DO be aware that even a small hearing problem can hamper a person's ability to understand what you say.
 

DON'T assume that a hearing aid corrects hearing loss.
 

Talk face to face. Speak at eye level.
 

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.
 

Even with an interpreter, speak directly to the D/HOH person.
 

DON'T let any object obstruct the person's view of you.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

DO use facial expressions and body language to clarify your message.
 

Yes, background noise hinders reception, especially for people with hearing aids.
 

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.
 

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.
 

Don’t be afraid to repeat. But, don’t “dumb down” your statements.
 

If appropriate, use a notepad to write down your points as necessary.
 

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.
 

Take your time, relax.