In News

Deaf Awareness Week takes place every May, with this year’s campaign falling over the 4th – 10th May. The campaign is organised by the UK Council on Deafness and allows many different organisations that offer support to those who are deaf or hard of hearing to come together and promote their work while raising awareness.

This year’s campaign is focusing on the theme of ‘acquired deafness’. Acquired deafness is a condition where hearing loss develops during a person’s lifetime rather than something they have since birth. Acquired deafness has many causes, including genetics or resulting from damage to the ear.

While this year’s campaign won’t feature as many events or fundraising due to the ongoing issues surrounding the coronavirus, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get involved and help to raise awareness of the work that charities and organisations supporting those with hearing loss do. One way you can help raise awareness is by implementing some very simple actions into your day to day life that can really help those with hearing loss.

Next time you come into contact with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss, here are some tips so they can feel more engaged with conversation and be more included.

  • Don’t just start talking to someone if you know that they are deaf or hard of hearing, before you start a conversation, make sure to get their attention first, either by waving at them or by gently tapping them.
  • Ask them if they can lipread, if they can, don’t exaggerate your lip movements or cover your mouth and make sure that you are in a well lit area.
  • Picking somewhere that is quiet without distractions or loud noises is also helpful.
  • Don’t shout, it can look aggressive!
  • Speak clearly and make sure that the person you are talking to is following the conversation, if not, ask them how they would prefer you communicate with them.
  • If you are using support, like having a BSL interpreter or have a carer or other responsible adult at hand, try not to speak to them, rather maintain eye contact and direct your conversation at the person who is deaf. Support staff are trained to help out, but don’t have to step in as a substitute for their service user.

Are you getting involved in any activities from lockdown for this year’s campaign? Let us know, you can get in touch with us on Twitter or Facebook.

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