In the UK alone, roughly 12 million adults are deaf, have tinnitus or hearing loss. This staggering number is expected to rise by 2035 to approximately 14.2 million adults.
When and what is Deaf Awareness Week?
The annual Deaf Awareness Week, taking place from 6th to 12th May 2024, is dedicated to raising awareness about the Deaf community, its history, culture, and the language. It aims to highlight the impact that losing your hearing can have on your day-to-day life and seeks to educate us all on how we can support the deaf community. This year, the focus of Deaf Awareness Week is to shine a light on the communication needs of those who are deaf, and to promote for access to greater communication tools.
How can we all support the cause?
There are many ways by which we can all help in supporting the Deaf community. Below are just a few suggestions:
- Learn basic sign language: Take initiative in supporting the deaf community by learning some basic sign language; beginner courses and information are accessible online. Having this skill will allow us to interact more freely with those who are deaf or hard of hearing and builds up strong relationships.
- Use visual communication skills: Always ensure that you maintain eye contact and directly face the person who has hearing loss. Speak as clearly as possible and at a good pace but avoid shouting and over-enunciating.
- Educate those around you and the spread the word: Take the opportunity as much as possible, but especially during Deaf Awareness Week, to educate your friends, family and fellow peers about hearing loss, tinnitus, and deafness. Again, lots can be found online and on social media which will help raise awareness and support the deaf community.
How do Oliver & Co support the Deaf Community?
Here at Oliver & Co Solicitors, we always strive to hold ourselves accountable and to have a positive impact on the wider community.
To assist our clients with hearing impairments the following tools have been introduced in our office:
- A hearing loop was installed in our reception area and a portable loop is available for client meetings. The loop helps to transfer conversation clearly to a hearing aid, regardless of any background noise.
- Our employees have taken part in deaf awareness training, which allows them to offer the best service to clients with hearing impairments. We have adopted many skills and tips from this training that help in our work and personal life.
Successful claims for compensation
From a legal perspective, our specialist Industrial Disease team have pursued many successful claims for compensation for those who have suffered noise-induced hearing loss from their employment or time in the military.
It has been understood for many years that prolonged exposure to noise without the appropriate protection whilst at work leading to hearing loss and tinnitus, can form the basis of a legal compensation claim. The compensation received from such a claim does not only recompense for the injury our client has suffered but allows them to purchase the communication tools and services required to live an independent and fruitful life.
If you have therefore suffered from noise induced hearing loss from your time in employment or the military, please contact us by telephone on 01244 312306 or by email at law@oliverandco.co.uk to see how we can help. Our friendly, specialist team are here to help get the compensation you deserve.
