Frequently Ask Questions
The FAQ's page covers some of the most commonly ask questions about deafness and deaf people.
Q: Why is there so little available for younger hearing impaired people?
Hearing loss effects a very small percentage of the population under 60yrs. That's why there is little information available!
Statistics produced by the RNID tell us that only 6.6% of the population between 16-60 have a mild, moderate, severe or profound hearing loss. See their website for more details here:
Q: Do I need to learn sign language?
No! Not unless you want to. But many people do, as you'll find it easier to communicate with other deaf people, plus you will have the option to use a sign language interpreter.
British Sign Language (BSL) is the language of deaf people who have been born with a severe/profound hearing loss. It doesn't use the same grammar as English. There's also Sign Supported English (SSE) which is signing in the same order as you would speak.
For more information about BSL visit the British Deaf Associations website at :
http://bda.org.uk/
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If you want to find out more about BSL classes in your area check out your local college prospectus or visit:
http://www.learndirect.co.uk/
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Q: How can I learn to lip-read?
To some degree, everyone lip reads, how good you are depends on your level of deafness and your own personal ability.
It's impossible to lipread everything, anyway. But by joining a class you'll have another back-up to your hearing, plus you're likely to meet other people in the same boat as you.
For more information about lipreading classes visit: ATLA's website at:
http://www.lipreading.org.uk
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Or contact your local college.
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