NCJ Number
205590
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 74-76
Date Published
April 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how police officers can better communicate with individuals with hearing impairment.
Abstract
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, approximately 28 million Americans have some degree of reduced hearing. Moreover, the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that accommodations must be made for those with hearing impairment. The article highlights basic tips for improving communication between police officers and those with hearing impairment. Eye contact is important to effectively communicate with individuals with hearing impairments because visual cues are relied upon for an understanding of what is being said. One person should speak at a time at an optimal distance of less than 3 feet from the person with the hearing impairment. Reducing background noise, where possible, also helps to reduce distractions that may cloud communication. It is important, additionally, that officers take the time to understand what those with hearing impairment are trying to communicate. Most individuals with hearing impairments would rather take additional time to communicate their meaning than feel as if they are being dismissed. When communication is difficult, important information can be written down so that communication is effective. Awareness of these issues should make communicating with individuals with some degree of hearing loss more effective. Finally, a textbox discusses the use of an interpreter to assist in communicating with individuals with hearing impairments.