If you are having a problem with your hearing the first thing to do is see your GP so they can check your ears and refer you to your local audiology department for a hearing test, if necessary.
You may also be referred to the ear, nose and throat department (ENT) at the hospital if there are other issues with your ears or hearing.
Deaf people: This is the umbrella term for all deaf people.
Hard of hearing: Deaf people who use speech as their main form of communication and may use hearing aids.
Deafened: Deaf people who have lost all or most of their hearing after acquiring spoken language and rely on lip-reading and text for communication.
Deaf, british sign language (BSL) users: Deaf people who use british sign language as their main or preferred language.
How can I check my hearing?
You can check your hearing on the Action on Hearing Loss (AOHL) website. This hearing check will tell you if you have any hearing loss and what you need to do next.
How can I get support?
Follow these 7 simple steps to help you get the support you need:
Get a professional opinion
Visit your local GP to request a referral to your local audiologist within the NHS service.
Have your level of hearing loss confirmed
It is important to have your level of hearing loss confirmed by an audiologist and that you ask for your audiogram and next steps to be explained to you in a way that you understand.
Provision of hearing aids
If NHS digital hearing aids are issued at the time of the appointment, please be aware that when you leave the soundproof room the noise outside of this room will be much louder.
Give yourself time to adjust to wearing your new hearing aids and persevere as much as you can. Your brain needs time to get used to hearing new sounds again.
Get a referral to your local sensory (rehabilitation) team
Get in touch with us and we will be able to assess your needs.
Contact Staffordshire Cares:
Phone: 0300 111 8010
Text: 0796 673 8920
Have a personal action plan
It is important that you have a personal action plan which is based on your individual assessment as well as a good understanding of the local services available in your community. These will help you to live a more independent and active life.
Continuously review your plan
Make sure you visit your doctor or audiologist routinely for reviews of any changes in your hearing if you have any issues with your NHS hearing aids and review your own personal action plan. Hearing tests or reviews are usually done every 3 years. Don’t delay or suffer in silence.
Enjoy living more independently
By following these steps you will be better informed and be able to live with deafness more confidently and independently.
How do I get an advocate?
If you need support to help you to make informed decisions an advocate will be able to help you. We can arrange an independent advocate for you.
Please see our pages on the following: