Do not hesitate to initiate a conversation simply because you think someone may not be able to hear you. While it may require a bit of mutual effort to establish a way of communicating if someone does happen to be deaf, you will likely be able to do so together with ease.
Try to introduce yourself somewhere quiet. Background noise can make it very challenging for someone with partial hearing to understand you. In the course of introducing yourself to someone who is deaf, they will likely indicate that they cannot hear, and may indicate a different type of communication. If they do, immediately switch to this form of communication.
If speaking is working, and a conversation is going smoothly, continue doing so until they, and focus on speaking slowly and clearly. If you’re struggling to communicate by voice, say something along the lines of, “How do you prefer to communicate?”
If you simply ask someone whether they are deaf, they may not know whether you’re asking about their ability to hear (deaf), or about whether they identify with a certain culture (Deaf). Never use phrases such as “hearing impaired,” which has negative connotations. Keep in mind that many people who are deaf do not view themselves as disabled, nor believe there is anything wrong with them.
Imagine if someone who had full hearing covered their ears while you were speaking to them. To someone who relies on lip reading, avoiding eye contact sends a similar message.
Remind yourself that strong communication requires the patience to fully understand what another person has to say. Ask specific questions. If a question can potentially be answered in a few words, ask it in a way that will allow for a short response, or even merely a nod or shake of the head.
First, ask if the other person is comfortable with written communication. Do not assume that a deaf person will prefer to write. You can use a writing utensil and paper, or use a smartphone or computer to exchange written statements.
You will read each other’s facial expressions as much as the content you’ve written. This will make communication more comprehensible, not to mention more accurate.
