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DO be aware that
even a small hearing problem can hamper a person's ability to
understand what you say.
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DON'T assume that
a hearing aid corrects hearing loss.
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Talk face to face.
Speak at eye level.
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DO get the D/HOH
person's attention before you begin to speak, and DON'T start
speaking without it. It is acceptable to tap a person lightly on
the shoulder, flick a light, wave or stomp on the floor.
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Even with an
interpreter, speak directly to the D/HOH person.
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DON'T let any
object obstruct the person's view of you.
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DO make sure the
D/HOH person can clearly see your mouth and face. Do not eat,
chew gum, smoke, talk behind a newspaper or cover your mouth
while you talk.
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DON'T stand with
your back to a light source such as a window. This throws your
face into shadow and makes it difficult to see clearly.
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DO speak and
enunciate clearly, but DON'T exaggerate your lip movements. Do
use your voice, but don’t shout. Raising your voice causes
distortions and simply amplifies the problem.
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DO use facial
expressions and body language to clarify your message.
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Yes, background
noise hinders reception, especially for people with hearing
aids.
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Turn off the
radio, television, air conditioner or other background noises.
These sounds, taken for granted and ignored by many, are
amplified by a hearing aid and can interfere with communication
with a person who is D/HOH.
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Sometimes a person
with a hearing loss is partially dependent on lip-reading.
Since some words are easier to lip-read than others, rephrasing
a message may make it clearer.
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Don’t be afraid to
repeat. But, don’t “dumb down” your statements.
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If appropriate,
use a notepad to write down your points as necessary.
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Be aware and
considerate in group situations. Only one person should be
talking at a time. Also, the D/HOH person can be alerted when
the speakers in the group change, by a finger point to the
person who is speaking.
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Take your time,
relax.