Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Deaf or Hard of Hearing
An alternative communication device in one situation may not meet the
needs of another person in the same situation. There are many kinds of
alternative communication devices so be specific in getting the
information from a deaf or hard of hearing person. Do not assume, for
example, in real-time reporting that 12-point font rather than 24 is
adequate to meet the individual’s needs.
Signaling devices are available to alert people with hearing loss to smoke alarms, telephones, doorbells, etc. These devices may flash or vibrate to get the persons attention.
Missouri Statistics
In the United States, more than 22 million people have a hearing loss, which impacts their daily lives in a significant way. Of these, nearly 10 million are over the age of 65. Based on the most recent census data and statistical projections from the Office of Demographic studies at Gallaudet University, it is estimated that:
Communication Tips
Every deaf and hard of hearing person is unique. Many factors contribute to a deaf or hard of hearing person's ability to communicate; the degree of hearing loss, the type, the age, the individual and environmental factors.
Eye contact and facial expressions are very important in the deaf culture. If one doesn't look at the person who is deaf or hard of hearing while talking to them, that person will feel that the person who is hearing is not interested in what they are saying. Conversely, the person who is deaf needs to be watching the face and body language of the person speaking to them in order to fully comprehend what is being said.
Don't panic if at first you cannot communicate. Be patient, positive, and relaxed. Most deaf and hard of hearing people can easily understand when you write, “how do you prefer to communicate?” Try to have patience, as it will in almost all cases take longer to have a conversation. Here are some helpful hints:
Signaling devices are available to alert people with hearing loss to smoke alarms, telephones, doorbells, etc. These devices may flash or vibrate to get the persons attention.
Missouri Statistics
In the United States, more than 22 million people have a hearing loss, which impacts their daily lives in a significant way. Of these, nearly 10 million are over the age of 65. Based on the most recent census data and statistical projections from the Office of Demographic studies at Gallaudet University, it is estimated that:
- Missouri has 497,934 citizens with significant hearing loss.
- 10,071 of those people (above) are profoundly deaf.
- Nearly one out of 10 people – 9 percent – has a hearing loss severe enough to need special accommodations.
- American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most commonly used language in the United States. (Only Spanish is encountered more often.) However, not everyone who is deaf or hard of hearing knows ASL.
Communication Tips
Every deaf and hard of hearing person is unique. Many factors contribute to a deaf or hard of hearing person's ability to communicate; the degree of hearing loss, the type, the age, the individual and environmental factors.
Eye contact and facial expressions are very important in the deaf culture. If one doesn't look at the person who is deaf or hard of hearing while talking to them, that person will feel that the person who is hearing is not interested in what they are saying. Conversely, the person who is deaf needs to be watching the face and body language of the person speaking to them in order to fully comprehend what is being said.
Don't panic if at first you cannot communicate. Be patient, positive, and relaxed. Most deaf and hard of hearing people can easily understand when you write, “how do you prefer to communicate?” Try to have patience, as it will in almost all cases take longer to have a conversation. Here are some helpful hints:
- Make sure you have the deaf or hard of hearing person’s attention before communicating. Use facial expressions and gestures, tap their shoulder gently, or flicker the lights.
- Establish eye contact and watch the person's expressions. If the deaf or hard of hearing person shows signs of being confused or getting lost, ask if they understood what you were saying. Even if the person seems to be following perfectly well, ask them anyway.
- Speak normally; don't exaggerate your mouth movements or shout. Slow down a little bit and separate your words. Exaggerated mouth movements will not improve the person's ability to understand you.
- Keep your mouth free of obstructions such as long mustaches, pens, pencils, cigarettes, hands, etc. Look directly at the person who is deaf when communicating with them. Don't turn away from them while your are in mid-sentence.
- Be aware of background noises, lighting, and visual obstacles that are barriers to understanding. When a sign language interpreter is used, make sure they are placed so the person can see them and their gestures (not in front of a window or light) & allow them to interpret all proceedings. They are entitled to “hear" everything going on while in the courtroom, as the hearing person does.
- For most deaf and hard of hearing persons it is much easier to communicate on a one-to-one level rather than in a group situation.