Deaf Awareness Week is an annual event raising awareness about deafness and celebrating British deaf culture, community and history.
This year, we’re taking the opportunity to raise awareness of common signs of deafness and hearing loss, to help make sure deaf individuals get the right support as soon as possible.
Why is Deaf Awareness Week important?
In the UK, around half of deaf children are born deaf. The other half are born hearing and become deaf as they get older.
It can be hard for families and teachers to recognise when a child is showing signs of deafness, especially if the deafness is mild, affects one ear only, or happens gradually.
Some signs of childhood deafness – like not responding when called, or preferring to play alone – can be mistaken for conditions like autism. Other signs of deafness – like not following instructions or getting frustrated easily – might be mistaken for being naughty!
The earlier a child is identified as deaf, the earlier they can be supported – whether that’s through getting hearing aids, learning sign language, or having some extra help at school.
That’s why we want to raise awareness about the signs of childhood deafness. Learning to spot common signs of deafness is an important step towards making sure all deaf children get the right support at the right time.
Here at Somer Valley Medical Group we have put the poster attached below up in all three surgery branches to help raise awareness for the early signs of deafness / hearing loss in children.
For more information click here