subject: Top Tips for Communicating with your Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child [print this page] Top Tips for Communicating with your Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child
When a deaf child is first diagnosed with hearing loss, parents make the decision whether to raise their child with speech or sign language or both. Whether your deaf child now communicates through listening and speaking, lipreading, signing or a combination of these, here are some tips which will improve communication for you both:
Get your child's attention before you speak to them, by a gentle touch on the arm.
Establish eye contact.
Face your child directly so they can lip-read what you are saying. Do not speak with your back to your child or from a distance.
If your child can hear better with one ear, stand on the 'better' side.
Speak as clearly as possible in a natural way and at a moderate pace. Don't over exaggerate mouth movements as this will make lip-reading more difficult.
Don't shout!
Make sure your mouth is visible. If your mouth is covered, your child will be unable to lip-read what you are saying.
Reduce background noise.
Use short and grammatically simple sentences, give instructions one step at a time, avoid abrupt topic changes, and explain when you are changing the topic.
If your child does not understand what you said, rephrase it.
Use lots of gestures, visual cue, facial expression and body language to support what you have said.
If necessary, write the message down in simple language.
Check comprehension by asking for feedback.
Recognise that your child can hear and understand less when they are tired or ill.
Be patient, positive and relaxed when speaking to your child.
Above all, it is important to remember that there isn't one correct way of communicating with your deaf child. Every child is different. Some will gravitate towards signing; others towards speaking; others will like both. Your child will let you know what they feel more comfortable doing. Whatever helps them best communicate is the best way for your child. Be open-minded and flexible to your child's individual needs and they will love you for it!
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