7 tips for communicating with a deaf person

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is supporting the UK Council of Deafness during Deaf Awareness Week (May 2 – 8) to increase the visibility and inclusion of deaf people within our communities.   

The theme of Deaf Awareness Week 2022 is Deaf Inclusion. This aims to highlight the everyday impacts of hearing loss, the importance of mental health in deaf people and increase the visibility and inclusion of underrepresented groups   

One simple yet important step we can all take to be deaf inclusive is to understand the best ways to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people.  

You might be nervous about communicating with a deaf person for the first time, but it’s not as hard as you might think. We have put together tips and advice to help you communicate effectively with somebody who is deaf.  

1. Find out how they communicate   

There are more than 11 million people in the UK living with hearing loss that ranges from mild hearing loss to profound deafness.  

Not every deaf person communicates in the same way and each individual person will have their own preferred method of communication. This could include:  

• Listening and speaking, possibly with the help of a hearing aid or cochlear implant

• Lip-reading

• British Sign Language

• Fingerspelling

• Makaton

The best thing to do is to find out if that person uses speech, sign language or a mixture of both and if they need any communication support.   

2. Get their attention  

Before speaking to a deaf person, make sure you have their full attention. You can do this by moving into their field of sight and giving a friendly wave or if you’re close by, gently tapping on their shoulder or upper arm.  

3. Face the person you’re speaking to   

It’s important to directly face the person you’re speaking to so they can see your face and mouth.   

Speak clearly and naturally and remember to stay still so they can hear your voice or follow your lips.  

4. Wear a transparent mask or remove your mask when speaking  

Fewer people are wearing face masks now but they are still required or recommended in some spaces. While masks have been hugely important in reducing the spread of COVID-19, they have created huge challenges for deaf people.    

If you’re at a safe distance and feel comfortable doing so, you can remove your mask so someone with hearing loss can understand you better. Don’t judge someone accompanying a deaf or hard of hearing person for not wearing a mask.   

If you work in a healthcare setting, it’s best to wear a face mask with a clear panel when possible.   

5. Avoid background noise  

Make sure there isn’t loads of background noise and don’t talk to someone from across the room. If it is noisy, move somewhere quieter.   

6. Use eye contact, gestures and body language   

Try to make eye contact where possible and use facial expressions. It might help to point to what you’re talking about or use gestures to support your communication.   

7. Write it down  

Don’t be afraid to use a text app or pen and paper to write down what you’re trying to say if you’re struggling.   

To find out more about how you can be deaf inclusive and help support deaf people living within your community, visit the UK Council on Deafness website.    

For information on how to access Cardiff and Vale UHB’s Audiology Service, click here.