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An audiologist has spoken out following an online debate surrounding deaf awareness after a controversial scene from last night's instalment of Married At First Sight UK left some viewers concerned.
Sound expert Sonia LaLeta is now using her knowledge to warn fans of the show of one particular practice that should be avoided during a heated discussion with an individual who suffers a hearing impairment.
A passionate online discussion was sparked following Wednesday night's (23 October) episode following a heated, on-screen row between bride and groom Sacha and Ross, the latter of whom is deaf and wears a hearing aid.
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Following a dinner party dispute between their co-stars Alex and Rochelle - during which Sacha put Alex in his place over his dubious remarks about the women in the group - she looked to her husband Ross to defend her.
When he didn't, however, the pair soon became embroiled in a noisy spat, during which Ross closed his eyes.
The move was met with mass controversy after some fans accused him of 'putting Sacha on mute', being that he could no longer read her lips.
This led to a deaf Reddit user making an important note about their interactions, heaping particular praise onto Sacha over the way she communicates.
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Now, Sonia LaLeta, an audiologist at the University of Manchester, has joined the conversation about arguing with a deaf loved one, and told Tyla that ‘in situations involving communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, it is so important to be mindful of how we engage in conversation’.
Firstly, asked how one should not behave during a disagreement with a hard of hearing individual, she warned readers about never turning away or covering your mouth.
One of the most important factors in communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing is to always face them directly. This allows them to read lips, pick up on facial expressions, and take in visual cues that are essential for understanding.
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"Turning away or covering your mouth can significantly hinder their ability to follow the conversation."
She went on to explain that 'as an audiologist, I would stress the following points’ to anyone hoping to communicate effectively with someone with hearing impairment'.
Clarity and lighting
If you are speaking to someone who is deaf, ‘ensure that the environment is well-lit so the person can see your face clearly’.
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She explained: “Speaking slowly and clearly (but not exaggerating) helps with lip-reading. Avoid shouting, as it can distort the sound, making it more difficult for those using hearing aids or cochlear implants."
Avoid background noise
Another thing you could do is to: "Minimise distractions and background noise, as this can make it harder for the individual to focus on the conversation or hear if they rely on any residual hearing or assistive devices."
Use gestures and writing
The expert share that ‘sometimes, using gestures or writing down key points can be helpful in ensuring the message is understood, especially during heated or emotional discussions where clarity is crucial.’
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This is why you should aim to make things as clear as possible, to avoid further conflict.
Patience and repetition
It might be difficult at first, but ‘if the person does not understand, repeating or rephrasing is more helpful than getting frustrated or assuming they are uninterested’.
The audiologist said: “Patience goes a long way in building an effective and respectful communication environment.”
LaLeta concluded that ‘in situations like the one on Married At First Sight, arguments or emotional conversations can become more challenging.’
But ‘a lack of awareness of these principles may cause frustration or misunderstanding, which is why ensuring everyone is educated on how to properly communicate in these contexts is crucial for inclusivity and respect.’
Topics: Married At First Sight, Married at First Sight UK, TV And Film, Reality TV, Channel 4
Rhianna Benson