Most of us take our hearing for granted. However, some people are born with problems with their hearing and many of us begin to have hearing problems as we get older. By the age of 80, most of us will have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can sometimes make it difficult to communicate with others and to live an independent and fulfilling life.

If you are hearing impaired, we want to support you so you can live as independently as possible. Whether you need a hearing aid or just some information and advice, there are plenty of services on offer to help make life easier.

Have you spoken to someone about your needs? Find out how to get information and advice about care and support .

 

 

Registering as hearing impaired

You can ask to be registered as hearing impaired by contacting a specialist adviser from the Virgin Hearing and Vision Service on 01225 395331 or email  BATHNES.hearingandvision@virgincare.co.uk

 

Am I eligible for support?

If you have hearing loss that is impacting on your day to day life you can contact the Virgin Hearing and Vision Service for information and advice and to discuss what support may be available to you.

You may also be able to claim certain benefits like transport discounts or disability benefits.

It will depend on your needs and financial circumstances whether or not you have to pay for your care and support.

Equipment for people with hearing loss

Specially designed equipment can help make life easier if you have hearing loss. This can include things like:

- telephones that use text rather than speech
- flashing light doorbells
- loop systems.

For more details and to buy equipment, visit:
Our local partner DeafPlus
The Disability Living Foundation’s Living Made Easy website
deafequipment.co.uk 
 Action on Hearing Loss

What is a hearing dog and how do I apply for one?

Hearing dogs are dogs trained to alert deaf children and adults to important household sounds and danger signals such as the alarm clock, doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm - providing independence, confidence and valuable companionship. If you would like to apply for a hearing dog, contact the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity.

Looking after someone who is hearing impaired?

Talk to the specialist social worker who works with the person you look after about what you do to support them. They will ask you about your needs and may put you in touch with someone who will carry out a carers' assessment with you to work out what will make life easier for you and the person you care for.

If the person you look after has not spoken to anyone about their needs, find out how to get information and advice about care and support.

You can also contact our partner BANES Carers' Centre today on 0800 0388885 to get some help and advice about how to make caring easier.

I think I need a hearing aid

Hearing aids amplify the sound coming Into your ear, making it easier for you to hear. How well a hearing aid will work for you will depend on the cause and severity of the hearing loss. Talk to your GP about the possibility of getting a hearing aid. They will refer you to the Virgin Hearing and Vision Service

For more information on types of hearing aid and where you can buy one, visit this joint Age UK and UK Hearing Care website. 

I'm worried about my hearing

Talk to your GP about your concerns and you will be referred for a hearing test.

Where can I get help?

If you are worried about your hearing, ask your GP to arrange a hearing test for you.

You can ask to be registered as hearing impaired by contacting a specialist adviser from the Virgin Hearing and Vision Service on 01225 395331or email BATHNES.hearingandvision@virgincare.co.uk

The Virgin Hearing and Vision Service is a specialist social care team who will talk to you about your needs and help work out what will help you live a more independent life. If you have not yet spoken to anyone about your needs, find out how to get information and advice about care and support.

Contact our local partner DeafPlus for a range of services and advice.

National organisations
Action on Hearing Loss is a national charity working to support people with hearing loss.

Disability Living Foundation’s Living Made Easy website and deafequipment.co.uk 

If you would like to apply for a hearing dog, contact the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity.

Find the information or support you are looking for on Wellbeing Options - a website containing lots of useful information about local care providers, clubs, services and activities, along with links to other useful websites and resources.