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Communicating with a person who does not hear well does not have to be difficult.
A few simple rules will help, particularly if you remember that it is not fair to say that such a person "hears when he wants to".
Mostly it is more correct to say "he hears when he can". Remember also that he is always struggling to try to make sense of an incomplete
puzzle and will manage less effectively if tired, worried or made to feel a nuisance, and particularly when there is background noise,
your face is in shadow, or you have turned away.
What to do: tips for talking with hard of hearing people
 GAIN ATTENTION
* Call the person by name to attract his attention, or a gentle touch may help.
* Do not start talking until the person knows he is being spoken to.
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FACE EACH OTHER
* Hearing impaired people need to see your face clearly to gain help from facial expression and to speechread.
* Be sure to face the person, at about a metre away.
* Avoid shadows on your face (eg. do not stand in front of a window with the light behind you). |
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AVOID BACKGROUND NOISE
* It is not always possible to avoid background noise,
but do remember that it is particularly necessary for you to take care in any noisy place. |
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TALK NORMALLY
* Be careful not to cover your face, and to talk normally, if anything, just a little slower.
* Don't exaggerate lip movements.
* Don't shout. |
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GET TO THE POINT
* Knowing the subject matter avoids misunderstandings. Explain briefly what, who, when, where and how.
REPHRASE
* Sometimes the key word will continue to be missed.
If you are not understood say the same thing in different words. If this does not work, write it down. |
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REMEMBER
* Hearing impaired people often smile and nod even when they may not have heard correctly. Avoid errors from bluffing and ensure accuracy by asking the person to repeat any important message back to you. |
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FINALLY
* Understand that a hearing-aid does not make a person hear normally.
* Many people with hearing aids may obtain limited benefit.
* It will still be necessary to be patient, and to remember to use the suggestions in this list. |
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This fact sheet was adapted from "Rosen, J: Hearing Loss: The Invisible Handicap. ©1989. Illustrations- Mark Buckle". The third part of this fact sheet deals with 'Other helpful hearing hints'.
Printable version 
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