1. I explain why it is difficult to hear.
2. I tell people “I prefer not to chat in the street” and I explain why. Then I suggest we find a quiet café so we can chat in comfort.
3. I ask people to attract my attention before talking.
4. When I explain the difficulty I try not to moan. I try to spice it with humour.
5. If people are embarrassed because they cannot make themselves understood I try to make a joke as that releases the tension.