Why using a microphone in Church meetings shows charity and love for other members
By Mary Richards of the Church News, July 11, 2026.
Even with hearing aids, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are struggling to hear at church, and at times feel like they don’t belong. “There are so many people who say: ‘I just don’t even stay for the second hour. There is nothing I can hear, what am I getting out of the meeting? I cannot hear anything.” said Katie Edna Steed, the Church’s disability manager. Joe Cochran and his father, John Cochran, a retired speech pathologist, said one of the their loved ones now worries that Relief Society and Sunday School might not be the best use of her time. “What led her to this concern? She cannot clearly hear what is happening in the meetings”, the Cochrans wrote in an article in the June 2026 Liahona called “Changes To Help Our Friends Who Are Hard of Hearing.” Steed said more than half of people who are 65 or older have significant hearing loss. Taking steps to include all ward members who are hard of hearing is an act of charity and love, she explained. The Cochrans gave three teaching and presentation concepts for instructors, speakers, and others to consider.
. 1. Understanding acuity and processing — Suggesting that someone turn up their hearing aid is not completely helpful. As a person ages, they also may not be able to hear as quickly as they used to. Slowed auditory processing and a hearing acuity deficit can lead to a misunderstanding of what is said at church. Then these members may hesitate to contribute or participate, or even avoid callings and meetings that require participation. “If these concerns are left unaddressed, we risk losing the wisdom and experience gained from years of meaningful service,” the Cochrans wrote. Steed said trying to speak louder isn’t enough. A microphone is on a different frequency, which reaches the devices and mechanisms in a hearing aid in a different format. “What are some simple things I could do? Talk into a microphone.” she said.
. 2. Be conscious of speech — Teachers and ward members should speak louder but also more slowly. Occasional pauses allow listeners a chance to catch up. “These skills aer exemplified by general conference speakers. They deliver their thoughts in clear tones while speaking at a deliberate pace,” the Liahona article said. When a teacher wanders a room or speaks while turned toward the whiteboard or screen, some of what they are saying will be missed. Face the class members and project speech forward.
. 3. Know the acoustics — The Cochrans suggested avoiding holding classes in rooms with poor acoustics, such as the cultural hall. If meeting in a chapel, have members sit close together, use portable microphones, and have class members wait a few seconds for the microphone to come to them before answering or commenting. When showing a video, turn on the captions. And use a larger font in a presentation on the screen, Steed said. Steed said as people get older, they should not hesitate to point out that they cannot hear the teacher of cannot see the presentation They can also bring it up on to tehri ministering brothers or sisters. “When people say, ‘What can I do for you?’ can you ask people to use the microphone?” Steed said.
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