April is Stress Awareness Month. My colleague Marie, who has a hearing loss, gives a personal view of how she’s found the pandemic and shares great Deaf Awareness tips.
Kathleen
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My hearing loss has become increasingly challenging and at times stressful with everyone wearing masks and socially distancing, I can no longer lip read others to clarify what has been said.
However, I believe everyone finds communication hard at the moment so how can we help ourselves and those who are Deaf/deaf?
My top communication tips:
1. Face the person when speaking – don’t shout across the road or talk whilst on the move
2. Ensure the background is well lit – if outside don’t have your back to the sun
3. Speak clearly – avoid shouting or speaking unnecessarily slowly or fast
4. Say things differently if you’re asked for clarification
5. Use plain language – be clear and straight to the point
6. Consider the external noise around you – can you move to a quieter area
7. Use facial expressions and gestures to ease communications (point, wave, raise or furrow eyebrows to show positive/negative aspects)
8. Write things down – pen/paper/text on screens
9. Learn simple BSL (British Sign Language) signs – follow Dot on social media
Marie
