Tips for Communicating With People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Get the person's attention first with a light tap on the shoulder or arm

Have the light shining on your face and not in the Deaf or hard of hearing person's eyes - they need to see your face clearly.

Speak directly to the person - not from behind their back or over their shoulder.

Speak clearly and distinctly - exaggerated mouth movements will hinder communication.

Speak at a moderate rate.

Shouting only tires you and distorts the pattern and rhythm of speech.

Smoking, chewing gum, mustaches, covering your mouth with your hands all impedes communication.

Many words and phrases look the same on the mouth. If the Deaf or hard of hearing person does not understand you, choose a different word or phrase rather than repeating the original words over and over.

Expect that some of your words will not be understood. Less than one quarter of the English language can clearly be seen on the lips. Deaf and hard of hearing people use what they see on the lips, your expression, what they may hear ant the context to make sense of it all.

Use expression, both facial and body. This will help to communicate your ideas and feelings.

When introducing a new subject, do so carefully so that the Deaf or hard of hearing person will have a reference point.

If the person who is Deaf or hard of hearing is using an interpreter, speak directly to the Deaf or hard of hearing person and not to the interpreter.

People who are Deaf or hard of hearing run the gamut of intelligence just as people with hearing do. Your interest and patience will enhance their life experiences as well as yours.