Faculty Guide: Hearing Impairment

Communication

• Ask the student how they prefer to communicate.
• If you are speaking through an interpreter, remember that the interpreter may lag a few words behind. 
  Pause occasionally to allow the interpreter time to translate completely and accurately.
• Talk directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing, not to the interpreter. It may seem awkward to you,  but the person will most likely look to the interpreter and may not make eye contact with you during the conversation.
• Before you start to speak, make sure you have the attention of the person you are addressing. A wave, a light touch on the shoulder, or other visual or tactile signals are appropriate ways of getting the person's attention.
• Speak naturally and clearly. Don't exaggerate lip movements or volume.
• To facilitate lip reading, keep your hands and other objects away from your mouth (don't smoke cigarettes or chew gum).
• If the student is lip reading, face them directly and maintain eye contact. Do not turn your back or walk around while talking. If you look away, the student may assume the conversation is over.
• Using facial expressions, gestures, and other forms of body language may be helpful in conveying your message.
• If you do not understand something that is said, ask the student to repeat it or to write it down. The goal is communication, do not pretend to understand.
• If you know any sign language, try using it. It will demonstrate your interest and willingness in communicating.