Negotiate comfortable conversation space. Only one person should speak at a time. If a hard of hearing person has hearing aids or assistive listening devices, give the person opportunity to adjust equipment. Reduce background noise or move to quieter location. Maintain eye contact .
Eye contact facilitates direct communication.
When working with special populations such as the elderly or children be sure they can see you clearly, if they wear glasses for daily activity make sure they have them on. For more information about working with special populations please contact the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. If it appears that you are not being understood, slow down your pace. Use short sentences. Use normal volume .