Tue, 12/01/2009 - 14:08 — ncfpeditor
Communication Tips
If you're speaking to someone who's deaf
Even if someone is wearing hearing aids, always ask if they need to lipread you.
Make sure you have the person's attention before you start speaking.
Speak clearly, not too slowly, and use normal lip movements. Use natural facial expressions and gestures.
If you're talking to a person who is deaf and a person who is hearing, focus on both of them.
If someone doesn't understand what you've said, try saying it in a different way.
Keep your voice at a normal level. It's uncomfortable for a hearing aid user if you shout and it looks aggressive.
Find a suitable place to talk, with good lighting, away from noise and distractions.
Remember to turn your face towards a person who is deaf. Always turn back to them so they can see your face.
Check that the person you're talking to can follow you.
Use plain language and don't waffle.
Communication Tips
If you're deaf or hard of hearing
Have you thought about learning to lipread? Everyone lipreads to some extent, expecially in noisy places.
Be open. Tell the person you're speaking to that you lipread before you start a conversation.
Ask people to get your attention before they start talking to you.
Stand a reasonable distance from the person who's speaking to you.
Try to keep calm and don't panic. If you become anxious or flustered, you might find it harder to follow what's being said.
If your hearing isn't the same in both ears, try turning your better side towards the person speaking to you.
If you don't catch what someone says at first, just ask them to repeat it or say it in a different way.
If necessary, ask people to slow down and speak more clearly.
Be kind to yourself! No-one hears correctly all the time.
Make sure you can see the speaker's face and lips. Their gestures and facial expressions will help you understand what they are saying.
For more information, contact the RNID Information line
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
SMS 0780 0000 360
(costs vary depending on your network)
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