|  | Conditions Treatments | Deafness

Problems With Communication Between Hearing & Non-Hearing People

Trying to communicate with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing can be frustrating, and the deaf person may feel helpless as well. Language barriers like this can have grave consequences, especially in emergency situations where deaf people must be notified of an impending danger. Studying basic techniques in effectively communicating with a deaf person can have many benefits when the need arises.

  1. Sign Language

    • Sign language is widely used by deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It is a language that uses a system of body, hand and facial movements to express thoughts and communicate. Learning sign language will significantly improve your chances of being able to effectively communicate with deaf people. The American Sign Language (ASL) has achieved legal recognition and is the most commonly used form.

    Lip Reading

    • Lip reading or speech reading is another form of communication used by deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It involves interpreting the movements of the mouth and lips to understand what a person wants to say. In order for the lip reader to interpret your lip movements, it is essential that you speak the words clearly and move your lips accordingly. It is advised, however, that you do not exaggerate because doing so will distort your mouth. The mouth area should also be clear of covering, such as mustaches or beards.

    Special Phones

    • The Americans with Disabilities Act requires every state in America to establish Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD). CapTel is one such device that allows communication between hearing people and deaf people. It works by having a captioning system transcribe every word spoken by a hearing person and displaying it on the CapTel display window so that the deaf person can read it. The phone even allows users to adjust the font and font size settings.

    Print on Palm

    • Print on Palm can be used by both deaf and blind people. It works by printing large block letters with your finger onto the deaf and blind person's palm. The deaf or blind person uses his sense of touch to understand what you are trying to say.

    Attention Getters

    • In cases of emergencies where you must get the attention of deaf people, try flashing a light on them on and off. You can also wave your hands in the air, tap the shoulder or tap your foot on the floor in an urgent manner.

Deafness - Related Articles