Communications Tips for the
Hearing Person
If you're a hearing person communicating with someone
with a hearing loss, please be mindful of the following tips:
1. Get the person's attention before you speak. If
you start talking before they are looking at you, chances are they
won’t understand what you say.
2. Do not put obstacles in front of your face. This
includes coffee cups, hands, pencils, etc. Many people with hearing
loss rely on lip reading to assist their understanding.
3. Do not have things in your mouth. This includes
gum, candy, cigarettes, etc. Again, the person is probably trying
very hard to see your lips!
4. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Speak
slowly, but naturally. Do not shout!
5. Use facial expressions, gestures, mimes, and
whatever else helps make your message visible.
6. If you are not understood, try to say the same
thing using different words. If that doesn't work, writing a few key
words may help the person with hearing loss understand. If that
doesn't work, write the whole sentence.
7. If the person with hearing loss doesn’t understand
what you said, don’t dismiss it with something like "It's not
important." or “I’ll tell you later.” Try saying it a different way.
8. When you change the subject, be sure the person
with hearing loss knows what the new subject is.
9. Do not stand with your back to a source of light.
The glare from the light can make it difficult for the person with
hearing loss to see you. If they can’t see you, they can’t lipread
you.
10. When in doubt, ask the person with
hearing loss what you can do to improve communications.
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