Section A - Asking and being asked directions (Out of doors)
1. I try to avoid asking directions by always taking the appropriate map or using my Satellite Navigation system.
2. If I see someone looking as if they want to ask me for directions I move out of their way before they ask me and pretend I haven't seen them. There are always others they can ask.
3. I explain that I am hard of hearing and ask them to repeat.
4. I adjust my hearing aid in a very obvious way and explain that I am hard of hearing and ask them to repeat. Sometimes people just shrug and walk away, but I don’t let it bother me any more, I have a laugh thinking they’d rather be lost than spend a few minutes longer on speaking to a deaf person.
5. I get them to spell the place names. If I still don’t understand, I get them to write it down.
6. One person said, “I carry a pencil and notebook and ask them to write it down.”
Another person said, “I always carry a pencil and paper with me as it comes in handy for those words or names I just can’t lipread or hear.”
7. If they frighten me, rather then explain I am hard of hearing I apologise and tell them that I do not know.
8. I tell strangers asking me for directions that "I'm a stranger here".
9. I ask them to show me the address.
10. I am always ready for a surprise. Once I couldn't catch the name and the person fingerspelt it for me.
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Section B - Where to stand/walk when chatting (Out of doors)
1. I ensure that my better ear is towards the speaker.
2. I like to practice lipreading from the side in my lipreading class because it’s not always possible to be facing the speaker if we’re walking together.
3. I walk slowly so that it is easier to turn and watch.
4. I stop and face the speaker if they are talking and I stop if I want to ask a question.
5. If it’s windy or there’s traffic noise and I want to converse I find a doorway or quiet spot. I cannot hear if there is too much background noise.
6. If I’m out with someone I know and we want to talk I suggest that we go home and talk in comfort.
7. I explain to people that I can’t watch where I’m going and lipread them at the same time and suggest we stop for a coffee and chat in a quiet café.
8. I walk on the inside of the pavement where I find it is quieter and it also means that if I’m talking to someone I’m less likely to end up in the road because I was looking at them instead of where I was going.
9. I try not to spend a long time in conversation outside because of the noise. I just exchange a few pleasantries before making my excuses. If it's important, I suggest that we find a quiet spot.
10. If people speak clearly and communicate well I can enjoy conversation outside. If I don’t understand we stop talking and chat.
11. One person said, “I walk towards the oncoming traffic so that I don't step into the traffic coming from behind.”
The following is taken from the Highway Code concerning Pedestrians (which can be seen by clicking on the following link: www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070108 )
"If there is no pavement keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and
be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light
keep close to the side of the road
It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend."
12. When walking with a companion I seek out quieter routes so that we can talk.
Section C - Explanations (Out of doors)
1. I explain why it is difficult to hear.
2. I tell people "I prefer not to chat in the street" and I explain why. Then I suggest we find a quiet café so we can chat in comfort.
3. I ask people to attract my attention before talking.
4. When I explain the difficulty I try not to moan. I try to spice it with humour.
5. If people are embarrassed because they cannot make themselves understood I try to make a joke as that releases the tension.