In my prior post, “How NOT to Startle a Hard of Hearing Person,” I inadvertently left out a real gem of a tip. Therefore, in addition to the 4 tips I listed on that post, I would like to add one more:
5. One of the most effective ways to get the attention of someone who is hearing impaired without startling them is to flip the light switch on and off.
My family particularly uses this approach to get my attention when I am on another level of the house then they are. If I am upstairs and they are downstairs, flipping the hallway switch on and off is an excellent way to get my attention. But it also works well when trying to alert someone who’s in the same room as you to your presence.
Just don’t be annoying about it. Flip the switch on, wait a second or two, then switch it off. Repeat as needed. 
Friday night, I was hard at work in my kitchen, preparing a dish of lasagna to serve over the weekend. While I stood at the stove gently stirring a pan of simmering sauce, a family member came up behind me and tapped my shoulder. I jumped – startled – and a spoonful of lasagna sauce flew through the air in multiple directions, splattering the stove top and the polar white kitchen walls.
Last I had noticed, this person had parked himself in the living room in front of the TV and was deeply engrossed in the news. He scared me, because I never heard him come into the kitchen.
Approaching a hard of hearing person from behind without startling them can be a tricky task! I thought I would share a few helpful tips I have on how NOT to startle a hard of hearing person:
- If you need to approach from behind, try to walk a little heavier than you normally do without actually stomping. Many hard of hearing people are very sensitive to vibrations and movement.
- Depending on the hard of hearing person’s degree of hearing loss, it may help to make a bit of noise as you approach. Try clearing your throat, tapping your toes, or rustling papers.
- If at all possible, try to approach from the side so they can catch your movement in the corner of their eye. Waving or gesturing to get their attention is perfectly acceptable.
- Don’t touch hard of hearing people or speak to them until you’re certain they have seen you and are aware of your presence.
Hard of hearing people will certainly appreciate the efforts you make to get their attention so they won’t be startled when you approach. I know I will!
By the way, the lasagna was a hit. But those white walls…they’ve got to go. It looks like I’ll be busy painting this summer.
