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One on One:
- Choose a quiet, well-lit place to have the conversation
- Make sure the light is not shining in the hard-of-hearing person’s face and that there is no glare behind the speaker’s face.
- Be sure that your face is clearly visible. Do not turn away, and do not cover your mouth.
- Speak clearly at normal volume, a little more slowly than usual. Do not shout. Do not over-enunciate or speak extremely slowly.
- If the person misunderstands or fails to hear, do not repeat in the same words; rephrase. If that does not work, write a few words that give the person the topic or context for what you are saying.
In a class or group activity:
- Suggest that members who have trouble understanding the instructor sit near the front so they have an unobstructed view of the instructor
- If there is a public address system, use it. And ask participants to use the microphone when they speak to the group.
- Be sure the lighting is bright enough and that members with hearing loss have their back to the windows (so light is not in their face while they’re trying to listen/read lips and faces)
- Arrange the room in such a way that members can see each other and the teacher (i.e. circle)
- Ask the members if there are any special accommodation needs at the beginning of class (i.e. assistive listening devices)
- Establish classroom communication standards so that everyone has an opportunity to participate. Ask members to:
- Speak one at a time
- Raise their hands before speaking
- Wait to speak until everyone has a chance to look at the speaker
- Speak clearly and distinctly (not louder)
- Ask if anyone needs clarification (create an environment where repetition is welcome)
- Take breaks. (listening takes a great deal of energy when you have to listen with your eyes and your ears)
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