There are many people in the world, including children and adults, who have hearing impairments of varying severity, from mild to severe. A person with deafness cannot perceive sounds from outside in a conventional way. Hearing loss is classified into:
- Marginal: You can hear some sounds, but not clearly.
- Moderate: Difficulty hearing sounds at normal volumes.
- Severe: They can only recognize vibrations without perceiving sounds.
Working with people with hearing disabilities should focus on identifying their strengths and weaknessesBy knowing their needs, it is possible to develop appropriate strategies for their integration and development, guaranteeing a better quality of life.
Key aspects when dealing with people with hearing impairments
If you interact with someone who is hearing impaired and you don't speak sign language, don't worry. There are several ways to facilitate communication:
- Keep constant eye contact and speak directly to the person.
- Take care of the body language, using gestures of approval or reinforcement.
- Make sure that lighting is suitable for easy lip reading.
- Don't exaggerate or shout; speaking clearly and at a moderate pace is most effective.
- Observe their facial expressions to make sure they understand the message.
- Use visual resources such as subtitles or explanatory images.
In the case of children, it is important to remember that they use sight, touch and smell to interact with their environment. In addition, even if they use hearing aids or cochlear implants, these devices only amplify sound, but do not automatically clarify auditory information.
Resources to work on language can be useful in this context.
Methods of communication with deaf people
There are several alternatives to communicate effectively with people with hearing impairments:
Lipreading
Although only a small percentage of deaf people can accurately read lips, this technique can facilitate communication when combined with facial expressions and gestures.
Using pencil and paper
It is a simple and effective method when other forms of communication are not available.
Dactylology
It consists of the alphabet fingerspelling using fingers. It is a useful tool to complement sign language.
Sign language
Sign language is the most natural form of communication for the deaf community. Each country has its own version, so there is no universal system.
Bimodal system
It combines sign language with oral language, allowing for more versatile communication.
Educational and technological resources to promote communication
Thanks to technology and educational advances, there are numerous resources to help deaf people:
Mobile apps
- Bimodapp: Tool to practice the bimodal system.
- Gestemapps: Application focused on improving articulation and reading and writing.
- SpreadTheSign: Sign dictionary with multiple languages.
Sign language training is essential to better understand these tools.
Digital resources
- Deaf Education: Teaching material adapted for students with hearing disabilities.
- CNSE Foundation: Educational resources and publications for teaching centres.
- Lion Hears: Various resources such as text adaptations and morpho-syntax work.
The integration of technologies in education is vital, therefore, you can consult resources for special education that address these needs.
Recommended activities to promote inclusion
By including people with hearing impairments in various activities, their personal and social development can be improved:
- Memory games: They reinforce concentration and visual recognition.
- Puzzles and crosswords: They help cognitive development and stimulate logic.
- Reading books with visual support: Books with illustrations promote understanding.
- Attend accessible cultural events: There are museums and theatres adapted with subtitles.
People with hearing impairments can lead full lives if they have the right resources. The key is to encourage Inclusion, education and access to adapted technologies, thus ensuring effective communication and better integration into society.
