Tips to aid communication with those with hearing loss – Deaf Awareness Week 01-01May 2016

It’s Deaf Awareness Week from today until 08 May 2016 and people in the South West are being encouraged to become more aware about how our everyday communication may exclude those who struggle with hearing loss.

There are 11 million people in the UK who live with hearing loss causing them to struggle at work or using public services.

“What is clear is that with the right support available, hearing loss by itself is not preventing people from achieving their dreams and being equal members of society; the only barriers in their way are the ones that often stem from the simple lack of awareness around their communication needs,” says Action on Hearing Loss chief executive Paul Breckell.

“I would encourage all those living in the South West of England to follow the simple tips below to ensure that no one is excluded from everyday interactions and help us build a more equal society for all.”

 Top communication tips:

Make sure you have the person’s attention before you start speaking.

Enquire about the person’s preferred method of communication.

Chat in places with good lighting so that you can be lipread and where there is no background noise

Face the person and speak clearly, using plain language, normal lip movements and facial expressions.

Check whether the person understands what you are saying and, if not, try saying it in a different way – never say “don’t worry about it.”

Keep your voice down as it’s uncomfortable for a hearing aid user if you shout – and it looks aggressive.

Learn fingerspelling or some basic British Sign Language (BSL).

If you are a business owner, check that simple equipment such as hearing loops, which amplify speech over noise, are in working order and that your staff have received deaf awareness training.

For more information or advice on hearing loss contact the Action on Hearing Loss Information Line on 0808 808 0123 or email informationline@hearingloss.org.uk

If you are concerned about your own hearing, the charity also has a special hearing test on their website: https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/your-hearing/look-after-your-hearing/check-your-hearing/take-the-check.aspx