{"id":14381,"date":"2022-10-05T15:09:30","date_gmt":"2022-10-05T14:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=14381"},"modified":"2026-04-29T11:08:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T10:08:20","slug":"deafness-and-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/deafness-and-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Deafness and hearing loss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">This page answers some common questions about deafness and hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box  ctaBox    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-right  size-medium\">\n    <div class=\"ctaBox__row\">\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get our emails in your inbox<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Join over 87,000 others, and be part of the movement driving change for disabled people. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__cta\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/get-our-emails-in-your-inbox\/\" class=\"button  button--primary\">Sign up now<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>It includes links to more detailed information on most key aspects of deafness and hearing loss, including causes and types, hearing loss in children and technology-based aids.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this page:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#deafness\">What is deafness?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#types\">Types of hearing loss<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#causes\">What causes deafness?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#signs\">Signs of hearing loss in children<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#howmany\">How many deaf people are there in the UK?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#disability\">Is being deaf a disability?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hearingaids\">Hearing aids, implants and other devices<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#information\">Information and support for coping with hearing loss<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#benefits\">What benefits can I claim if I\u2019m deaf or have hearing loss?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading deafness\">What is deafness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Deafness or hearing loss is a difficulty hearing or recognising sounds. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing loss happens when a part of the ear or hearing system doesn\u2019t work properly. This can be temporary or permanent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are different levels of hearing loss depending on how loud sounds need to be for you to hear them. There may also be some sounds that you hear better or worse than others. For example, you can be <strong>partially deaf<\/strong> (able to hear some sounds), or <strong>profoundly deaf <\/strong>(very little or no hearing).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are lots of different terms for hearing loss, including partially deaf, profoundly deaf, hearing impaired, hard of hearing and D\/deaf. People with a hearing loss will make their own choice about which term to use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people describe themselves as \u201cDeaf\u201d with a capital \u201cD\u201d to express pride in their Deaf identity. It\u2019s important to remember that many don\u2019t see their deafness as something they would like to be \u201ccured\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the ear works&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, the outer part of the ears (pinna) filters soundwaves and sends them down the ear canal, causing the eardrum to vibrate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These vibrations are then passed across the middle ear by three tiny bones (ossicles): the malleus, incus and stapes, also known as the hammer, anvil and stirrup.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ossicles increase the vibrations before they pass through into the cochlea (part of the inner ear, shaped like a snail shell), where thousands of sound-sensitive hair cells create signals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The auditory (hearing) nerve carries these signals to the brain, where we understand them as sound.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When one or more of these parts of the ear don\u2019t work properly, sound signals can\u2019t reach the brain, causing hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How hearing is measured&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing is measured in two key ways: volume and pitch. When you have a hearing test, the specialist will be trying to find the quietest volume of sounds that you can hear at different pitches, or frequencies. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Volume of sound is measured in decibels (dB), and pitch is measured in hertz (Hz).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For you to hear a sound, it must be above a certain level of decibels. This is known as your \u201chearing threshold\u201d. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing thresholds are categorised as normal (no loss), mild, moderate, severe or profound loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does \u201cprofoundly deaf\u201d mean?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Profoundly deaf means that you cannot hear sounds below 95dB.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To give an example, the volume of a jackhammer at a distance of 15m from you is about 90dB. Meanwhile, the typical volume of speech is around 60dB.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\"><strong>Types of hearing loss<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main types of hearing loss:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Sensorineural hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conductive hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sensorineural hearing loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is caused by damage to the hair cells of the inner ear, the auditory nerve or both.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These hair cells and your auditory nerve are responsible for carrying sound signals from your ear to your brain.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It is permanent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conductive hearing loss&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This happens when something stops sound waves passing from the outer ear to the inner ear. This could be caused by wax in the outer ear or fluid in the middle ear (sometimes called glue ear). It might also be a problem with the ear drum or the bones in the middle ear (ossicles).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conductive hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.&nbsp; Sometimes it can be corrected by surgery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mixed hearing loss&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is possible to have both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is known as mixed hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"causes\"><strong>What causes deafness?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different causes of deafness and hearing loss, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Ageing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exposure to loud noise.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Genetics.