Sources of further support and help
Your first port of call will usually be your GP if you notice any changes with your hearing so you can start the process to find out the cause and get advice on treatment. Self-referral to free NHS services is available in many areas or you can seek help through the private sector.
Hearing Therapists can offer a holistic information counselling approach to patients of audiology services. Sometimes where conventional audiology appointments offer limited scope to explore where a patient may have more complex multi-factorial needs and / or where the patient may not benefit from a hearing device but may still experience listening and communication and related difficulties.
However, if you want any further support or help with any aspect of hearing, balance or tinnitus, there are some amazing charities and support groups that can provide independent help. Here’s a few to get you started:
As the largest charity for people with hearing loss in the UK, RNID understand how hearing loss can affect everything in your life from your relationships, to your education and your job prospects.
From day-to-day-care, to practical information, to campaigning for a fairer world for people with hearing loss, and funding research to find a cure, they are taking action on hearing loss.
The British Tinnitus Association is an independent charity supporting thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advise medical professionals from across the world. They are the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, facilitating an improved quality of life. They aim to encourage prevention through their educational programme and to seek effective treatment for tinnitus through a medical research programme.
They seek to provide the most appropriate and expert advice and information free of charge via our confidential freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527.
They offer a number of services to education professionals, schools, local authorities and resource provisions: Consultancy, Technical Support, Resources and Training
Hear Together is a brand new charity that’s all about living well with hearing loss.
The value and importance of connecting with other people have never been so clear; Connection and Communication are absolutely fundamental to our well-being.
Having a hearing loss can make connection & communication much harder, but there are lots of ways to help yourself and each other. So if you or anyone you know has a hearing loss, Hear Together is here to help you!
Hear Together has been formed from The Ear Foundation and they have lots of exciting new plans to connect with you. Email them info@heartogether.org.uk
The Hearing Dogs charity train dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds they would otherwise miss – sounds that many people take for granted like the doorbell, alarm clock and even danger signals like the fire alarm. Being aware of these – thanks to a hearing dog – makes a real difference to deaf people’s lives, and can even save them.
Whilst training hearing dogs are their main focus, the charity does do more than that. They have a helpdesk, community support volunteers, they help with technology and provide a range of support groups.
Hearing Link is a UK-wide charity for people with hearing loss, their families and friends
They are there to help you adjust to the practical and emotional challenges that hearing loss can bring – offering shared experiences, practical support and guidance, so you can reconnect with people and face the future with confidence. Whatever your query or concern, whether you have hearing loss yourself or wish to support someone else, please get in touch. They look forward very much to hearing from you.
The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity for deaf children. They are there for every deaf child who needs them– no matter what their level or type of deafness or how they communicate.
They give expert support on childhood deafness, raise awareness and campaign for deaf children’s rights, so they have the same opportunities as everyone else.
They help children, parents and professionals in a multitude of ways.