• Even if someone is wearing hearing aids it doesn’t mean they can hear you perfectly. Ask if they need to lipread.

• Speak clearly but not too slowly, and don’t exaggerate your lip movements – this can make it harder to lipread.

• Don’t shout. It can be uncomfortable for hearing aid users 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.

• 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 lipread, don’t cover your mouth with your hands or clothing.

• If you’re going on a date at a restaurant, think about a suitable place to talk, with good lighting and away from loud speakers and distractions.

• Get the listener’s attention before you start speaking, maybe by waving or tapping them lightly on the arm.

• Use natural facial expressions and gestures.

• Make sure you have face-to-face contact with the person you are talking to.

• If someone is working with an ASL interpreter, always remember to talk directly to the person you are communicating with, not the interpreter.(The interperter will not be offended).

• If you’re talking to a group that includes deaf and hearing people, don’t just focus on the hearing people.

Source: worcester news
Image credit: wikiHow