2. Increase staff awareness
All front-line staff members should have basic deaf awareness training, but preferably the whole team should be involved. In order to maximise efficiency, practices can get together locally and arrange a single training session for staff from each surgery. There are a number of charity and third sector organisations that provide this sort of training.
Tips for communicating with deaf or hard of hearing patients
Eye contact matters. Make sure patients can see your face before you speak.
- Speak clearly but not too slowly.
- Don’t shout. It distorts your lip patterns and can look aggressive.
- Check the patient has understood you and take the time to clarify details if necessary.
- Don’t keep repeating yourself. If the patient can’t follow what you’ve said, try saying it in a different way.
- Write things down if necessary – use plain English and clear handwriting.
- If you’re talking to a deaf person and a hearing person, don’t just focus on the hearing person.
