It’s important to remember that the majority of people who are deafblind have some remaining hearing or vision that they can use to help gather information and communicate with other people. Never assume that you know the extent of the person’s hearing and vision loss.
Here are some simple ways to help someone with combined hearing and vision loss make the most of his or her remaining HEARING:
- Ask if there are ways you can help the person communicate.
- Don’t assume the person can hear and understand you just because he or she is wearing a hearing aid. The person may be wearing it for a different purpose, such as to increase awareness of environmental sounds.
- Eliminate as much background noise as possible. Try closing the door, turning off the television or radio, etc. This can help someone with limited hearing to focus on what you’re saying.
- Wear solid-colored clothing that contrasts with your skin tone. If you have lighter skin, wear dark clothing; if you have darker skin, wear a light color. This makes it easier to follow ASL signs, focus on your face, etc.
- Avoid wearing bold patterns, stripes, etc. Solid colored clothing is less distracting.
- Make sure your face and mouth are visible. Don’t cover your mouth, eat or chew gum when you talk.
- Speak clearly.
- If the person doesn’t understand you, rephrase your message.
- Introduce one idea at a time.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Use gestures, facial expressions and other kinds of nonverbal communication to help get your message across.
- Get the person’s attention before you start talking by tapping the person on the shoulder, knocking on the table, etc. Wait until the person acknowledges you or makes eye contact before you begin.