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

Source

Deaf Awareness Week 2023

Difficulties Deaf and Hard of Hearing People May Face

Social isolation, loneliness and stigma 

Personal Safety

Communication and speech

Education and unemployment

Source

Here are some letters written by readers in response to journalist Liam O’Dell’s decision to stop apologising for his deafness.  

Deaf Awareness Week 2023

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.