Last updated 12th April 2024

Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss
Organisations providing support include:

BSL Interpreters can be found through several national databases.
BSL Resources

Hearing Loss

Some people will be hard of hearing; others may be deaf. We need to provide what is appropriate for each person. People will have different ways of communicating. Some use a hearing aid and loop, others British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters or signers, some lip read. Some may use more than one of these ways.

Always speak clearly, not too fast and maintain eye contact.
Each church needs to have a working loop system, with people who understand its importance taking responsibility for ensuring it works properly; for example that the batteries are all charged.
Consider the lighting, a plain background, where people stand, not obscuring the mouth: these are all important and especially for a lip reader.
Leaders, readers and intercessors need training in using the microphone. Those who wear a hearing aid can help with this.
Introduce the main topic that is going to be talked about next, to give a lip reader or signer an indication of what is to follow?
Some people may find it helpful to have a script of the sermon, if that is possible.
BSL interpreters may like to see a script of the sermon beforehand as it will help them to prepare in advance.
Some churches may use a projector for the hymns and prayers and this can be helpful
An inclusive prayer response is: ‘Lord in your mercy receive our prayer’
Neil Robinson has created a video offering Deaf awareness training

Organisations providing support include:

Open Ears - Open Ears is for people with various degrees of impaired hearing, their family, friends and churches.
Go!Sign – a Christian charity empowering people who are deaf
Christian BSL - Christian British Sign Language

BSL Interpreters can be found through several national databases.

The National Register of Communication Professionals with Deaf and Deafblind people: www.nrcpd.org.uk
The Association of Sign Language Interpreters: www.asli.org.uk
Both these organisations have databases that are searchable by regions or postcodes.
Signs of God has a searchable database of Christian interpreters that are familiar with Church services. They are also happy to send interpreting requests to their members: www.signsofgod.org.uk
Oxford Diocese Deaf Church

Quicklinks

Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss

Organisations providing support include:

BSL Interpreters can be found through several national databases.

BSL Resources

Resources