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Tips & Tricks

Communicating with Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing People

Click the links below to navigate to a specific area on this page.

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​How can you get their attention?

  • Move Yourself - If they can't see you, they (more than likely) can't hear you.

  • Tap Shoulder - It's OK! You can tap their shoulder to get their attention. (Just do it lightly)

  • Flick the Lights - Flashing will catch their attention easily!

  • Ask - Ask the individual how they'd like you to get their attention for the next time.

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What is the best way to communicate with a Deaf or hard-of-hearing person?
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ASK.

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The individual will be able to tell you how they'd like to communicate - with sign language, speech-reading, verbally, written communication, and more. They know how they best communicate. Don't assume.

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Tips to Remember When Communicating
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  • Don't Yell. It will not make us hear.

  • Don't OVER-enunciate. That doesn't make you speak clearer. If the individual reads lips, it actually muddles the words.

  • Speak Normally. If the individual lip-reads, speak normally. Not too slow, not too fast.

  • Face the Individual. Facial and Eye contact is helpful to see the expression to understand tone.

  • Avoid Areas with Excess Noise: Excess background noise can make it harder for the individual to focus if they are lip-reading.

  • Visual Aids May Help. Sometimes seeing a picture can bridge the communication gap.

  • Don't Place Objects Near Face. If the individual lip-reads, blocking access to your face will mean they can't see your lips. Those who have facial hair are often more difficult to understand.

  • Rephrase Instead of Repeat. If the individual did not understand, rephrase your statement/question. Don't keep saying the same thing over and over (unless you have visual aids).

  • ASK the Individual Their Communication Preference. Not all Deaf/Hard-of-hearing people lip-read. Not all Deaf/Hard-of-hearing people speak. Not all Deaf/Hard-of-hearing people use sign language. Ask their preferences - whether it is signing, speaking, lip-reading, texting, writing notes, etc.

  • ASK the Individual How YOU can IMPROVE YOUR Communication.

  • Most of all, BE PATIENT. Be relaxed and patient. This will help the individual know that you are wanting to make sure they are included.

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Phrases to Erase from Your Mind
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  • Never mind.

  • Don't worry about it.

  • It's not important.

  • I'll tell you later.

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These phrases are not only harmful, but also dismissive for the individual. Take the time to make sure that understand you and can follow in the conversation. Inclusion matters.

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Using an Interpreter
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Below are several reminders if you use an interpreter to communicate with a Deaf or hard-of-hearing individual.

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  • Talk Directly to the Individual. The individual is who you should communicate with as the interpreter is only providing a service.

  • One Person at a Time. The interpreter can only interpret for one person at a time. They cannot interpret multiple people speaking at once.

  • Give Time Before Repeating Yourself. It is a 3-way communication: the Deaf individual, the interpreter, and you. You speak, the interpreter interprets, the individual receives the information, they communicate to the interpreter, the interpreter voices to you.

  • Everything is Interpreted. This gives equal access to what a hearing person would hear. Don't say "You don't have to interpet that."

  • Information About the Meeting Before  If possible, having a copy of the agenda, presentation, vocabulary, etc. can help prepare the interpreter.

  • Set Individual Near Interpreter. This allows for the individual to see both the interpreter and you.

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Communicating During the Holidays

Holidays can be tough for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing individuals when their family and friends are hearing. They can feel isolated and excluded from conversations - not just during the holidays, but at a regular dinner table. This is known as "Dinner Table Syndrome."

  • Involve them. Don't just ignore the individual. There are other ways you can communicate (notes, gestures, etc.) Interact with them.

  • Prepare Simple Signs. Educate yourself on how to communicate with them before the holidays!

  • Turn Captions On TV. Turn on closed captions on the TV.  This will allow them to participate in the parade, game, or movie.

  • Check the Area. Make sure that the area is well-lit as Deaf people rely on what they can see to understand conversation and other context. Additionally, make sure to keep sight lines open.

  • Arrange for Circular Seating. This type of seating allows for faces to be seen for lipreading.

  • Play Deaf-friendly Games. Avoid games that depend on oral cues. Instead, maybe a game of charades - something that relies on visual cues. Click here for a list.

  • Designate a Quiet Area. Over stimulation from noise (for those with hearing aids or cochlear implants) can cause headaches, moodiness, and more. Have a space that is quiet where one-on-one conversations can happen - or there can be a listening break.

  • Hire an Interpreter. If it's a big gathering, having an interpreter available will help make the individual comfortable if their communication method is signing.

  • ASK What You Can Do. Ask the individual how you can help with communication and let them enjoy the holidays.

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Effective communication is key to fostering understanding and respect. Here are some tips to ensure smooth and inclusive communication when interacting with Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals from online:

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If you are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and want to share and Tips & Tricks, click to send me an email!

Links
Grabbing Their Attention
Best Way to Communicate
Tips to Remember When Communicating
Phrases to Stop Using
Using an Interpreter
Holidays and Table Communications
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