Deaf and Hearing Impaired
Hearing loss may be caused by a number of factors. This can include -
- genetics
- old age
- exposure to noise
- infections
- birth complications
- trauma to the ear
- certain medications or toxins
Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and can affect all age groups.
NHS Choices have more information on hearing loss.
Hearing loss may be gradual such as people who are in later life. Common symptoms of people with gradual hearing loss notice things such as difficulty hearing the TV or a conversation in a noisy environment.
Viral infections of the inner ear can also cause hearing loss to occur all of a sudden.
Another common effect of hearing loss is continual ringing in the ear which is caused by conditions such as tinnitus.
If you feel that your hearing is getting worse then you need to make an appointment with your GP.
Local support
Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf
The Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf provides a social place for people who are deaf or hearing impaired.
The majority of their users communicate using British Sign Language (BSL). The centre is located on Spring Bank in Hull.
Aids and adaptions
Our aids and adaptions page has information on the various support available including the Kingston Care Lifeline and Telecare Services
Transport
Our Transport section has lots of information around transport and mobility.
National support
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf is a charity that trains and matches guide dogs and matches them with deaf people. If you have a severe hearing impairment, you may want to consider a hearing dog to support you to live independently.
Action on Hearing Loss
Action on Hearing Loss is the largest charity for people with hearing loss in the UK. They can support you with information and advice and give you practical solutions to help you live independently. They also have a range of products that you may find useful to assist you in your day to day activities.
Association for All Speech Impaired Children (AFASIC)
AFASIC 'Voice for Life' is a parent led organisation to help children and young people with speech and language impairments and their families. They provide information and training for parents and professionals. They also produce a range of publications.