Tips and tricks
Home life
Do’s ✅
Home life:
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Ask for their preferred method of communication (sign language, lip reading, visual communication, etc.)
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Get their attention appropriately (tap them on the shoulder, call them, message them, etc.)
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Make sure all the rooms are well-lit, and not dimmed lights (helps them to see mouth and lip read)
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Avoid backlighting (facing back towards a light)
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Maintain eye contact and face them at all times when speaking
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Use technology, like flashing doorbell ringers or smoke alarms
Do’s ✅
Holidays and Travel:
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Turn down any loud music or background noise during conversations
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Seat the person with their back to a wall to minimise background noise
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Make sure only one person speaks at a time at any meal
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Ask if they want a designated “hearing helper” so they can keep up with the conversation
Dont’s ❌
Home life:
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Don't move around when talking to them
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Don't shout when talking to them; it doesn't make any difference
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Don't mumble, it mixes sounds up, and it is hard for them to understand
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Never say “never mind”, it makes them feel left out and
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Don't enunciate, doesn’t do anything, and it's kinda weird.
Don’ts ❌
Holidays and travel:
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Don't have a “no phone” rule, as they use apps for captioning,g and some are signing tools. Don't put them in a room that is dimly lit, as it makes reading impossible
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Don’t mumble or enunciate, especially with background noise; we can't hear anything