Hearing Dogs for Deaf People urges people to be aware

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which has a puppy training hub in South Oxfordshire, shared the call during Deaf Awareness Week (4–10 May).

The charity highlighted ongoing challenges faced by deaf individuals, despite increasing awareness of hearing loss.

David Robson, a spokesperson for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “Hearing dogs provide life-changing support for deaf people, alerting them to important and often life-saving sounds, as well as helping them feel more independent and more connected.

“But inclusion goes beyond the work of our dogs – it’s about how we all communicate and interact every day.

“Small changes in behaviour can make a huge difference.”

To mark Deaf Awareness Week, the charity has published ten practical tips for communicating with deaf people.

The advice includes making sure you have someone’s attention before speaking, facing them so they can lipread, and avoiding covering your mouth or speaking while eating.

Other suggestions include speaking clearly without exaggerating, using written communication if needed, and learning basic British Sign Language (BSL).

Maxine Clare, who was partnered with her hearing dog Walter in 2016, described the isolation that can come with hearing loss.

Ms Clare said: “When my own hearing loss deteriorated, I discovered just how isolating deafness can be.

“It wasn’t just about missing sounds; it was missing that connection with people.

“If I didn’t respond, people assumed I was ignoring them.

“I’ve been pushed, dragged, screamed at, and sworn at – just because I didn’t hear people asking me to move.

“These moments are what make me so passionate about deaf awareness.

“Walter wears a burgundy jacket that signals he’s a hearing dog.

“That jacket does more than grant access; it sparks conversations and breaks down barriers.

“If I could leave you with one thought it would be that next time, if someone doesn’t respond when you’re talking to them, instead of feeling affronted, embarrassed, or frustrated, maybe your first thought should be, ‘perhaps they’re deaf.’”

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains dogs to alert deaf people to vital sounds, such as smoke alarms, doorbells and even baby monitors.

The charity has developed a practical guide called ‘It Matters’, which offers simple advice to help people communicate more effectively and confidently with deaf people.

The guide reinforces the message that everyone deserves to feel included and that small actions can make a big difference.

It can be downloaded at www.hearingdogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/communication-guide.