How to Talk to Someone Who Cannot Hear Well

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Last Updated: February 1, 2023

Have you ever wondered how to speak to somebody who is hard of hearing? Maybe your new friend has hearing aids or there is a coworker you want to get to know better, who is hard of hearing? If you want to strike up a conversation with someone who can't hear as well as most, but aren't sure of the do's and what don'ts, than this is the article for you! With these tips, you'll be conversing the right way in no time.

Steps

Don't over enunciate or exaggerate lip movement. This can actually make it harder for them to read your lips or understand you. Talk how you would normally, just be considerate and don't mumble or speak at a mile-a-minute fast. Speaking very slowly or very loudly could make a person feel dumb or make it harder to lip-read.
Sound is directional, and needs to be toward the person. Anything in the mouth is going to reduce clarity and enunciation.
This is true whether you're talking to them or to someone else in the room. Some deaf and hard of hearing people use lip reading to understand what you are saying. If you're looking away, they'll have no idea what you're saying.
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Ask about the speed and volume at which you talk. Would it help if you talked more slowly, or more loudly? Different people have different needs, so instead of assuming, just ask how you can help.
- There's no need to start shouting or using a high-pitched tone of voice like you would to a small child. This can come across as patronizing. If they need you to make an adjustment, they will tell you.
You may need to repeat yourself sometimes or make other adjustments to accommodate them. Remember, being Deaf presents many more challenges to them than it does to you, and they certainly aren't trying to annoy you!
Your conversation partner most likely has many interesting things to say, and may come from a culture very different from your own. They have valuable things to tell you. Make sure they have the opportunity to speak too.
Background noise, loud music, many people talking, traffic noise, dishwater running, etcetera can make it more difficult for them to hear you.
People who are hard of hearing know themselves well and have plenty of experience dealing with their disability. They are experts on their own needs. If you are ever wondering how to accommodate them, just ask.

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Tips

If there is an interpreter or hearing friend with the Deaf person, speak directly to the Deaf person instead of through the hearing person. It can come off as rude if you speak about them as if they aren't in the same room.

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Always face the person you are talking to and leave your mouth uncovered and easy to see.

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If you are spending time together, be sure to pick something that will not be more difficult for them because of their disability.

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Warnings

Avoid making assumptions about their disability. They may be anywhere from somewhat hard of hearing to completely deaf. Most likely, they do not have a cognitive disability (although some Deaf people do, just like some hearing people do).

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If they do not hear what you said and ask you to repeat it, don't say "nevermind". Repeat it clearly as many times as they need until they get it. If they still cannot understand what you are saying, try spelling it out or using different words.

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Never assume that all hard of hearing people use Sign-language or can lip-read.

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Not all hard of hearing people with choose to use a hearing aid. Respect their wishes and do your best to help them feel included.

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Patience is key; you may have to repeat things or take conversations at a slower pace than usual. This is okay!

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Don't cover your mouth or speak in a whisper and say, "Can you hear me now?" It's just annoying, and makes people feel like they have to 'prove' their disability to you.

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