Information reproduced from the following source:
Clerc Center of Gallaudet University


 

Getting A Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person’s Attention

  • Move into the person’s visual field
  • Gently tap on the person’s shoulder
  • Flick lights at slow/medium pace (doing so at fast pace may indicate an emergency)
  • Ask the individual other methods of obtaining attention that he/she prefers

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What About Speech-reading?

  • Many deaf/hard of hearing people do not speech-read well. Be sure to ask the person if he/she is comfortable communicating in this manner. Sometimes other methods of communication are more appropriate.
  • About 70% of English is difficult or impossible to speech-read; be ready to substitute other words.
  • Individuals with facial hair are more difficult to speech-read than those without.
  • Be sure to eliminate food or gum from the mouth.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Do not place hands or other objects near your face.
  • Rephrase to avoid misunderstandings and situations where you are misunderstood. Certain words are easier to hear or speech-read than others.

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Comfortable Communication

  • Do not yell or talk loudly.
  • Do not mumble.
  • If the person prefers to use speech-reading, speak normally and avoid speaking too slow or too fast.
  • Do not over emphasize your facial expressions or lip movements as this can reduce communication
  • Face the person and make eye contact when speaking.
  • Utilize written communication.
  • Use pictures and other visual aids.
  • Take advantage of technology by typing back and forth on a computer screen, using email, instant messenger or text messaging.
  • Avoid excess background noise.
  • Be patient and relaxed.
  • If in doubt, ask Deaf or hard of hearing person ways to improve communication.

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Using An Interpreter

  • When using an interpreter, talk directly to the Deaf person, not to the interpreter.
  • The role of the interpreter is to convey what is being spoken or signed; not to participate in the conversation or to give his/her own opinions.
  • An interpreter can only interpret for one person at a time.
  • The interpreter should be located close to the speaker. This allows the Deaf individual to see both the speaker and the interpreter easily.
  • If possible, provide interpreters with copies of agendas, names, scripts of presentations, which will prepare them for the meeting.
  • Remember to talk to the Deaf or hard of hearing person not about the Deaf or hard of hearing person

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Group Communication

  • Before meetings or presentations, provide the Deaf or hard of hearing employee with an agenda. This will make it easier for him/her to understand and follow the event.
  • A note-taker, visual aids and follow up correspondence can allow greater accessibility to information.
  • Arrange seating so individuals can see each other clearly.
  • Upon speaking, raise your hand to signify it is your turn to talk.
  • Only one person must speak at a time
  • Avoid loud environments

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Communication Options to use in Hospital Setting

Be sure to ask the Deaf or hard of hearing person his/her communication preference. The following are the major options:

  • Interpreter Services
  • Real-Time captioning services (CART)
  • Technical Devices
  • Assistive listening devices (ALD)
  • Phone Devices: amplifiers, adapters, volume control
  • TTYs
  • VCO (Voice Carry Over phones)
  • Signaling devices
  • Closed captioning for TV
  • Reading and writing notes (for short/simple interactions)
  • Reading lips and/or using residual hearing

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Communication Tips for Hospital Staff

  • Enter note re: hearing loss in patient’s chart.
  • List communication preferences in chart.
  • Do not call out names in waiting room.
  • Do not use intercom. Have direct, face-to-face contact.
  • Allow patient to keep hearing aid or cochlear implant and spare batteries
  • Use illustrations, drawings to explain medical information.
  • Remove surgical masks before talking
  • Do not restrict both hands; ask about dominant hand
  • Allow more time to communicate
  • Move into patient’s line of sight if patient is lying down

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