How to Effectively Communicate With the Hard-of-Hearing

When you meet someone who is hard of hearing or deaf, you may feel awkward trying to communicate with them. Communicating with the deaf is not a lot different than communicating with anyone where you have a language barrier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify that there is a hearing problem. Hopefully, the person will communicate this fact to you if it isn't obvious. They may point to their ear while shaking their head, "no"; or they may hand you a card that identifies them as deaf or hard of hearing. If you are trying to serve a customer whose back is turned and they don't respond when you greet them, look for hearing aids. Also, a deaf or hard of hearing person may talk with no voice; their lips will move but they will make no sound.

2. Allow the deaf person to take the lead in how they will communicate. Some prefer to read lips; some prefer to communicate with the written word.

3. Make your face visible if the deaf person is reading your lips. This means that you are facing them in good lighting and that you have no distractions about your face. Think of watching TV; if a hand keeps going in front of it, you miss a lot of what is going on! So don't bring a cigarette up to your face, or chew gum, or even rest your chin in your hands: you will be blocking the screen!

4. Speak clearly, but don't shout or over enunciate. Our lips don't move much when we speak and a person who has been reading lips all their life understands that. Shouting will appear aggressive, not helpful. No matter how loud you are, a deaf person is still deaf, and a hard of hearing person is still hard of hearing. Make other efforts.

5. Get their attention. If a person who is hard of hearing is not looking at you, and you are talking to them, they do not "hear" you. Waving your hand is good. A light tap on the shoulder is okay, but don't shock them by sneaking up and grabbing them. Remember, they can't hear you coming up from behind.

6. Use a notepad when it isn't working. Before you both get frustrated, get the pad and pen out. Sometimes it is necessary for just a word or two to make sure you are communicating the right idea.

7. Tell it another way if your first attempts aren't getting across. You may just need to use different words because of how your lips move. Don't be afraid to use your hands to help or point to things, just like communicating with someone who speaks a foreign language.

8. Consider learning the ASL alphabet. It can be a great help to be able to spell out some words or at least show the first letter.