'Deaf' can refer either to someone with a severe hearing loss, or to someone who is profoundly deaf, with no useful hearing. Deaf with a capital 'D' refers to sign language users.
There is an identifiable Deaf community. They use British Sign Language (BSL), which is commonly their first language, and therefore the one they understand best. Because of this some Deaf people have a limited understanding of written English, which can present a further barrier to communication.
'Deafened' usually refers to someone who has experienced profound loss of hearing as an adult, usually through illness or injury.
'Hard of hearing' means anything from a mild to severe hearing loss.
The general term 'sensory impairment' refers to hearing and/or sight loss.
- Try to find a place away from noise and other distractions.
- Stand or sit where your face can be seen in good light.
- Avoid having your back to the window or other source of strong light that may put your face in shadow.
- Be at an appropriate distance from the person you are speaking to.
- Look at the person you are communicating with.
- Make sure you have their attention before you start speaking.
- When you are talking, do not smoke, eat or cover your mouth or face.
- Do not talk while you are writing.
- Slow down if you talk quickly.
- Speak normally, do not over-emphasise words.
- Speak clearly but do not shout.
- Repeat yourself if necessary, but do not keep repeating. Find an alternative way of expressing the point.
- Write things down if it helps.
- Do not waffle or go off at tangents.
For information on using Sign Language Interpreters click here
For information on textphone, typetalk, loop and infrared systems, click here
For useful contact details of organisations supporting people with hearing impairment click here
