Deaf Awareness Week 2023
What is Deaf Awareness Week?
This week is Deaf Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Access to Communication”. The deaf community often faces significant communication barriers which can lead to isolation, limited employment options and reduced access to essential services. We’ll be sharing information to raise awareness and working on ways to make our clinic more accessible.
Facts and Figures this Deaf Awareness Week
In the UK there are 12 million adults with hearing loss greater than 25dBHL which is equivalent to 1 in 5 adults
By 2035 it is estimated there will be around 14.2 million adults with hearing loss greater than 25dBHL across the UK
There are at least 50,000 children who are deaf in the UK
In the UK more than 40% of people over 50 years old have hearing loss, rising to more than 70% of people over the age of 70
Difficulties Deaf and Hard of Hearing People May Face
Social isolation, loneliness and stigma
Personal Safety
Communication and speech
Education and unemployment
Here are some letters written by readers in response to journalist Liam O’Dell’s decision to stop apologising for his deafness.
Improved Communication this Deaf Awareness Week
Communication Tips
Rephrase what you said
Face the person you’re speaking to
Use an interpreter
Write it down
Reduce background noise
You can find more information and tips from deaf people on the RNID website.
Relay UK – Telephone Communication
Relay UK is an excellent service that helps deaf, speech-impaired and hearing people communicate over the phone. You can download the app to use on your mobile, tablet or PC. You type what you’d like to say and read the replies in real time while an assistant relays the conversation. We’ve answered lots of calls via Relay at the clinic and have found it be a really useful service! You can find more information about Relay here.
Rail Travel
Did you know about railcard discounts for deaf travellers? If you missed our previous blog on this, you can check it out here. While railcard discounts are helpful, travelling on public transport with hearing loss can be challenging. Passenger assistance have shared some helpful train travel tips for deaf and hearing impaired people here.
We hope you’ve found this blog useful! To book an appointment with us for a hearing check, you can contact the clinic here.