What approach should be taken when communicating with a hearing-impaired person?

The most effective approach when communicating with a hearing-impaired person is to approach from the front and ensure they can see you. This method facilitates better communication by allowing the individual to use lip-reading and facial expressions, which are essential for understanding speech. It also creates an opportunity to establish eye contact, which can further enhance understanding and connection during the conversation.

Additionally, communicating face-to-face allows the hearing-impaired person to see visual cues that can provide context to the spoken words. This visual engagement fosters a more inclusive environment and reduces the potential for miscommunication. It is important to be aware of lighting and positioning to ensure that your face is well-lit and visible to the person you are communicating with.

Starting from a distance or approaching from behind can obstruct their ability to read lips or see your facial expressions, which hinders effective communication. Speaking only in loud volumes may not be beneficial for everyone, as some individuals may not have a complete loss of hearing, and excessive volume can be discomforting or even painful. Thus, the most considerate and effective approach involves being directly in front of the person, allowing for visual and auditory communication aids to support the interaction.