3 Ways To Communicate With A Deaf Person

Communication is the key process for humans because it allows us to communicate our thoughts with other humans.

However, if you are deaf, communication can get a bit challenging, but over the years, experts have devised various ways which you can use to communicate with a deaf person, and I’ll tell you about them.

Here is a related article that might interest you on How To Register Yourself As Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing?

In this DisabilitEase.com guide, I’ll share the 3 ways to communicate with a deaf person. I’ll also share some proven tips which will make your communication with a deaf person very simple. Let’s get started.

Do All Deaf People Communicate In The Same Way?

When it comes to communication with deaf people, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” because there’s no standard communication language for deaf people.

So, the communication method can vary depending on each deaf person. That’s why the only method you can use is “trial and error.” Try different methods with a deaf person and see which method works for you and the deaf individual with whom you want to communicate.

3 Ways To Communicate With A Deaf Person

I’ve done a lot of research on this topic, and after reading various research papers and opinions of the experts, I’ve found these 3 ways which allow you to communicate with a deaf person effectively. So, if you want to communicate with a deaf person, use the following ways.

Using Lip-Reading

Let’s start with Lip-Reading, which is arguably one of the most effective ways of communicating with a deaf person. This method works well with the majority of deaf people because it’s very simple and straightforward.

In this method, you will be using the movements of your lips to communicate words to the person. However, make sure that when you are using this method, the deaf person should be directly Infront of you.

Also, make sure that you maintain your eye contact while communicating through lip reading. Also, you can surely use visual cues and gestures to convey your message to a deaf person. In this whole process, you will need to be very patient because it’s possible that a deaf person might not understand you.

If you are communicating with that deaf person for the very first time, make sure that you use your lips slowly so that person can understand you.

Using Sign Language

In the world, we have two very popular sign languages: American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). So, if you are from America or British, there’s a possibility that a deaf person from these countries might be aware of these sign languages, and you can use these sign languages to communicate with deaf people effectively.

The thing with these sign languages is that they have their own grammar and syntax. So, if you want to use sign language for communication, you will need to learn them. Luckily, you don’t have to do a lot of hassle to learn them, and you can easily learn them online. You can follow online authentic guides to learn the basics and then use these sign languages to communicate with deaf people. There are also dedicated schools and universities in the US and other countries where you can learn these languages.

General Cues

The third and very simple way of communicating with deaf people is using general cues and etiquette. In this method, you can convey simple messages very easily.

For example, if you want them to sit on a chair and wait. You can get their attention, and once you have their attention, you can point toward the chair and give them a cue to sit.

Similarly, you can point toward your watch and then use your hand gestures to tell the waiting time. This method works well for short communication, but if you want to have a conversation with a deaf person, the best way would be to learn sign language.

How Do You Communicate With A Deaf Person On The Phone?

If you want to communicate with deaf people on the phone, you won’t be able to do it using traditional methods such as text or voice notes. However, video call is the medium that you can use to communicate with a deaf person. In a video call, you can use sign language to communicate with a deaf person.

If you are a deaf person, you can use relay services which enable deaf people to use phone service and allow them to communicate with other people on the phone.

Top Tips For Communicating With Deaf People

Communication with deaf people can be a bit challenging, but these are the effective tips that can make things easier for you.

• Always have a visual connection – The one thing which I learned in my career is always to have a clear visual connection with a deaf person when communicating. As deaf people can’t respond to sound, it’s very important that you have them right next to you so that they can translate your lip movement or respond to hand signs.
• Stand in Visible light – If you are communicating in the evening or night, make sure that you have sufficient light near you. If you are not clearly visible to a deaf person, they might not be able to understand you as your gestures or lip movement won’t be visible.
• Speak at a normal pace – When communicating with a deaf person, make sure that you are not speaking too fast. Maintain a normal pace and keep looking at the deaf person and if they are unable to understand you, keep adjusting your pace until they understand you.
• Use Visual Cues – Visual Cues are very useful when it comes to communication with deaf people. So, don’t be afraid to use visual cues and aids to convey your message.
• Don’t cover your mouth – When communicating with a deaf person, make sure that your hands don’t cover your mouth, as it will be difficult for them to see your lip movement.

What Are The Politest Ways To Communicate With A Deaf Person?

Lip-reading and sign language are two of the politest ways to communicate with a deaf person. However, you can also use General Cues to communicate urgent and short messages.

How Do You Respectfully Get A Deaf Person’s Attention?

There are various ways to get a deaf person’s attention respectfully, but these are the best ways to get the attention of a deaf person without disrespecting them.

• Wave your hand
• Two-taps on shoulder
• Flashing the lights if a person is not near you.

Should You Shout At Deaf People?

Deaf people can’t respond to sound, so shouting at deaf people is pointless. So, if you are trying to communicate, make good visual contact and use lip reading to communicate your message to a deaf person.

Conclusion

These are the 3 most effective ways which you can use to communicate with a deaf person. I’ve also shared some useful tips which will make your communication with deaf people easy.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know in the comments, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Also, if you want to learn how many deaf universities are there in the US, check this guide.