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