Hello Stephanie,
I wonder if you could tell me of the best ways to put someone who is deaf at ease over communicating etc. I read that they can feel isolated and understand that it can be daunting for them to communicate with someone who isn't deaf and has no experience of it.

I would love to know what I as a hearing person could do to put a deaf person more at ease if they were with me. This might happen at some stage in the future as I know someone who is deaf and I know she can feel anxious over this kind of thing.

Many thanks for your reply.
Hugs
Owly x

Thanks for your question.

I would always make sure that you reassure the person who is deaf that you do all you can to include them in conversation with people who aren't deaf. Help them put their point across if they have difficulty communicating so they aren't ignored, while at the same time not taking over.

It always helps that the people who aren't deaf know that communication is an issue for the deaf person and therefore are sympathetic to their feelings and let them have their say by asking them what they think, and making them feel valued.

I hope this answers your question.

Stephanie x