What should you not say to someone with hearing loss?

Don'ts
  • Don't try to talk to someone from a different room. ...
  • Don't yell. ...
  • Don't cover your mouth as you speak.
  • Don't say “never mind.” It is dismissive and excludes the person from the conversation when they were just trying to understand.
  • Don't speak extra slow.


What is offensive to a Deaf person?

For many people, the words “deaf” and “hard of hearing” are not negative. Instead, the term “hearing-impaired” is viewed as negative. The term focuses on what people can't do. It establishes the standard as “hearing” and anything different as “impaired,” or substandard, hindered, or damaged.

When talking to a person with hearing loss you should?

If the person with hearing loss hears better in one ear, take note of that and try to speak more toward their right or left side. Before starting a conversation, say the person's name so you can get his or her attention. Wave or gently tap them if they don't hear you.


Should you use short phrases when speaking to someone with hearing loss?

Use short, simple sentences. Do not exaggerate your speech or lip movements. Ask questions if you are not sure you understand what the patient is saying. Patients tend to agree with their health are workers, sometimes without understanding what has been said to them.

What is the most polite way to communicate to a Deaf person?

Always face a deaf person.

Make eye contact and keep it while you are talking. Try not to look away or cover your mouth as many deaf people rely on lip reading to help them understand you.


3 Types of Hearing Loss - Applied Hearing Solutions



How do you get a Deaf person's attention?

Wave your hand in their line of sight. This is how Deaf people get the attention of one another. Tap them lightly on the shoulder. If they have their back turned away from you, get the attention of somebody in their line of sight, and have that person point at you.

What you should not do when communicating with a person who is hearing impaired?

Speak clearly and don't shout

Shouting will make your voice distorted and hard to understand. Instead, speak clearly and if necessary, slightly slower than normal. If you do need to raise your voice, project your voice the way you would if you were speaking to a person on the other side of the room.

What are the do's and don'ts of getting a Deaf person's attention?

Typically, strategies used to attract the attention of a deaf person include:
  • waving your hand.
  • if you are close by, tapping on the shoulder or upper arm of the deaf person.
  • if you are not close by, asking a person nearby to tap on the shoulder or upper arm of the deaf person.
  • flashing the lights in the room.


What are the 5 ways to communicate with a Deaf person?

12 Tips for communicating with Deaf patients
  1. Book an interpreter. ...
  2. Talk directly to your patient, not the person interpreting for them.
  3. Make sure you have your patient's attention before talking. ...
  4. Maintain eye contact whilst communicating. ...
  5. Use normal lip movement. ...
  6. Speak at a normal volume.


How does hearing loss affect relationships?

Hearing loss impacts on relationships

The person may miss parts of the conversation, leading to frustration on both parties. Conversations may become simplified, with complex topics being avoided altogether. Both parties may avoid noisy or troublesome settings, leading to social isolation and loneliness.

Does hearing loss affect personality?

If untreated, hearing loss can lead to psychological and social Issues, with emotional and societal consequences. Recent studies have found that people with hearing issues who don't use hearing aids are considerably less likely to participate in social activities, leading to social isolation and depression.


What are the two appropriate terms for people with hearing loss?

Many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing prefer the terms "deaf" and "hard of hearing," because they consider them to be more positive than the term "hearing impaired," which implies a deficit or that something is wrong that makes a person less than whole.

What language do deaf people think in?

Primarily though, most completely deaf people think in sign language. Similar to how an “inner voice” of a hearing person is experienced in one's own voice, a completely deaf person sees or, more aptly, feels themselves signing in their head as they “talk” in their heads.

How do you respect a Deaf person?

To get the person's attention, touch the person lightly, wave your hand or use some other physical sign. If an interpreter is being used, speak directly to the person who is deaf rather than to the interpreter.


Should you shout at a Deaf person?

When you are talking to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, who may have a hearing aid, remember it is not about volume so there is no need to raise your voice or shout. Continue to speak as you normally do but remember to speak clearly so they can also lipread you.

What can a Deaf person do around the home to support their hearing?

Cutting out noise/distractions and improving sight lines throughout the home can be excellent ways to make communication easier for deaf and hard of hearing people.

How do you deal with a spouse who is hard of hearing?

If your partner or spouse isn't hearing well
  1. Tell them it's affecting your relationship. ...
  2. Tell them you're concerned for their health. ...
  3. Tell them you're concerned for your own health. ...
  4. Make an appointment to have your own hearing tested and ask them to go with you. ...
  5. Discuss hearing loss's broad impact.


What is the least effective way to communicate with a deaf person?

Speech and lip-reading are the least effective communication strategy between Deaf and hearing people.

Why do deaf people not talk?

MYTH: All deaf people are mute. FACT: Some deaf people speak very well and clearly; others do not because their hearing loss prevented them from learning spoken language. Deafness usually has little effect on the vocal chords, and very few deaf people are truly mute.

How do deaf say thank you?

To perform the sign “thank you” or “thanks” in American Sign Language (ASL), you take your dominant hand (depending on whether you are left- or right-handed) to your chin and move it slightly down and towards the person you are talking to.


How do you live with someone hard of hearing?

Rephrase rather than repeat what you said. Sometimes it will be easier for the person to understand if you choose different words that are easier to hear. Move to a different environment—one with less background noise or better lighting. Use simple sentences rather than complex ones which can be hard to follow.

What are 2 things considered rude by deaf people?

Talking without signing in front of Deaf people and looking at a signed conversation without letting them know you know American Sign Language are considered RUDE in Deaf community.

What qualifies as a hearing disability?

A hearing in noise test (HINT) will be performed to determine whether the person can recognize sentences that are presented at 60 decibels. If the person scores 60 percent or less on a word recognition test, their hearing loss will be recognized as a disability.