Chapter Two Resource

COMMUNICATION WITH THE HEARING IMPAIRED

  1. Find out if the client wears a hearing aid.

  2. Wait until you are directly in front of the client and have the client’s attention before speaking.

  3. Always face the hard of hearing client, be on the same level with the client whenever possible and gain eye contact.

  4. Keep your hands away from your face while talking.

  5. Speak slowly and clearly.

  6. Reduce background noises as much as possible when carrying on conversation.

  7. Allow ample time to converse as rushing may cause stress and create barriers to good communication.

  8. Don’t let your voice trail or drop off at the end of a sentence or phrase.

  9. Never shout, as shouting distorts sound and turns words into noise.

  10. Reduce background noise as much as possible.

  11. Write messages if necessary.

Benefits Counseling Certification Program Chapter Two--6/2000


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