Dentist may have the challenge to get to understand the American Sign Language that is used by the hearing impaired people. However, in Canada and US large number understand the American Sign Language. This article has outlined five tips on how the dentist should enhance their communication with the hearing impaired patients.
Good situating. The communication can be affecting by your situating. Ensure that your level of talking matches with that if the patient. Since some patient may have a problem with one ear you need to identify that and concentrate on the ear that is active. However, if it’s the case of both ears being affected you should make sure that your face is clear to the patient. The lighting should be controlled to make sure that the patient is able to see your mouth move. Things like the beard, chewing or putting your hand on the face can reduce the ability of the patient to read your lips movement hence you should avoid them.
Eliminate any outside influence. It’s important that you avoid any interference during your communication. It will be waste of time when you are talking something and the patient can’t understand. When you are communicating with the patient with hearing difficulties you should make sure that you are not doing something else. You have to make sure that you are in the same room with the patient when you are communicating with the patient. Anytime the patient is not able to see your lips move you can be sure s/he will not grasp anything you are talking about. Avoid making the patient strain to hear you under all the cost.
Talk clearly. At any time ensure you pronounce the word as expected. This implies that you should alter the words with no exaggerations. It’s not appropriate to shout or move your mouth carelessly since the patient will not be able to understand your lips movement. It’s good that you call the patient’s name before you start discussing the healthy tissues of the patient. When you mention the patient’s name you make them concentrate with your topic. Long statement cannot be understood by the patients with hearing challenges.
Respect the context. Ensure you don’t use the complicated term when addressing the patient. You can spoil the mood when you use hard terms the patients can’t understand easily. Before you start narrating the patient about her /his health condition makes sure to make a good introduction to the topic. Allow for questions and handle the question one by one.
Hire an interpreter. In case you are dealing with many deaf patients or seniors you may need an interpreter. S/he should ensure both parties are taken care of. However the translator should not take your attention from the patient. Check it out here for more about tips for talking to the hearing impaired patients.