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Gather round, ye hearers, and let's talk about how to talk to Hard of Hearing folks (or at least me, idk about everyone else on earth) so I can understand you.
1. As much as possible, face the person you're speaking to. Sound travels in the direction your mouth sends it. Send it to your audience!
Open your mouth wide so the sound can escape. If your mouth is barely open, the words just drop like stones to your feet.
Open your mouth wide so the sound can escape. If your mouth is barely open, the words just drop like stones to your feet.
2. If possible, let me see your lips. Again, this means facing me and not covering your mouth with your hands. This also helps the sound travel.
If we're masked for covid safety, get in the habit of speaking a little louder and more clearly. Don't mumble behind the cloth.
If we're masked for covid safety, get in the habit of speaking a little louder and more clearly. Don't mumble behind the cloth.
3. When I ask a yes/no question, I am listening for an answer that starts with "ye" or "na". Please do NOT reply with a long explanation that will explain/imply a yes/no answer. Begin the explanation with that clarifying ye/na answer.
Example: "Have you fed the cats their dinner?" should be answered with a clear yes/no before launching into the explanation of "well, first I couldn't find their bowl but then I checked the dishwasher"
I'm standing there desperately trying to locate a yes/no sound in all that.
I'm standing there desperately trying to locate a yes/no sound in all that.
4. If someone says (and keeps saying) "what?" they probably can't understand you. Change up what you're doing! Talk a little louder, a little more clearly. Enunciate your words. Consider using different words if the problem persists--maybe they can't catch one crucial word.
5. If there's a lot of noise buffeting me--wind, water, rain, etc.--I won't be able to hear you unless you yell. Better to get out of the noise first if it can wait.
This is another good one. Signal to get my attention before just launching into a torrent of words. https://twitter.com/LususNaturae0/status/1346129291432620034?s=19
