The type and frequency of support offered will depend on the level of hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe or profound) as diagnosed by clinical audiologists and its impact on your child, as well as:
- Age at diagnosis
- Additional needs
- If your child is in a transition year (about to start or change school)
The type of support and its frequency will be reviewed and will change if needed.
Support for a Mild Hearing Loss:
Information for Parents/Carers
- If your child has recently been diagnosed with a bilateral (affecting both ears) mild hearing loss and has been prescribed hearing aid(s), the audiologists in the clinic have most likely already referred you to the Deaf and Hearing Support Team. However, if your child has been diagnosed with a temporary mild to moderate hearing loss, for example caused by glue ear, you will not need a referral to our team.
- Do not worry if you are not sure – you can still access the support we offer below.
What support is offered for children and young people with a mild hearing loss?
Children and young people diagnosed with bilateral (affecting both ears) mild hearing loss who have been issued hearing aids, will receive the following package of support:
- Advice from a qualified Teacher of the Deaf over the phone at the point of referral.
- Invitation to Babble and Chat sessions for preschool children (0-4yrs)
- Generic recommendations for this type of loss to school/setting SENCOs and further support if required
- Signposting to other organisations, such as National Deaf Children’s Society and BID Services
Please note that this package of support does not include the allocation of a visiting Teacher of the Deaf.
Support for a unilateral hearing loss (affecting one ear only):
Children and young people diagnosed with unilateral hearing loss will receive the following package of support:
- Advice from a qualified Teacher of the Deaf over the phone at the point of referral and further support if required
- Invitation to Babble and Chat Group sessions for preschool children (0-4yrs)
- Free on-line training for professionals
- Signposting to other organisations, such as National Deaf Children’s Society and BID Services
- Information about unilateral hearing loss from National Deaf Children’s Society
Support for a mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss:
Support for children diagnosed with a mild-moderate, moderate, severe or profound hearing loss is delivered by a visiting Teacher of the Deaf or specialist practitioner, and may include:
- Ongoing advice and support for parents/carers
- Specialist playgroup – Babble and Chat for pre-schoolers with hearing loss and their families
- Access to a radio aid (assistive listening device) once the child is in a setting
- Support around development of listening and language
- Online or in-person training for adults working with your child
- Support around transition (starting or changing nursery or school)
- Assessment of listening and language and target setting
- Advice around teaching and learning approaches, social interaction, emotions and Literacy
- Written guidance with effective strategies for staff
- In-class observations and individual teaching sessions
- Understanding their own hearing loss (for older children)
- Opportunities for children with hearing loss to meet other deaf children
- Preparation for adulthood: Transition to college/ university support including an online annual programme
- Advice and supporting letters for Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payments.
- Opportunities for children and young people and their families to meet other children and families.