COMMUNICATION TIP #1:
For Persons With Hearing Loss

WEAR your hearing aids; keep fresh batteries handy.
Help the communication along by taking responsibility to educate others.
Begin a conversation by stating you have difficulty hearing, and offer suggestions to improve the conversation.
Remind the person to face you.
Explain that you are using visual cues to understand what they are saying.
Ask others to speak slowly and not exaggerate mouth movements or shout.
Ask people to remove gum or cigarette.
In a group situation, request that people speak one at a time.
Adjust the environment. If the area is noisy, suggest moving to a quiet room. If their back is to a window, explain that the glare makes it difficult to read their lips.
Always have pen and paper ready for clarification.
Paraphrase to insure you understand.
Ask the person to be P-A-T-I-E-N-T please. You are interested in what is being said.

COMMUNICATION TIP #2:
For Persons who live or work with a person with hearing loss

Say the person’s name or give a gentle tap on the arm to get attention. Mention the topic to be discussed or give notification of topic changes.
Face the person. Do not turn your back, or turn your head away. Maintain eye contact. Do not talk from another room.
Speak slowly and clearly, but do not shout or exaggerate your mouth movement. Come closer instead of shouting. Isolate or emphasize key words.
Keep objects/hands away from your mouth. Don’t chew gum or smoke.
In a group, only one should speak at a time. Indicate speaker changes visually by “pointing” or “rising of hands.”
Be sure there is a light source in front of you
Give the person as many visual cues as possible.
Consider your choice of words; some are easier to speech read. Rephrasing a message or rewording may help.
Use nonverbal communication, such as waving, or pointing to emphasize your “message.”
Mustaches and beards make lip reading difficult.
Write any messages that require clarification.
Lower your voice pitch.
Be P-A-T-I-E-N-T, please!