Tips for hearing impaired pupils communicating with friends

• Be open – tell people if they don’t know you have a hearing loss.
• Ask friends to get your attention before they start to speak.
• In a group situation, ask your friends to speak one at a time.
• If you can’t hear ask your friends to slow down and repeat what they have said.
• Keep calm – ask your friends to explain again if you don’t hear.
• Be kind to yourself! No one hears correctly all of the time.

Tips for communicating with deaf friends

• Make sure you face your friend, they will need to lip read what you are saying.
• Get the attention of your deaf friend before you start to speak.
• In a group situation, try to remember to speak one at a time and indicate who is speaking.
• You may need to repeat what you have said – be patient! Repeat and rephrase what you have said.
• Try to avoid talking in really noisy places – hearing aids and cochlea implants pick up all noises – move to a quieter place
• Be kind – no one hears correctly all of the time

You may also find Hearing Impairment Resources – Family Hub (torbayfamilyhub.org.uk) useful.