Some people are born into this world without any complications. Sadly, some people are born deaf or will soon suffer from a deafness problem. This sucks, and if you happen to meet someone with this problem, don’t feel sorry for them or treat them differently, because that’s the last thing they want.
If you meet someone who is deaf, ask them how they like to communicate with you. You must remember that although a deaf person cannot hear you, they can read lips, so you must speak to them slowly so they can understand what you are saying.
For men, one problem with communicating with deaf people may be your facial hair, as some people cannot understand you, especially if you have a beard or mustache. If this happens, try using other ways to communicate with them if you are familiar with sign language, but if you are not, try writing it down so they can respond.
In situations where you need to get their attention, wave your hand, tap them on the shoulder, flash a light or stop on the floor, as the vibrations will tell them if someone is nearby. Since they can’t hear you, never shout, because you’re just wasting your breath.
When you are talking to a deaf person, make sure your face is in line of sight. This will make it easier for them to respond if they are trying to read your lips. If the person seems lost, ask them if they understand what you are saying. If not, repeat it slowly this time.
Some of the deaf people you may be talking to may not speak English very well. If you are having a hard time understanding what they are saying, tell them to kindly write down what they are trying to say.
Deaf people work just as hard as people who can hear. Although they can’t answer the phone, they can be assigned to do other things, so give them a little credit and accept them for who they are.
If at work you have to talk to other members of the group, take the time to make sure they understand what is going on, because for most Deaf people, they are used to interacting on a one-to-one level.
By the same token, if you are hanging out with your friend who can hear, and you decide to take your deaf friend with you.
One day, you may meet a deaf person who is accompanied by an interpreter. If you must communicate, be sure to address them in the first person tense. Given the presence of a Deaf person, it is offensive to him or her not to do so.
We should not treat deaf people differently than those with whom we communicate normally. Why? Because deaf people have feelings and the only difference between the two of you is that one person can hear and the other cannot.
With this in mind, you should speak slower and be patient and understanding with these people. If you take the time to get to know them, you may enjoy hanging out with them and forget that he or she is deaf.