Communicating with hearing impaired and mute

1. Communicating with
Impaired Hearing
Mr. Binu Babu
M.Sc. Nursing
Mrs. Jincy Ealias
M.Sc. Nursing

2. Ways to communicate
Speak
louder
Sign
language
Hearing
aid
Written
form
Gesture

4.  Get the person’s attention before beginning to speak.
 Speak clearly and naturally.
 Move closer to the listener.
 Face the listener while speaking.
 Maintain eye contact
 Restate the message, if needed.
 Do not cover the mouth while speaking.
 Be patient.
 Speak toward patient’s best side of hearing.
 Speak in a clear, moderate-volume, low-pitched tone.
 Do not shout because this distorts sounds.
 Recognize that high-frequency tones and consonant
sounds are lost first—s, z, sh, ch, d, g.

5.  Eliminate background noise because it can distort
sounds.
 Use short sentences and assess for understanding.
 Encourage to use hearing aid
 Ensure that hearing aids are on with working batteries, if
applicable.
 Encourage client to read lips, if that helps
 Encourage nonverbal communication such as touch or
gestures as appropriate.
 Use gestures when possible to clarify statements
 Learn basic signing, if appropriate

6.  Allow extra time for the listener to respond and do
not rush the listener.
 Use active listening with attentive body posture,
pleasant facial expressions, and a calm, unhurried
manner.
 Do not avoid conversation with a person who has
hearing loss.
 Use written communication if unable to
communicate verbally.