Communication

Always get the deaf person's attention before you start to communicate with them. This may save you having to repeat things.  There are various ways of attracting attention.  It would be appropriate to discuss this with the staff member.

When communicating with a deaf person place yourself where the light falls on your face so the person can see your face clearly, this will help them with lip reading.  However it should be remembered that lip reading is 70% guess work. 

Keep sentences short and to the point.  Be prepared to write things down.  Check to make sure the deaf person has understood what you have said to them.

 In a group situation please indicate who is speaking so the deaf person is aware of the direction to look for lip reading purposes.  Stand still while you speak to ensure that the lighting is correct, do not turn around or cover your mouth. If seated do not hold your chin with your hand, or put pens etc in your mouth.

Never sit with your back to a window as this creates a shadow over your face and makes it very difficult again for lip reading.  Where possible always speak at eye level - not too close and not too far.

If you are booking a meeting with a deaf person consider their communication needs, for example you may need to book interpreters, lip speakers, or arrange for a loop system to be available.

Be aware of visual distractions, i.e. background posters, patterned clothes, big earrings etc. when working with a deaf person, as this will make lip reading difficult to manage. Also be aware of visual 'noise' like swinging your foot, or playing with your hair as these sounds can be very difficult to manage when wearing a hearing aid.

It can be very tiring for a deaf person to concentrate on trying to understand what someone is saying for too long a period at a time so take a break when necessary.