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complications and infections during pregnancy, including rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis and herpes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Various syndromes associated with deafness, including CHARGE syndrome and Usher syndrome.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damage from prescription and over-the counter drugs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acoustic neuroma (a tumour that presses on the hearing and balance nerves).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Head injury.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foreign objects in the ear.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minor infections that could cause temporary hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about types and causes of deafness and hearing loss from the <a href=\"https:\/\/rnid.org.uk\/\">Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndcs.org.uk\/\">National Deaf Children&#8217;s Society (NDCS)<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/congenital-rubella-syndrome\/\">Find out more about rubella<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/charge-syndrome\/\">CHARGE syndrome<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/usher-syndrome\/\">Usher syndrome<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is congenital deafness?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Congenital deafness or hearing loss is a complete or partial loss of hearing present at birth. It can be sensorineural, conductive or mixed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common cause of congenital hearing loss is genetics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can also be caused by premature birth, low birth weight and injuries at birth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One to two babies in every 1,000 are born with permanent hearing loss in one or both ears.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This increases to about one in every 100 babies who have spent more than 48 hours in intensive care.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Permanent hearing loss can significantly affect a baby\u2019s development without the right support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to find out early through newborn screening. Identifying hearing loss at the earliest opportunity helps children and families get the support they need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/baby\/newborn-screening\/hearing-test\/\"><strong>Find out more about newborn screening through the NHS<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is acquired deafness?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Acquired deafness or acquired hearing loss is any kind that happens at any point in life after birth. This could happen because of injury, disease, exposure to loud noise or gradual deterioration of the inner ear with age.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"signs\"><strong>Signs of hearing loss in children<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following signs may indicate hearing loss<strong>:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Red ears in babies and\/or pulling at their ears.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn, tired or frustrated.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delay in their speech and communication development.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reading and learning difficulties.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mishearing and mispronouncing words.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not hearing what&#8217;s going on if there&#8217;s background noise.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not responding when called.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Concentration problems.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Needing the TV to be at a higher volume than other family members.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being startled if touched.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndcs.org.uk\/information-and-support\/childhood-deafness\/does-my-child-have-a-hearing-loss\/\">Find out more about what to do if you\u2019re concerned about your child\u2019s hearing loss.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howmany\"><strong>How many deaf people are there in the UK?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing loss affects approximately 12 million people in the UK.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"disability\"><strong>Is being deaf a disability?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re deaf, it\u2019s up to you to decide whether you identify as disabled. Some D\/deaf people don\u2019t identify as disabled, and many don\u2019t wish to \u201cfix\u201d or \u201ccure\u201d their deafness.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the <strong>Equality Act 2010<\/strong>, people who are deaf or have a hearing loss might be defined as disabled.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This act is in place to make sure that disabled people have equal access and opportunity without discrimination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Sense, we support the social model of disability \u2013 the understanding that disability is something that is created by society.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is because disabled people face barriers that stop them from taking part in society in the same way as non-disabled people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/about-us\/the-social-model-of-disability\/\"><strong>Find out more about the social model of disability<\/strong>.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deaf culture and identity&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people in the Deaf community describe themselves as \u201cDeaf\u201d with a capital \u201cD\u201d to express pride in their Deaf identity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Deaf community has its own set of social beliefs, behaviours, art, history and values.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>British Sign Language (BSL) is the language of the Deaf community in Great Britain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/sign-language\/\">Find out more about BSL.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hearingaids\"><strong>Hearing aids, implants and other devices<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While not everyone with hearing loss wants to use them, wide-ranging technology-based hearing aids are available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who do choose them, hearing aids, implants and other devices can help them to hear better, communicate more confidently and live more independently.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-blue-tint-10  align-center\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are may ways of communicating when living with deafness or hearing loss:<\/p>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t<ul class=\"iconList  iconList--columns  iconList--big\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"iconList__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_touch_Orange_RGB-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Touching an object\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_touch_Orange_RGB-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_touch_Orange_RGB-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_touch_Orange_RGB-450x450.png 450w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_touch_Orange_RGB-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_touch_Orange_RGB-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_touch_Orange_RGB.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__content\"><p><b>Using touch<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/braille\/\">Braille<\/a>\u00a0uses raised dots to touch.