Deafness

On this page, we use the term ‘deaf’ to refer to any child with a hearing loss, for the purposes of consistency. However, it is important to note that some children and young people may identify with and prefer to use a different description. Current estimates suggest there are over 50,000 deaf children and young people across the UK.

Some children are deaf from birth (congenital) and other children become deaf later in life (acquired). It might affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral) and the hearing levels in each ear could be the same or different. Further information on the different types and degrees of hearing loss, available technology and communication choices can be found on the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy website.

Further information and support for deaf children is also available on the National Deaf Children’s Society website.  

In Dorset, we work closely with the hearing support service, local audiology services and other professionals within health and education to support deaf children.

If your child or teenager requires support with their speech, language or communication a referral to Dorset Speech and Language Therapy can be made.