She Won't Look at Me

Early-onset hearing impairment is a common disability in the United States. Persons with hearing loss, whether they use American Sign Language or lip-read, must look at those with whom they are speaking. Lip reading is not a reliable method of communication for most deaf persons. Reading and writing also limit the amount of communication between health care providers and deaf patients. The best way to communicate with most deaf persons is through a qualified American Sign Language interpreter. This paper discusses communication with deaf persons and ways in which health care providers and hospitals can improve their interactions with deaf patients.