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Working with people who are deaf or hard of hearing - Information page

Only very few deaf people have no residual hearing at all. Even those with a severe hearing loss can pick up certain ranges of sound via hearing aids or other equipment. However, hearing aids do not restore the full range of hearing, and some deaf people choose not to use them.

Many deaf people have been exposed to some sort of oral/aural education in which speech development was of primary importance. Those with a mild to severe hearing loss and those who have become deaf later in life are very likely to be able to communicate effectively via speech.

Sign language is most likely to be used by people with a moderate to profound hearing loss, with Auslan being considered their preferred first language. Those with a mild hearing loss and those who have lost hearing over time are most likely to prefer the use of a spoken language.

Although lip reading is a skill that many deaf people employ, it should be noted that it is not an accurate means of deciphering speech, as about 60% of lip reading is guesswork. It is a skill that some people may not be able to master.

• Even if someone is wearing hearing aids it doesn't mean they can hear you perfectly. Ask if they need to lip read or would like you to write notes
• If you are using an interpreter, always remember to talk directly to the person you are communicating with, not the interpreter
• Make sure you have face-to-face contact with the person you are talking to
• Get the listener's attention before you start speaking, maybe by waving or tapping them on the arm or shoulder
• Speak clearly but not too slowly, and don't exaggerate your lip movements – this can make it harder to lip read
• Use natural facial expressions and gestures
• If you're talking to a group that includes deaf and hearing people, don't just focus on the hearing people
• Don't shout. It can be uncomfortable for hearing aid users, it can distort lip patterns and it looks aggressive
• If someone doesn't understand what you've said, don't keep repeating it. Try saying it in a different way instead e.g. “rug” instead of “carpet”
• Find a suitable place to talk, with good lighting and away from noise and distractions
• Check that the person you're talking to is following you during the conversation. Use plain language and don't waffle. Avoid jargon and unfamiliar abbreviations
• To make it easy to lip read, don’t cover your mouth with your hands or clothing
• Let the person with hearing  loss know the subject of the conversation beforehand if possible
• Cut down on background noise
• Maximise visual clues e.g. good signage, directions, handouts and captions
• Write down communications if necessary.

For further information contact Vicdeaf website

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