People Who Are Deaf or Have Hearing Loss
The wide range of communication preferences and styles among people with hearing loss cannot be fully covered in this toolkit.
The following generalizations are provided for the sole purpose of helping readers to better understand the nuances associated with this range of disabilities.
People who are deaf (completely)
People who have some hearing loss
When a sign language interpreter is present, look directly at the person who is deaf and maintain eye contact as you would when talking with anyone else. Ask questions directly to the person rather than asking the interpreter. Technology makes texting easy. Smart phones can be connected to speech readers and dictation devices.
The following generalizations are provided for the sole purpose of helping readers to better understand the nuances associated with this range of disabilities.
People who are deaf (completely)
- Often use different sign languages, such as: American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), Signed Exact English (SEE).
- Find out how you should be communicating- should you use sign language, gesturing, writing or speaking?
- American Sign Language is an entirely different language from English, with its own unique syntax.
- Let the person know if you have trouble understanding their speech.
- Lip reading is difficult for people who are deaf if their language is American Sign Language; simply because it’s difficult to lip read a second language!
- When talking, face the person.
- The most effective way to communicate with a person who uses sign language is through a qualified sign language interpreter.
- For simple interactions, consider using text messages; writing back and forth is usually OK.
People who have some hearing loss
- Lip read at different levels of accuracy. May use some form of hearing aid to increase volume.
- Find out how you should be communicating… using sign language, gesturing, writing or speaking?
- People who experienced hearing loss as adults do not commonly use sign language.
- Let the person know if you have trouble understanding their speech.
- Speak clearly. Avoid chewing gum or hiding your mouth with your hand while speaking. There is no need to shout; when someone uses a hearing aid, it will be set to an appropriate volume.
- When talking, face the person.
- Adults may use writing and assistive listening devices such as teletypewriter (TTY) or video relay service (VRS) to help with communication.
- For simple interactions, consider using text messages; writing back and forth is usually OK.
When a sign language interpreter is present, look directly at the person who is deaf and maintain eye contact as you would when talking with anyone else. Ask questions directly to the person rather than asking the interpreter. Technology makes texting easy. Smart phones can be connected to speech readers and dictation devices.