Deafness and hearing loss support
This page offers a list of support and information services for people who are Deaf or living with acquired hearing loss.
Access to Work
Access to Work is a Government scheme that can help you get, or stay, in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
The support you get will depend on your needs, but could include a grant to help pay for practical support with your work, specialist equipment and assistive software and support workers, like a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, a job coach or a travel buddy.
Access to Work can also help pay for communication support at a job interview if you need a BSL interpreter or lipspeaker.
British Deaf Association
The British Deaf Association campaigns for Deaf people who use BSL.
It promotes the rights and voices of Deaf people and those with hearing loss and empowers them to use local public services.
C2Hear
C2Hear is an online resource of short interactive videos about hearing aid use and maintenance, hearing loss and communication.
It was co-designed with hearing aid users, members of the public and audiologists and funded by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research.
Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK supports people with both sight and hearing loss.
They can provide practical help, emotional support and help with technology, along with confidential and impartial information and advice.
The charity also offers a befriending service, runs social groups and publishes a quarterly magazine.
The helpline is free and open Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm (excluding bank holidays).
- 0800 132320
- [email protected]
- Text: 07903572885, Text Relay: 18001 then 0800 132320
Deaf Connexions
Deaf Connexions is a local voluntary organisation working across Norfolk.
They provide a range of support to enable Deaf people and those who are hard of hearing to access services and raise awareness about the impact that hearing loss has on people’s lives.
The group can help with:
- Support with Housing
- Benefit appeals
- Applying for Benefits
- Complaints
- Support with money
- Access to services
Face-to-face drop-in sessions are available at the Norwich Deaf Community Centre in Norwich on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- [email protected]
- Text: 07932 069352
- Whatsapp: 07932 069352
Hear for Norfolk
Hear for Norfolk is the working name for Norfolk Deaf Association, a charitable company that supports people of all ages and all degrees of hearing loss and related conditions.
They can help with the maintenance of hearing aids, hearing testing, ear wax removal and general information and advice.
The charity also offers hearing loss awareness training and runs the Cuppa Care project, which provides emotional, wellbeing and practical support.
National Deaf Children's Society
The National Deaf Children’s Society supports Deaf children and young adults under the age of 25, their families, and the people who work with them.
The website features a wide range of information and resources about education and learning, language and communication, products and technology and your rights.
The charity also runs a helpline and local support groups across the country.
The helpline is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday, 9am to 12.30pm.
- 0808 800 8880
- Text: 07860 022 888
- www.ndcs.org.uk/contact-us/general-contact-form
NHS Norfolk Community Audiology Service
NHS Norfolk Community Audiology Service offers free NHS Hearing Tests and Hearing Aids for people aged 50+ who are registered with a GP in the Central Norfolk Locality (North Norfolk, South Norfolk and Norwich).
No GP referral is required and there are clinics in Brundall, Fakenham, Norwich Central, Norwich South, Sheringham and Thetford.
The service is fully funded by the NHS, with hearing tests, hearing aids, batteries and follow-up appointments all being free of charge.
Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Norfolk Deaf Children's Society
Affiliated to the National Deaf Children’s Society, this group is led by parents on a voluntary basis. They aim to support all Deaf children, young Deaf people and their families in facing the challenges of hearing loss.
A monthly youth club takes place on the last Saturday of each month, either at the Deaf Community Centre in Norwich or at an external location.
Norfolk Sensory Support
This is Norfolk County Council’s support service, including for those who are Deafblind or hearing impaired.
The Sensory Support Unit offers the opportunity for all children and adults who use British Sign Language to have their social care assessments conducted in BSL.
The team identify barriers that vulnerable Deaf people and people with hearing loss may face in accessing services for their health and social care needs.
Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
The RNID supports people who are Deaf, have hearing loss or are living with tinnitus.
They provide information on benefit entitlements, employment rights and technology and assistive devices that can promote independent living.
The charity also runs RNID Near You, local support sessions in community spaces across the UK.
Lines are open 8.30am-5.30pm.
Live Chat and BSL video call are also available.
Tinnitus UK
Tinnitus UK provides free support to anyone with tinnitus or caring for someone with tinnitus.
As well as local support groups, they also run webinars about tinnitus and hubs offering support to members of the Armed Forces and those who work in the music industry.
Phone lines and live chat are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
West Norfolk Deaf Association
A local charity based in King’s Lynn and Downham Market providing specialist support and practical assistance to Deaf people and those with acquired hearing difficulties in West Norfolk.
They offer a range of support services to suit people of all ages and all levels of hearing loss.