatedly tell him I only miss the last few words. MANY people in our culture "trail off" a the end of their sentences - speaking quieter and sometimes faster. SO VERY frustrating. Some folks respond kindly and really try even though in a long conversation I may need to remind them. Others do not change one bit!! and get an aggravated, impatient voice...then I end the call and/or try for another representative. So much more difficult on the phone. I have Caption call and sometimes the captions are so "off" and it's more confusing to try to listen and read what are obviously the wrong words. Oh well. As FL Mary says - it could be worse!