Experiences with Hearing Impaired and Hard of Hearing Individuals in Daily Life

Every day, we interact with a diverse range of individuals in our personal and professional lives. One common question that often arises is: what is the experience like when talking to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing (HoH)? This article aims to shed light on these experiences through shared anecdotes and insights.

Working with a Hearing Impaired Customer in a Drive-Thru

One of my work experiences involves a drive-thru setting, where I noticed a sign that reads, 'If you are hearing or speech impaired, please drive to the first window for assistance.' However, the severity of the issue is not just in the sign's wording; it is in the underpreparedness of the staff. At the second window, I found myself in the position of either showing customers pictures from a menu or using a pen and paper to communicate. Both methods can be lengthy and at times, challenging.

When a customer who is deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf or HoH) comes to the second window, the process can be long and feel a bit humiliating. However, most Deaf people are very polite and understanding of the situation. They respect that I am not fully trained in the necessary techniques to assist them. HoH individuals tend to be similarly polite, though there are occasional instances where they might become frustrated. This usually happens when I ask a specific question several times, such as 'What sauce do you want for your nuggets?' and the person keeps giving an unrelated answer. This is often due to the fact that many HoH individuals do not always read the sign and do not realize that our headset quality can be subpar.

Personal Experience with Hearing Impairment

Another perspective comes from someone who is hearing impaired. In my daily work, I inform my coworkers whenever I forget my hearing aids. I do not use them at home, only relying on my hearing in those settings. To communicate effectively with me, coworkers should touch my arm to get my attention and then face me while speaking. This is particularly important when there is a lot of background noise, which can make it difficult to understand what is being said, even with hearing aids.

If I don't understand something, I might say, 'I'm sorry, can you repeat that?' It's not uncommon for me to ask someone to repeat themselves in noisy environments, despite the use of modern hearing aids. Being deaf or HoH can be challenging at times, but with the right strategies and understanding, communication is manageable.

Strategies for Effective Communication

Regardless of the specific type of hearing loss, the goal of any communication is to ensure mutual understanding. Here are some effective strategies:

Use Clear and Simple Language: Avoid jargon or complex sentences that might be difficult to understand. Face the Person: Ensure that the person with a hearing impairment can see your face and any lip movements. This helps with lip-reading. Share the Environment: Inform them if there is a lot of background noise. Consider moving to a quieter area if possible. Use Writing: If a visual or written communication method is faster, use it. This can be particularly helpful with HoH individuals who might find it easier to write than talk. Be Patient: Some methods of communication can take longer. Patience is key to a successful interaction. Repeat and Clarify: If you notice they are confused, repeat your question or statement in a different way and clarify key points.

Both parties must be willing to adapt their communication style for a positive outcome. With empathy and understanding, we can create more inclusive and effective communication channels.