Deafness charity urges people in Greater Manchester not to be the donut in the room this Deaf Awareness Week

Date published: 07 May 2019

National charity Action on Hearing Loss is marking Deaf Awareness Week 2019 (6 May – 12 May 2019) by encouraging people in Greater Manchester to learn more about deafness and how they can be deaf aware.

Its ‘Don’t be a Donut, Be Deaf Aware’ campaign is highlighting the awkward things people say to those living with deafness and hearing loss, shining a light on the many misconceptions some people have.

The charity will be sharing numerous personal stories from supporters throughout the week including the one testing a man’s disability by asking to ‘try on’ his hearing aid and an airport insisting that a deaf woman must use a wheelchair.

The campaign aims to encourage those with all levels of deafness and hearing loss to join the conversation by sharing their own stories about the awkward things that have been said to them about their condition - ultimately highlighting why greater deaf awareness is so important.

Pennine Care provides a range of nationally accredited audiology services for children and adults living in Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale (HMR) and Oldham. This includes hearing and balance assessments, along with support and rehabilitation for conditions such as tinnitus.

Within the Audiology section on My Health My Community, there are guides showing people how to use hearing aids – change batteries, tubing etc. It also encourages and advises people how to go about managing their hearing loss and receive advice and help.

For more information, please visit:

• www.mhmc.penninecare.nhs.uk/

Mark Atkinson, Chief Executive at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “These stories highlight the fact that despite there being 11 million people in the UK with various levels of hearing loss, there is still a widespread lack of awareness among the general public about hearing conditions and the people who live with them.

“By highlighting these misconceptions, we would like encourage people to reconsider their own attitudes and preconceptions and no longer be the ‘donut’ in the room.”

To find out more about Action on Hearing Loss’ Deaf Awareness Week campaign, Don’t be a Donut, please visit: 

• www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/DAW19