I appreciate this insight Daniel Crosby. Many hearing people seem to want to be “deaf” to the rest of the world. One gets the 3rd Degree if you dare to get their attention, let alone make eye contact.

It’s also a matter of a lack of empathy; one needs to stop and recognize that this other person is communicating with you. Pay attention to THEIR cues, which will tell you what they need.

I think I learned this from studying German and then living in Germany many times. Even though I can’t read lips, when learning a new language I need to look at the person talking to me. When in a large group, with eternal noise, whoa! I have to see the person to hone my hearing.

Said another way, I have to pay attention…