User Guide

1. clicks the Transcribe a Sentence button and
2. says the sentence to be turned into large text.
3. The app generates the text and then
4. the user shows that text to the other person for them to read.

Additionally, if the user wants to add punctuation, this can be done by saying "comma", "question mark", etc.

When transcribing a sentence, it is recommended that the user looks at the person with a hearing problem and holds their phone or tablet just below chin level. If the other person can still see the speakers face it will help keep the communication engaging and unambiguous.

Conversation Tips

• Get your loved one's attention before you start speaking.^1,2
• Look directly at your loved one.^1,2,3
• Position yourself near your loved one's better ear (if there is one).^1,2
• Match your body language to the message. Animation and gestures are good!^1,2,3
• Strive for well-lit spaces.^1,2,3
• Speak and enunciate clearly.^1,2,3
• Reduce background noise.^1,2,3
• Speak a little more loudly than normal, but don’t shout. Try to speak slowly, but naturally.^1,2,3
• Speak one at a time.^2,3
• If your loved one seems confused, ask if they understood and be willing to patiently repeat yourself.^2,3
• Rephrase your question or comment and simplify, if necessary.^2,3
• Be patient and understanding. Misunderstandings and awkward moments are bound to happen, but try to keep things light and continue the interaction.^2,3
• Ask your loved one how they prefer to communicate and ask if there is anything you can do to be more effective.^2,3
• In a group, include people with hearing loss in the conversation.³

References
1. Communicating with Seniors Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Technology Tips, Best Practices, and Safety. By Kelly Short, Master of Science in Deaf Education. Retrieved on December 29th, 2022 from https://www.seniorliving.org/hearing/communication-with-deaf-hard-of-hearing
2. How to Communicate With Hearing Impaired Elderly Loved Ones. By AgingCare, an organization to support families who are caring for aging parents, spouses, or other elderly loved ones. Retrieved on December 29th, 2022 from https://www.agingcare.com/articles/hearing-loss-communication-techniques-144762.htm
3. Tips: How to Talk with Someone with Hearing Loss. By the National Institute on Aging. Retrieved on December 29th, 2022 from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#communicate

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