Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The degree and type of hearing loss varies greatly for each person and affect how a person with hearing loss might respond to amplification devices (hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems) or utilize sign language interpreters.
The Office of Disability Services works with these students on an individual basis to ensure their specific needs are being met and we encourage everyone to become familiar with best practices when communicating with someone who has a hearing impairment.
Hard of hearing
- partial hearing loss
- may be able to communicate in:
- a one-on-one setting
- or an environment with quiet/moderate background noise.
Did you know?
Only 20% of speech sounds can be lip read.
While lip reading is one method of understanding speech visually, many individuals with hearing loss will utilize extra environmental cues to decipher spoken language.
Deaf
- typically have severe to profound hearing loss
- and may rely on a visual mode of communication.
A person with hearing loss may be able to communicate orally (by speech-reading and speaking or by using sign language, or both).
Communicating with students who have hearing impairments
Some individuals may use assistive listening devices, rely on lip-reading, or utilize American sign language interpreters. Regardless, it is important to be considerate of the following with each person you encounter:
- Maintain eye contact and ensure adequate lighting for the individual to lip-read.
- Visual resources or written materials can aid in relaying your message.
- Speak at a normal rate and volume as over enunciating speech will distort mouth movements therefore making it more difficult to read.
- If a sign language interpreter is used, address the individual directly, not their interpreter.
A sign language interpreter uses the person’s preferred mode of communication to ensure communication access.
Video Relay Services
Video Relay Services are a form of Telecommunications Relay Service that enables persons with hearing loss who use American Sign Language to communicate with voice telephone users through video equipment, rather than through typed text. VRS is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission to promote access to telecommunications services for people with disabilities.
Some people hang up on Video Relay calls because they think the communications assistant is a telemarketer. If you hear, "Hello. This is the relay service…" when you pick up the phone, please don't hang up! The voice on the phone is a communication assistant (an ASL interpreter) to a person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability.