[Red Badger]

The ‘problem’ is that the ‘signs’ could be interpreted as an obscene gesture.
What would you think of a guy coming up to you with his index finger pointing to his open mouth?

Even the signs I posted could be misinterpreted as such. Aside from wearing a patch on clothing stating that ‘I Am Deaf’, which is demeaning in and of itself, there isn’t much I can do except point to my hearing aid when in a public situation, like at a cashier’s station waiting to pay for something. That seems to be the only way to communicate that I can’t hear well.............

[knittnmom]

My daughter lost her voice 2+ years ago. It hasn't returned. She had a button made up for when she goes out in public that reads: Voice doesn't work, but can hear every word.

Would something like, "Please communicate with ASL or written word." be offensive on a button?

[Carry_Okie]

What would you think of a guy coming up to you with his index finger pointing to his open mouth?

If I had seen a couple of dozen PSAs describing the gesture I would think he was deaf.

Aside from wearing a patch on clothing stating that ‘I Am Deaf’, which is demeaning in and of itself, there isn’t much I can do except point to my hearing aid when in a public situation, like at a cashier’s station waiting to pay for something. That seems to be the only way to communicate that I can’t hear well.............

Sounds like good reason for a public service advertising campaign about a universal gesture.