Remember the wonderful PAX TV show that came on about 8 years ago called "Sue Thomas: FBI"? It is about a pretty blonde woman who has been deaf since childhood. She becomes an FBI agent and gets a dog named Levi who helps her. This show was based on a true story and the real Sue Thomas guest-starred on the show. This show taught a lot of us that the hearing-impaired play a vital role in our society and are productive citizens. I love that show and I wish they would make new episodes. Signing was a good part of it and I think we all learned from it.

You will possibly have some hearing-impaired clients. No, I don't expect you to watch episodes of Sue Thomas and know how to sign fluently so you can communicate with these clients, but you need to know how to treat them and communicate with them. It is not so very different than dealing with any other client.

When dealing with a client who has a hearing loss, make sure you schedule a little more time for the pre-massage interview. The most important thing for you to remember is to check to see that the client is looking at you when you speak so your lips can be read. Otherwise, you are wasting your breath and will need to repeat yourself when the client with a hearing loss does look at you.

Some hearing-impaired clients will not read lips. They use sign language. If this is the case, they may bring someone with them to communicate. If you happen to know signing, great. If not, consider taking a course or getting a book on sign language.

Maintain eye contact when talking with your client. Don't shout or exaggerate the movements of your mouth. Speak normally and enunciate clearly. It is okay to use facial expressions as you speak. If the client does not get what you are saying, try rephrasing, not repeating yourself. Don't talk slowly, just speak at your normal rate.

Clients with a hearing loss may also have a speech impediment which can lead others to think they are mentally impaired, but they are not. If the client lost his/her hearing when young, he/she may not say some words the right way. That is okay.

Do not make the client feel stupid or angry and frustrated by talking slowly or acting rudely. Give hearing-impaired clients the same respect and treatment as you do to every client. The only difference is that they must look at you when you speak.

Some clients will remove their hearing aids prior to the massage and some will leave the hearing aids in. If the client is wearing a hearing aid, do not move your hands near the ears during the massage. This causes a loud, ugly noise in the client's ear and is very uncomfortable.

Also, a hearing aid may only slightly improve the client's hearing, not fix it so do not assume that the client can hear you if he/she is not looking at you.

A client with a hearing loss should be given the same respect as all other clients. Perform this type of special needs massage as you normally would except for staying away from the ears and make sure you have the client's attention through eye contact before you communicate. Smile and be patient, but do not be patronizing.