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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