How to Interact With a Hearing-Impaired Person

Most people with hearing impairments move easily through the world. We can all enjoy good communication if we think a moment before speaking.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• American Sign Language Video
• Hearing Aids
• Hearing-impaired Alerting Systems
• Pencils Or Pens
• Notebooks
• American Sign Language Computer Program
• Amplified Telephones
• Text Telephone

1. Relax and smile. People with a hearing impairment want to make communication easier.

2. Touch a person with a hearing impairment lightly on the arm or shoulder to attract his or her attention.

3. Face the person.

4. Look and speak directly at the hearing-impaired person even if a signing interpreter is present.

5. Realize noisy or distracting environments can hinder communication.

6. Remember many hearing-impaired people rely on speech-reading to help understand what is being said.

7. Shouting or speaking with exaggerated slowness confuses speech-reading.

8. Do nothing that will distort your speech, such as eating, chewing gum or smoking.

9. Pay attention to the hearing-impaired person's reactions. A puzzled look might mean you need to clarify or repeat your remark.

10. Rephrase any remark that is misunderstood.

Tips & Warnings

• The archaic term, "deaf and dumb," while technically accurate for someone who truly cannot hear or speak, should never be used. It is offensive.

• A person with a hearing impairment rightfully resents the handicap being used against him or her - such when someone shields his or her mouth or turns away to cut the hearing-impaired out of the conversation.

• You can always use a notepad and pencil in an emergency.

• Anticipate situations in which a hearing-impaired friend might have problems, such as recognizing the chirping sounds of modern telephones or conversation via an intercom.

• Allow a hearing-impaired person to make his or her own choices. Help communicate alternatives and relay decisions.