Raising Awareness of Life with Hearing Loss
Did you know, 1 in 5 people are deaf or have hearing loss?
The chances are, up until the point, you may not have even been aware that someone you know or interact with on a regular basis has hearing loss.
Part of the reason you may not know is because hearing loss can be very invisible and people living with hearing loss are not just listening to you, they are lip reading. However recently, we have had to stand out and make our needs know.
This large community has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic due to the (much needed and completely necessary) use of facemasks. We all want to keep each other safe, and we also all want to be able to have clarity in communication
Top Tips to Help Someone with Hearing Loss
- Make sure you are facing the person your talking to
- Speak in a clear normal tone.
- Move to a quiet area where there is less background noise.
- Wear a clear face mask.
- Move a safe distance away from the person you are speaking with so you can pull your mask down while you speak.
- Understand what it is like for someone to navigate the world with hearing loss. You can do this by reading their stories here.
- Encourage shops, restaurants, cafes, schools, absolutely anywhere you frequent, to join the Clarity in Communication campaign.
- Download the material and show your support.
- Donate to our Go Fund Me page to help supply clear masks, starting with Local Schools of the Deaf before expanding into the wider hearing and hearing loss community.
Business Resources
We are thrilled your business or place of work would like to be involved. By becoming involved in #ClarityInCommunication, you are making a positive impact on your community and your business will be listed on our Friends page, so that our community know.
Top Tips to Making Your Business Hearing Loss Friendly
- Download the poster and pop it in your window and by the till so those with hearing loss know you are lip reading friendly.
- Make sure your staff are aware of the exemption card .
- Install a clear screen at your customer service point , this will enable you to safely lower your mask if your behind a screen
- Ensure everyone knows to stand a safe distance and lower their mask when speaking.
- Have a notepad and pen to hand ( to only use if asked to be used)
- Where possible, get your staff to wear clear masks.
Myth Busting
Hearing loss only effects the elderly.
NO! Hearing loss effects everyone of all ages.
Hearing loss only effects a few people.
NO! 1 in 5 people are deaf or have hearing loss.
Lip reading is easy and listening fatigue is not a thing.
Yes and no! It can be very difficult; it doesn’t come naturally to some and can vary on whether you have had hearing loss from birth of not. In addition, listening fatigue is a real thing! When someone with hearing loss is talking, they are listening, lip reading and reading body language.