Covid-19 Resources and Support for families of deaf children

Updated: 23rd April 2020

We hope you and your family are well and staying safe in these unprecedented times.

We are continuing to support families, professionals, members and volunteers everyone who needs us during the coronavirus outbreak. The health of everyone and the education for deaf children remains paramount to us.

We have produced a guide below where you need to get support, how we can help and information to support you during this time.

If you have any questions or need more information, please get in touch:

Call 0300 365 7200

Email enquiries@deafeducation.org.uk

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5.30pm. If you contact us outside these times and leave a message, we will get back to you as soon as we can.

DELTA Education Resources

Are you a family of a deaf child and need family support? Our online resource on the Natural Aural Approach and activities can be found here: Family Support

Join our online DELTA Community to talk to other parents and ask questions and find out more advice: DELTA Community

Are you a professional and need more advice on the Natural Aural Approach? You can find out ore about our training and monitoring protocol here: Professional Support

Hearing aids

Do continue to check your child’s hearing aids.

As always, pay particular care to your child’s ear hygiene. Current restrictions are causing great difficulty for replacement ear moulds. A little vaseline may help to give a seal. Encourage continued use of the aids where at all possible. If this should sadly become impracticable, remember to continue to speak clearly and or sing as close to your child’s best hearing ear, at least during reading or close seated play.

Do you need new batteries or tubing?

You may be able to get these from your hearing aid provider. Most NHS audiology departments and private clinics have a postal service for hearing aid batteries and tubing. You should contact your hearing aid provider to find out more about this service.

Do not leave your home to visit your audiology department or clinic unless your audiologist tells you to.

You can access your local NHS Audiologist here: NHS Service Search

Does your hearing aid need adjusting or repairing?

You may be able to get your hearing aids repaired during this time, but it’s likely there will be a delay. This will depend on what’s required and the availability of your hearing aid provider. Contact your hearing aid provider as they may be running a postal repair service in which you can send your hearing aids to hospital and have them sent back to you once repaired. If your provider doesn’t have this service, they should be able to tell you what you can do instead.

Is your hearing coming back with no sound, or sounds muffled?

You should check:

  • if your hearing aid is fitted properly and comfortably
  • if your hearing aid is switched on
  • the volume control on your hearing aid
  • if your hearing aid isn’t switched onto the hearing loop setting
  • if there’s moisture in the tubing
  • if your ear mould or tubing isn’t blocked with ear wax
  • if your battery has worn down and replace with a new one

Is your hearing aid squeaking our whistling?

You should check:

  • if your ear mould is fitted comfortably and properly
  • if you have ear wax. Try to use ear wax softeners.
  • if your tubing has split – replace with a new one

 

Cochlear Implants

Cochlear UK & Ireland

Statement from Cochlear UK & Ireland:

“As we address coronavirus (COVID-19), our highest priority is to protect the well-being of our employees, colleagues within the healthcare system, recipients and people with hearing loss. We want to assure you that during this period, our Customer Service is still available to assist you online uksupport@cochlear.com or by phone +44 (0) 1932 263 640 from 9am to 5:30pm (Monday to Friday).”

Find out more about their ongoing care and support with your Cochlear device here: https://www.cochlear.com/uk/en/home/ongoing-care-and-support

Advanced Bionics

You can contact their customer services:

Customer Service

Phone: +44 (0) 1223 847 888

info.uk@AdvancedBionics.com

Explore their vast library of educational materials, professionally designed to assist in listening, language, music, and assessments. All of their services and resources can be personalized to optimally support you and your family throughout your journey to hearing.

Find out more: Listening Resources

You can join in The Listening Room (run by Phonak and Advanced Bionics). Here you will find a host of free, fun activities and resources to support the development of speech, language, and listening skills in people of all ages with a hearing loss.

The Listening Room features three sections with content created specifically for their respective age groups: Infants & Toddlers, Kids, and Teens & Adults.

Find out more: The Listening Room