Basic Techniques of Communicating with the Deaf

Deaf is someone who have a hearing impairment.Kthis condition can be temporary or permanent. For those of you who hlive together suffererdeaf,of course will need a special form of communication so that the purpose of the conversation can be conveyed properly.

There are two types of hearing loss that make a person deaf, namely those that are congenital (present since birth) and those that occur after birth.

Congenital deafness can be caused by genetic mutations, heredity from parents, or exposure to diseases while still in the womb. While deafness that occurs after birth is usually caused by long-term exposure to loud noises, age, injury, and certain diseases, such as infections.

Hearing Aids for the Deaf

The hearing function of the deaf can be helped thanks to the use of hearing aids. These can be cochlear implants that are surgically implanted in the ear, or hearing aids that can be put on and removed as desired. In addition, loudspeakers can also be installed in electronic devices, such as TVs, telephones, or radios, so that people with hearing impairments can also enjoy shows and interact.

How to Communicate with the Deaf

Communicating with a deaf person isn't really that difficult, you just need to learn how to do it and be a little patient. Here are ways you can communicate with people who are deaf:

  • looking for attention

    It is important to get his attention if you intend to communicate with him. Touch or tap their shoulder to signal.

  • Find a quiet place

    If possible, move to a quiet place or turn down any nearby sound sources.

  • Align your face

    When you are about to start communicating, keep your eyes level with his. Make sure you don't get too close to him so he can see all your body language. Also make sure that the location of the conversation is well lit.

  • Eye contact

    While talking to a person who is deaf, don't take your eye contact and focus off the person. Remove any obstructions that may interfere with communication, such as masks or sunglasses. There's nothing wrong with using facial expressions to make it easier for him to understand the direction of the conversation.

  • Speak normally and clearly

    Avoid speaking in a whisper or louder, as this can make it difficult for the deaf to read your lips. Instead, speak in a normal voice and speed. Also avoid talking while chewing or covering your mouth.

  • State topic of conversation

    Tell the topic you want to discuss and mark if you want to change the topic.

  • Ask if you understand

    Ask for feedback to check if he has understood what you are saying.

  • Repeat

    Repeat what you said, or write what you want to say on paper.

Communicating with deaf people can be a challenge. If you have to communicate with them regularly, it's a good idea to learn official sign language so that both parties can understand each other more easily. By using sign language when communicating, deaf people will feel more comfortable, compared to having to pay attention to or read the other person's lip movements.