Tips for family members

Try these tips if you are speaking to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing:

Even if someone is wearing a hearing aid, it doesn't mean that they can hear you. Ask if they need to lipread you.
Make sure you have the listener's attention before you start speaking.
Speak clearly but not too slowly, and don't exaggerate your lip movements.
Use natural facial expressions and gestures.
If you're talking to a deaf person and a hearing person, don't just focus on the hearing person.
Don't shout. It's uncomfortable for a hearing aid user and it looks aggressive.
If someone doesn't understand what you've said, don't just keep repeating it. Try saying it in a different way.
Find a suitable place to talk, with good lighting, away from noise and distractions.
Remember not to turn your face away from a deaf person. Always turn back to your listener so they can see your face.
Check that the person you're talking to can follow you. Be patient and take the time to communicate properly.
Use plain language and don't waffle. Avoid jargon and unfamiliar abbreviations.