Communication is a critical component of any relationship but imagine dating a deaf person, or even someone with mild to moderate hearing loss. Is it possible to still communicate effectively so that both parties can get what they want and need out of the relationship?
YES! You just have to know some important tips … ones that could actually help in any relationship.
5 Tips to Follow When Dating a Deaf Person
According to Albert Mehrabian, a body language researcher, communication can be broken down into three different parts and follows the 55/38/7 formula:
- Nonverbal (55%)
- Vocal (38%)
- Words only (7%)
With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to manage each part of your communication so that dating a deaf person can be just as rewarding as dating someone with normal hearing.
1. Speak Clearly
While someone with normal hearing relies on verbal cues to understand what you’re saying, someone who is deaf or hard of hearing relies more on visual cues. In fact, many deaf people or individuals with hearing loss know how to read lips. That means it’s especially important to face the person with whom you’re conversing, enunciate your words clearly, and keep your mouth uncovered.
2. Turn on Closed Captioning
Date nights often include grabbing some snacks and cozying up on the couch to watch a movie or your favorite TV show. When you’re dating a deaf person or someone with hearing loss, however, watching TV isn’t so enjoyable if you can’t hear or understand what’s being said. Do your date a favor and turn on closed captioning before the show or movie starts and you could be their favorite date of all time!
3. Give Them the Best Seat In the House
Or the restaurant, bar, movie theater, or wherever you’re having your date. The ‘best seat’ could mean something different depending on the setting. For example, the best seat in a restaurant could be in a quiet corner away from all the hustle and bustle. If your date has better hearing in one ear vs. the other, it might be best for YOU to sit on that side. Regardless of where the best seat is, it’s important to also pay attention to lighting – make sure your date can easily see your face for optimal lip reading opportunities.
4. Expect to Repeat Yourself
Even people with normal hearing don’t hear everything correctly every single time. When you’re dating a deaf person, or someone with less-than-perfect hearing, expect that you may have to repeat yourself and be okay with it! Whether they didn’t hear you at all or simply didn’t understand what you said, don’t get annoyed if you’re asked to repeat yourself more than once during your date.
5. Make Your Date Comfortable
This applies to both physical and emotional comfort. On the physical side, remember that your date may be wearing hearing aids or another assistive listening device. When you’re being intimate, coming in close contact with that device may cause it to squeal or make other noises. This can be uncomfortable for them and for you, not to mention putting a damper on the special moment!
In terms of emotional comfort, simply acknowledging your date’s preferences and asking questions to understand them better can help them feel more at ease. If you think dating a deaf person is challenging, try being in their shoes!
Get Advice From the Mesa and Scottsdale Hearing Experts
At Advanced Hearing Group, we’re not cupids or dating gurus, so we may not be your best source for dating advice. Whether you’re dating a deaf person or you are that person, however, we’re your hearing experts in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ! Our audiologists are happy to answer questions regarding hearing health, how to manage your hearing loss, how to find the best hearing aids, and more.
Simply schedule an appointment with us today and let us know how we can help!
