Are we deaf aware?
One in five adults in the UK is deaf or has hearing loss and there are 12 million people affected in the UK but all at different degrees and with different needs.
It is something that is so common and yet still misunderstood and even stigmatised at times.
What’s really important to understand is that deafness is a spectrum, some people may be ‘profoundly deaf’ meaning that can’t hear anything at all and others can hear fairly well or any variation in between.
Being deaf or hard of hearing doesn’t mean someone isn’t intelligent so it’s important to treat the person with the same respect and kindness as you would anyone else.
The terms ‘mute’ or ‘dumb’ to describe someone who has affected speech is offensive. Instead using ‘deaf’ or ‘a speech disability’ is fine.
6 signs someone is deaf or hard of hearing
Someone who is deaf may:
- Ask you to repeat phrases or words.
- Seem confused while in conversation.
- Appear to be ignoring you.
- Pay close attention to your facial expressions.
- Communicate with hand gestures that you don’t understand.
- Be wearing a hearing aid or cochlear implant.
Top tips for communicating with Deaf people
1. GETTING SOMEONE’S ATTENTION
Shouting ‘Oi’ or ‘hey you’ isn’t just not going to work, it’s rude in any case. Simply move to their field of vision, use eye contact, smile and a friendly wave.
2. BODY POSITION IS IMPORTANT
Face the person, try to be at the same eye level and maintain eye contact. Remember that if you turn away whilst communicating, they may not be able to understand what is being said.
3. KNOW THE SIGN FOR DEAF
4. SPEAK CLEARLY AND NORMALLY
For someone trying to lip read speaking drastically slow and with exaggerated lip movements makes it more difficult to understand. Speak with a normal rhythm, clearly, and steadily. Keep your mouth uncovered, it’s important to remove a face mask if communicating with a deaf person.
5. WRITE IT DOWN
Don’t be afraid to use a pen and paper or a mobile phone writing app to communicate if it helps you communicate
6. ASK!
If you’re not sure how to best communicate with someone who is hard of hearing, then don’t be afraid to ask what they prefer. This shows you care and want to do what’s best.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
‘No’ is a complete sentence and a very powerful one. Nicely saying no to someone asking you to do something isn’t rude if you genuinely can’t take anything else on. It’s you taking care of your wellbeing.
