Healthwatch City of London – Deaf Awareness Patient panel

Jane, who is herself deaf, is a qualified speech and language therapist and is passionate about raising awareness of how to communicate with those who are deaf or hard of hearing and the difficulties they face on a daily basis. 
Around 7.5% of all people in the UK have hearing problems, which increases to 40% in over 50’s and 70% in over 70’s, so its highly likely that you know someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. 

The top tips when communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing are: 
1)    Let them see your face, don’t turn your face away when speaking – this makes the quality of sound better and they are able to read your lips. 
2)    They are sensitive to loud noises so shouting doesn’t help! It can be distressing for the person and won’t improve the clarity of what is being said. 
3)    Speak reasonably slowly but use normal intonation and pronunciation. 
4)    Use gestures, body language and facial expression. 
5)    Write things down – particularly names. 
6)    Avoid unnecessary and lengthy introductions – keep to the point of what you are saying. 
7)    Don’t assume the person you are talking to has understood, check, repeat and be patient. 
8)    Finally talking to people in a different way from usual is difficult.  

You will be thinking about what you are saying, not about how you are saying it.  But try.  Remember - the more you try, the better the deaf person will understand, the better the conversation will be for both of you.  And the deaf person will really appreciate it!    

How to get help
You should visit your GP if you have problems with your hearing. It could be caused by something that can be easily treated such as an ear infection or a perforated ear drum. However, if you are experiencing problems with hearing more permanently, one option may be a hearing aid. These are available free on the NHS (more expensive options are available privately), you will need to visit your GP who can refer you to a hearing specialist. The specialist will then be able to conduct an assessment to see whether a hearing aid is an appropriate action to take and will explain the different kinds of hearing aids and which one is best for your condition and lifestyle. 

There are many types of hearing aids, more information is available on the NHS website Hearing aids and implants - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
 

Support available
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People is the National Charity who support people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. 
They hold monthly session at the Neaman Practice that offers the following services: 
•    New batteries and ear mould retubing
•    Advice and support on how to clean and maintain your hearing aids
•    Information on hearing loss
•    Signposting to other services

The sessions are held the third Wednesday of the month between 2pm - 4pm. 
To book email sharon.james@rnid.org.uk or Text or WhatsApp 07551 063742 or Phone 020 3227 6044.

DeafPlus is another charity who can provide practical support to City Residents, they run support groups and practical courses such as British Sign Language and lip reading. There are centres in Tower Hamlets and Hackney. For further information please visit their website Welcome to deafPlus | offering deaf friendly advice.
We would like to thank Jane for her presentation and all of the really useful information.