Action on Hearing Loss is encouraging businesses, schools and communities to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May) by holding a ‘Dress in Decibels’ day, organising a bake sale or taking part in a lipreading challenge.

Claire Lavery, Director of Action on Hearing Loss Northern Ireland, said: “1 in 6 people in Northern Ireland have a hearing loss, yet our hearing is often something we are reluctant to talk about openly. We want to change attitudes towards hearing loss, encouraging people to talk about their hearing and break down the barriers that people with hearing loss and deafness face every day. Deaf Awareness Week is a great opportunity to get together with friends or colleagues, have some fun, raise awareness and vital funds at the same time. There are lots of ways to get involved, whether it’s holding a ‘Dress in Decibels Day’, taking part in a bake sale, or relying on lipreading for a meeting or school lesson.”

The charity is offering FREE hearing checks at its offices in Belfast (Harvester House, 4-8 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GA), Derry/Londonderry (3 Strand Road, 1st Floor Embassy Building, Derry BT48 7BH) and Omagh (Omagh Community House, 2 Drumragh Avenue, Omagh, BT78 1DP) on Wednesday 8th May from 8.00am to 6.00pm. This is not a full hearing test, but will indicate whether your hearing is within the normal range and if you need to see your GP.

Tasha Henderson who lives in Belfast and is severely deaf, said: “I regularly have to explain my hearing loss to people. Because I can speak perfectly people often don’t realise I’m deaf; I’ve even had an interview where the employer refused to believe me. I think it’s great that Action on Hearing Loss is raising awareness during Deaf Awareness Week, encouraging people to think about the barriers deaf people face, and also have fun. I’ve got a few colourful clothes myself so I’m looking forward to seeing pictures of the outfits that people come up with!”

Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #DeafAwarenessWeek and tag @hearinglossNI on Facebook or Twitter, or @actiononhearingloss_ni on Instagram. 

To find out more and to download your FREE kit and posters, follow the link - www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk