1. Hearing therapists
Hearing therapists are trained to help people adapt to living with their hearing loss. They work out a personalised rehabilitation programme, which can include lessons on using a hearing aid, how to communicate better and keeping up your work and social life. Hearing therapists are also trained to counsel you and your partner about adjusting to your hearing loss. They can also recommend equipment and services that could help you.
Hearing therapists work in the NHS, usually in hospital audiology departments. Ask for a referral from your ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, audiologist or GP.
2. Hearing advisers
Hearing Concern LINK is a national charity that helps and supports people who have lost most or all of their hearing. They have a team of community support volunteers around the UK who give support and practical advice to people who have lost their hearing. Community support volunteers are usually people who have hearing loss themselves.
To find out more about community support volunteers or to get in touch with a community support volunteer in your area contact Hearing Concern LINK.
3. Lipreading classes
Going to lipreading classes in your local area is a great way to develop your lipreading skills, meet new people and find out more about what's going on in your area for people with hearing loss. Some workplaces may agree to give you time off work to attend these classes.
To find a local class, go to the Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults (ATLA) or contact your local adult education centre or college. If there is no class in your area contact Action on Hearing Loss who are campaigning for better access to lipreading classes.
4. Hearing dogs
Hearing dogs help severely and completely deaf people by responding to specific sounds that hearing people often take for granted, such as the alarm clock, doorbell, a baby crying, the telephone and smoke alarms. The dogs are trained and provided by the charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Find out more about hearing dogs.
5. Financial benefits
You may be able to claim some benefits because of your hearing loss. Contact Action on Hearing Loss’s Information Line for more advice (telephone 0808 808 0123; textphone 0808 808 9000), email at informationline@hearingloss.org.uk or read its information on benefits and services.
6. Sign language classes
British Sign Language (BSL) is a language used by deaf people and their families. BSL uses a combination of hand expressions and lip shapes to create words and phrases. Tone is added through context, facial expression and body language, so a single signed phrase can infer a number of different meanings.
To find out more about BSL courses read this leaflet from Action on Hearing Loss. Action on Hearing Loss can also arrange for you to book a BSL interpreter or other communiction support.
7. Hearing loss equipment
Action on Hearing Loss has a downloadable ‘Solutions’ catalogue of equipment to help people with hearing loss. Items range from extra-loud mobile phones to flashing doorbells.
8. Family and friends
Make sure your family and friends know about your hearing loss. Action on Hearing Loss has communication tips for family and friends on how to talk clearly to you and not to leave you out of the conversation.
9. Counselling
According to the charity SignHealth, about 40% of profoundly deaf people experience mental distress at some time or other. It offers counselling specially for deaf people. SignHealth therapists are all qualified, can use sign language and understand deaf culture. SignHealth also helps deaf people interact and get the most from the NHS. It can provide online BSL/English interpreting in GP surgeries for same-day and short-notice appointments.
Ask your GP for a referral to a SignHealth therapist or read more about SignHealth and its services for deaf people.
10. NHS Choices local services search
Find out which hearing impairment and deaf support services are available from both the NHS and other sources in your local area.
