In most all cases, a hearing-impaired person can take steps that will ensure adequate communication between himself and his conversational partner. This fairly aggressive approach to talking and listening should begin with an explanation of one's hearing loss. This lays the proper groundwork for understanding the problem and properly overcoming it. Other-wise, a person may simply revert to talking louder in the belief that this alone will make him heard. Once an understanding is reached, conversational partners should seek out a quiet, well-lit area for conversation. Such a setting will allow the hearing-impaired person to attentively watch the other person's face without distraction. The conversation should proceed without interruption. Every effort should be made not to bluff understanding, and clarification should be asked for if needed.

The human ear is such an amazing instrument. When its parts fail to function properly or break down, however, today's amazing technology is doing its best to keep pace to help the hearing impaired hear the sounds of life.

P.S. Shouting at a hearing-impaired person distorts facial expression and ruins his ability to discern clues.