Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with hearing loss are entitled to receive the same protections and services offered by law enforcement as any other citizen. However, speaking with a police officer when you’re hard of hearing can be difficult and intimidating—especially in an emergency. Whether you’re getting pulled over or need help from an authority, here are five important tips to follow when communicating with law enforcement professionals.

5 Ways to Communicate With Law Enforcement When You Have Hearing Loss

1. Keep a Card in Your Car

Since many police interactions occur while driving, it’s smart to keep a visor card in your car. If you are pulled over or need to signal law enforcement, you can quickly pull this card off of the sun visor and hand it to an officer. It will immediately tell them that you are hard of hearing and might need extra support while communicating.

2. Signal to Your Ears

If you don’t have access to your visor card, point directly to your ears and shake your head. This movement is understood to be a universal sign that you can’t hear someone. Be sure to keep your motions limited, as excessive hand or arm movement might be construed as a threat by law enforcement.

3. Use a Notepad

Even if you are normally able to communicate through sign language or by reading lips, keep a small pen and notepad on your person at all times. Once a police officer understands that you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use this pad to write down questions and responses.  

4. Request an Interpreter

Law enforcement agencies are required to provide an interpreter in situations when communication with a citizen is not possible. If you are engaging in a lengthy discussion—particularly one that might involve legal consequences—it can be helpful to request an ASL interpreter before continuing your conversation with the police.

5. Invest in Hearing Aids

If you possess some hearing ability but still have trouble communicating, investing in an assistive device might help. Hearing aids are designed to comfortably amplify sounds, so you can better understand those talking to you. Advanced models can also eliminate background noise, so you can talk to police with minimal distraction.

When hearing loss is interrupting your life—and communication with others—turn to the Northwest Alabama Hearing Clinic for state-of-the-art support. Through audiometric testing, this Hamilton, Al, audiologist measures the extent of your impairment and provides hearing aids for a superior level of clarity. To learn more about these hearing loss treatment options, visit this audiology specialist online. To schedule an appointment, call (205) 952-9944.