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/deafblind-manual\/\">Deafblind Manual<\/a>\u00a0spells words on to your hand.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/block-alphabet\/\">Block alphabet<\/a>\u00a0spells letters on to your hand.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/moon\/\">Moon\u00a0<\/a>uses raised lines, curves and dots to touch.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/tadoma\/\">Tadoma\u00a0<\/a>uses lipreading by touch.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/hand-under-hand-signing\/\">Hand-under-hand signing<\/a>\u00a0using touch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"iconList__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_sign_hands_Orange_RGB-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Two hands signing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_sign_hands_Orange_RGB-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_sign_hands_Orange_RGB-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_sign_hands_Orange_RGB-450x450.png 450w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_sign_hands_Orange_RGB-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_sign_hands_Orange_RGB-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/communication_sign_hands_Orange_RGB.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__content\"><p><b>Using signs<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/sign-language\/\">Sign language<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/makaton\/\">Makaton<\/a>, a simpler version of sign language.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/visual-frame-signing\/\">Visual frame signing<\/a>\u00a0for people with reduced vision.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/objects-of-reference\/\">Objects of reference<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"iconList__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice_speech_bubble_2_Orange_RGB-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Speech bubble\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice_speech_bubble_2_Orange_RGB-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice_speech_bubble_2_Orange_RGB-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice_speech_bubble_2_Orange_RGB-450x450.png 450w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice_speech_bubble_2_Orange_RGB-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice_speech_bubble_2_Orange_RGB-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice_speech_bubble_2_Orange_RGB.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__content\"><p><b>Using speech<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/clear-speech\/\">Clear speech<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/lipreading\/\">Lipreading<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"iconList__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"An orange paint brush mark illustration of a sign post pointing in different directions, representing choices.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-450x450.png 450w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Choices-sign_Orange_PNG_RGB.png 1201w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" style=\"object-position: 50% 50%;\" \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"iconList__content\"><p><b>Also<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/non-formal-communication\/\">Non-formal communication<\/a>\u00a0without speaking, writing or signing.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/intensive-interaction\/\">Intensive interaction<\/a>\u00a0treating everything as communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-3-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/dan-dennis-WQqViZ_Zd8M-unsplash-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Close-up of a landline phone.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/technology\/assistive-technology-for-people-with-hearing-loss\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Assistive technology for people with hearing loss\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tIn this section, find out more about hearing aids and hearing implants, and other ways to support your hearing, including hearing loops and FM systems.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/0204-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Close up of a man seen from the side, smiling with his hand to his mouth. He is wearing a hearing aid in his ear.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/technology\/assistive-technology-for-people-with-hearing-loss\/hearing-aids\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Hearing aids\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tIf you have hearing loss, hearing aids may help you to hear better, communicate more confidently and live more independently.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Nicola-_-Rebecca-26-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Rebecca, a young white woman with dark hair and a hearing implant on a pink band, smiling in a garden.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/technology\/assistive-technology-for-people-with-hearing-loss\/hearing-implants\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Hearing implants\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tIf you have permanent or severe hearing loss, you might have the option of getting a surgically implanted hearing device. Find out more about cochlear implants, and other types of implant. \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"information\"><strong>Information and support for coping with hearing loss<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or your child have just been diagnosed with hearing loss, it can be a scary time. Everyone\u2019s situation is different.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have questions about symptoms or a diagnosis, or need support in other ways, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\">contact Sense\u2019s Information and advice service<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rnid.org.uk\/information-and-support\/local-support-services\/\">RNID also provides local support services<\/a> across the UK.<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndcs.org.uk\/information-and-support\/\">NDCS provides information and support<\/a> <\/strong>on all aspects of deafness and hearing loss in children, from first diagnosis to products and technology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits\"><strong>What benefits can I claim if I\u2019m deaf or have hearing loss?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out what benefits, grants and other financial support you might be entitled to, including help with energy, food, travel and leisure costs, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/benefits-and-money\/\">visit our Benefits and money section<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-hs-snippet \">\n\n\t\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box  ctaBox    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10\">\n    <div class=\"ctaBox__row\">\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support from Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;re here for disabled people with complex needs and their families all over the UK. Get in touch to find out more about the services we offer.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__cta\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\" class=\"button  button--primary\">Find out more<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This content was last reviewed in October 2022. 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