If the interviewee can read lips, look directly at him or her. Speak clearly at a normal pace. Do not exaggerate your lip movements or shout. Shouting distorts sounds accepted through hearing aids and also inhibits lip reading. Speak expressively because the person will rely on your facial expressions, gestures and eye contact. (Note: it is estimated that only four out of ten spoken words are visible on the lips. Thus the rate of accuracy for persons who lip-read is only about 40%).

Place yourself near a light source and keep your hands and food away from your mouth when speaking. Shouting does not help and can be detrimental. Only raise your voice when requested. Brief, concise written notes may be very helpful to aid communication.

Some individuals who are hard of hearing use Assistive Listening Devices (ALD’s); you may be asked to use a microphone that will assist the individual in bringing your voice to their hearing aid or to other sound boosting ear equipment.

In the United States most deaf people use American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is not a universal language. ASL is a language with its own syntax and grammatical structure.

When scheduling an interpreter for a non-English speaking person, be certain to retain an interpreter who is fluent in the desired language of the person being assisted. Although it is common protocol for an interpreter to sit next to the interviewer, it is most appropriate to consider the personal preference of the interviewee, and for the interpreter to sit where it’s most comfortable for the applicant. Interpreters facilitate communication only; they should not be consulted or regarded as a reference for the person who is deaf or hard of hearing.

When seeking ASL interpreting services, it is of the utmost importance to seek a trained, qualified interpreter who can facilitate accurate communication. Many people consider themselves to be competent interpreters, although they have little or no formal training. The title of "Interpreter" applies only to an individual who has completed an accredited training program and can demonstrate fluency in American Sign Language.