Everyday communication: tips for supporting people with deafness or hearing loss
Overview
A practical, easy-to-follow guide designed to help Australians communicate more inclusively with people who are Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss.
With 1 in 6 Australians experiencing some form of hearing loss, this resource highlights how everyday interactions—whether at work, a café, or a doctor’s appointment—can become challenging without thoughtful communication.
This tip sheet offers straightforward, real-world advice such as facing the person, reducing background noise, speaking clearly (not loudly), and asking individuals how they prefer to communicate. These small but powerful adjustments can reduce frustration and isolation, and promote understanding, connection, and mental wellbeing.
Developed through the voices of people with lived experience and informed by Australian research, this guide is not a clinical tool but a starting point for inclusive communication in everyday life. It encourages everyone to stay curious, respectful, and open to adapting communication based on each person’s needs and preferences.