How To Get Deaf Person’s Attention (2025)

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and communicating with someone hard of hearing needs one to be emphatic and considerate.

It’s crucial to understand the nuances of communicating with a person who has a hearing disability without making them feel alienated or imbibe a feeling of inferiority complex.

In this guide, we have shared all you need to know on how to get a deaf person’s attention in a considerate manner.

When connecting with a person with a hearing disability one must try to bridge the gap with understanding.

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Approaching a Deaf person with respect also fosters a positive connection.

Not many are born deaf, there are circumstances or medical conditions that may lead to deafness or loss of hearing ability in a person.

Deafness is usually defined by the absence of sound perception so people take to sign language or other means of communication to connect with others.

So, while communicating with a Deaf person, one must keep the following in mind:

Table of Contents

Getting Deaf People’s Attention In Considerate Manner

While we approach a deaf person, do take care not to startle them but approach them in a respectful but effective manner.

They are unable to hear you calling them by name so an alternative method to gain their attention is to tap them on their shoulder.

One must always maintain eye contact and face them while communicating through sign language or lip reading with a person with a hearing disability.

Facing the individual helps them read you or sign language effectively. Place yourself in a position where they can see your face and hands.

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Do not cover your mouth or speak fast and use simple sentences that are easily understandable, check if they can understand you.

This helps in making the conversation between you and them enjoyable. One can even take the help of deaf awareness training to learn more about hearing disability and how to communicate with them.

This helps reduce communication barriers and foster a positive environment.

One can even hold Deaf Awareness Training at the workplace or education campuses to bridge the challenges.

Do’s & Don’ts While Communicating With a Deaf Person

Do’s

Maintain eye contact.
Speak clearly.
Face the listener.
Wave your hand to gain their attention.
Flicker the lights on/off to gain attention in a room.
Use a sign language interpreter.
Use speech-to-text services.
Use an assistive listening device.
Ask how they would like to interact.
Use the smartphone to convey your message or write it down on paper.

Don’ts

Do not call a deaf person from behind.
Do not cover your mouth.
Do not turn away while talking.
Do not use exaggerated mouth movements.
Use sentences sparingly.
Do not ask how or why a person is deaf
Do not poke or throw things to attract their attention.
Do not shout while talking to a deaf person,
Do not chew gum while talking to a deaf person as it interferes with communication.
Don’t imply that Deaf people can’t do certain things as they can’t hear.
Don’t ask if Deaf people can read, write, or drive.
Don’t pity deaf people
Use technology to send messages.