How to Talk to Someone Who Cannot Hear Well

Clipitas

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posted on 15 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Have you ever wondered how to speak to somebody who is hard of hearing? Maybe your new friend has hearing aids or there is a coworker you want to get to know better, who is hard of hearing? If you want to strike up a conversation with someone who can't hear as well as most, but aren't sure of the do's and what don'ts, than this is the article for you! With these tips, you'll be conversing the right way in no time.

Steps

Speak clearly. Don't over enunciate or exaggerate lip movement. This can actually make it harder for them to read your lips or understand you. Talk how you would normally, just be considerate and don't mumble or speak at a mile-a-minute fast. Speaking very slowly or very loudly could make a person feel dumb or make it harder to lip-read.

Don't talk while eating or covering your mouth. Sound is directional, and needs to be toward the person. Anything in the mouth is going to reduce clarity and enunciation.

Face them while you talk. This is true whether you're talking to them or to someone else in the room. Some deaf and hard of hearing people use lip reading to understand what you are saying. If you're looking away, they'll have no idea what you're saying.

Ask about the speed and volume at which you talk. Would it help if you talked more slowly, or more loudly? Different people have different needs, so instead of assuming, just ask how you can help. There's no need to start shouting or using a high-pitched tone of voice like you would to a small child. This can come across as patronizing. If they need you to make an adjustment, they will tell you.

Be patient. You may need to repeat yourself sometimes or make other adjustments to accommodate them. Remember, being Deaf presents many more challenges to them than it does to you, and they certainly aren't trying to annoy you!

Take time to listen too. Your conversation partner most likely has many interesting things to say, and may come from a culture very different from your own. They have valuable things to tell you. Make sure they have the opportunity to speak too.

Minimize distracting noise. Background noise, loud music, many people talking, traffic noise, dishwater running, etcetera can make it more difficult for them to hear you.

Ask, when you are in doubt. People who are hard of hearing know themselves well and have plenty of experience dealing with their disability. They are experts on their own needs. If you are ever wondering how to accommodate them, just ask.