Events for hearing awareness week in Cork are announced

The Cork Deaf Association has unveiled its programme of events, including a free lip-reading taster session, ahead of Cork Hard of Hearing Awareness Week next week.

The week-long awareness campaign will run until Friday, with this year’s theme ‘Stay Connected’ highlighting how awareness, support, and small positive steps can help to improve the lives of those with hearing loss.

The organisation has said that, in Ireland, there are approximately 300,000 people living with significant hearing loss and highlighted how Cork Hard of Hearing Awareness Week can help to shine a light on hearing loss, which can develop gradually, and sometimes go unnoticed for years.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), less than 20% of people who could benefit from hearing devices have their needs met.

DATA

The data showed that approximately one in three adults experience a significant hearing loss by the age of 60 years old, often arising earlier than expected.

The Cork Deaf Association additionally said that untreated hearing loss can affect confidence, communication, and social connection, but timely support can make a remarkable difference.

Sarah Good, who is a hearing loss support coordinator at Cork Deaf Association, has encouraged people across Cork who may be experiencing hearing loss to explore the options available to them.

“Staying connected to friends, family, community and meaningful activities is so important,” said Ms Good.

“Our Hard of Hearing Awareness week programme is designed to help people to explore supports and to learn how to feel more confident about managing their hearing loss.

“We are offering a free lip-reading taster session, and when combined with hearing aids or other assistive tools, it can make everyday conversation easier and help people feel more included.” 

The programme of events includes a number of practical demonstrations and Q&A sessions across the week, with highlights including a talk by Kitty Ross, ‘Get to Know Your Hearing Aids’ on Tuesday from 2.30pm.

To book attendance for an event, contact mail@corkdeaf.ie; call (021) 4505944; or text (086) 853 5574.

For the full programme of events, visit: www.corkdeaf.ie.