How to Communicate with the Hearing Impaired

Hearing is conducted through the ear.

Communicating with the hard of hearing really isn't all that difficult if you follow these easy to learn steps. The main thing to keep in mind is that a hard of hearing person is just like any other person, they simply have life a little more challenging.

Things You'll Need

• An open mind
• Clear voice

Instructions

1. 

   First and most important: FACE the hearing-impaired person. They need to see your face and the words you speak.

2. Speak naturally and at an even speed. Don't alter your speech. Yelling or shouting makes it more difficult for a hard of hearing person to understand you. The same with slowing your speech down.

3. 

   Make sure when speaking to keep your mouth clear from obstructions. Don't put your hand or any other materials in front of your face. Many (but not all) hearing-impaired individuals supplement the spoken word with lip reading.

4. 

   Lastly, be patient! If the hearing-impaired person requests you to repeat what you have said, please do so in the same manner in which you stated it the first time, only slightly louder.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay positive and open minded

• Keep your patience

• Please don't sound irritated when repeating things several times. Its just as frustrating to the hearing-impaired person as it is to you and they'd rather hear you the first time.

Resources

• Communicating with Hearing-Impaired
• Communication Tips for Hard of Hearing