In the past deaf people were mute and therefore called deaf-mutes. While deafness is in the majority of cases permanent, with special education deaf people can learn to speak well and often speak foreign languages.

Learning a language with 25 never heard letters is massive work. However with prolonged and careful training, most deaf people learn. Some of them might have a limited vocabulary, but not all of them do. Do not assume that they have poor language skills straightaway, just adjust your speech as you speak to them. Often they do not know their own voices and so may sound unusual. However in spite of these differences they often integrate well in society. Their disability is hidden however, and sometimes they might hide their disability on purpose, wishing to avoid reactions of pity. This can lead to a range of misunderstandings - for example they might pretend they have understood something when they haven't. Other times they might avoid people so they do not have to confront themselves with the hearing world just as often abled-bodied people might avoid a deaf person, thinking they do not know what to say to them. An effort is needed from both sides: the deaf person should try to take responsibility for himself and make sure he is understanding communication, while the non-deaf person should behave normally and help him when he says he's not sure he's understood the conversation. It is a struggle to concentrate hard to lip-read people during conversations and sometimes a deaf person can feel tired and needs to 'switch off'. As with any other relationship, it takes effort but a relationship between a deaf and an abled-bodied person can have its rewards. Deaf people need communicating and human contact just like everyone else and continuous practice is the key to communication.

HOW TO RELATE WITH A HEARING IMPAIRED PERSON

• Do not speak local dialect or slang which they will be unfamiliar with. Deaf people learn written language, enabling them to read as well.

• Make sure your face is visible and do not gesticulate too much while you speak, darkness and distracting movements make lipreading much more difficult.

• Do not speak too loudly, but do speak clearly, not too fast or too slow, and without exaggerating pronounciation.

• Sign language should be used only by people who know it well.
  
  
• Remember that it is very difficult for deaf and partially deaf people to follow what you are saying and follow your gestures at the same time. Therefore it is best to give an oral explanation first and then a practical demonstration afterwards.

• In the presence of a deaf person, do not talk about him with others as they take their visual clues very carefully and might come to a wrongful conclusion about what you are saying.

• Often a deaf person observes very carefully and is very sensitive about what he or she sees. This can influence their behaviour.

• A deaf person is happy to be involved in a conversation just like everyone else.

• Especially in the workplace or while making an agreement, deaf people and abled bodied people must make sure they understand each other and it is the responsibility of both to ensure that this happens. Often saying things in a different way might help understanding, but it is important that both parts of the conversation are understood.

• Enable participation in a group conversation, do not interrupt each other and speak clearly without gesticulating too much. Before going ahead with the conversation, make sure everyone is clear about what is to be done or what needs to be understood. Written confirmation or minuted meetings can be useful in the workplace.

• In the workplace, a deaf person would need to have clear directions and clear instructions: it is often best if a deaf person repeats to the abled bodied person what he or she has understood to make sure there is nothing missing.

• Following a prolonged conversation can be very tiring for a deaf person, do have small breaks often.