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.
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