Nonverbal Communication’s Influence in Professional Practice

Have you ever heard the expression “It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it”? Sometimes, it’s what we don’t say that carries the most weight. There have been quite a few studies on verbal vs. nonverbal communication over the years, and most experts believe that at least 70 percent of human communication happens without speaking a single word. Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, gestures, body language, posture, and eye contact. 

And as hearing health professionals, it’s especially important for us to be aware of how we present ourselves and communicate with our patients—both verbally and nonverbally. Nonverbal communication can go a long way in enhancing your experience as a patient.  

Establishing Trust and Comfort

Did you know that when you interact with another person, the first two minutes are the most crucial? Two minutes is all the time it takes for someone to form an initial opinion of you. And first impressions are everything! As hearing health professionals, our team knows that creating a comfortable environment is crucial for earning your trust as a patient and ensuring that you have a great experience.

Trust is the foundation of provider/patient relationships. We understand that you might have fears and concerns if you’re suffering from hearing loss. Nonverbal cues like a warm smile, eye contact, and welcoming body language help to put our patients at ease and promote open communication. 

As humans, our feelings tend to be reflected by those we’re interacting with. When you’re happy and excited to be meeting with someone, chances are they’ll pick up on that and return the sentiment! And when you’re frustrated and angry, that will rub off on others.

We want you to feel at ease from the moment you step into our clinic. Your emotional well-being is closely tied to your hearing health, and it is our goal for you to feel supported and cared for.

Using Visual Demonstrations

Audiology can be a complex subject, and sometimes verbal explanations alone aren’t enough to effectively communicate complex concepts. Our team may rely on visual aids, facial expressions, and gestures to help our patients understand better. 

These types of nonverbal cues allow us to better demonstrate aspects of your hearing health, explain treatment options, and educate you about your specific condition.

The Importance of Active Listening

Active listening is at the heart of our practice here at Pacific Hearing. Active listening involves not only hearing the words that our patients speak, but also paying attention to their nonverbal cues and understanding their needs on a deep level. When we embrace active listening, we’re better able to personalize our treatment approach.

When you communicate your thoughts and questions to our team, we also pay attention to your nonverbal cues. Your nonverbal feedback is helpful in allowing us to tailor our approach so that you feel heard and understood throughout your journey to better hearing.

Empowering You Throughout Your Hearing Health Journey

By recognizing and utilizing nonverbal cues, our team at Pacific Hearing strives to empower you to take ownership of your hearing journey. We always encourage you to share your concerns, ask questions, and actively engage in conversation with our team. 

And through nonverbal cues like maintaining eye contact and open body language, we’ll strive to communicate our respect for your experiences and opinions. Our goal is to create an environment where your voice is heard and you play an active role in determining the best path forward.

Hearing Help in Hollywood

Thousands of patients in the Los Angeles area trust our team of highly experienced audiologists with their hearing health. When it comes to hearing health, hearing aids are only a small piece of the puzzle.

Ongoing support, use of good communication strategies, and the relationship that you have with your hearing healthcare provider are other important pieces.

Our goal is to provide the highest level of patient-centered care through research-based practices and the latest technology.

If you have any questions that you think our team could help to answer or if you would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach us at (310) 909-0180 or request a callback.