Hearing loss: how churches can help

Hearing loss affects one in six people in Milngavie and Bearsden, including more than half of people aged over 60.

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland is encouraging churches to ensure that they have a fully working induction loop to amplify the voices of worship leaders and carol singers for hearing aid wearers.

The charity has also issued deaf awareness tips for churches.

These include making sure you have the attention of a person with hearing loss before speaking and using plain language and speaking clearly.

If you’re not being understood, try saying it in a different way and don’t shout as it’s uncomfortable for hearing aid wearers and can look aggressive.

Delia Henry, Director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, said: “Churches are at their busiest when the community comes together at Christmas - so we hope that services and celebrations will be inclusive and accessible for Milngavie and Bearsden residents who are deaf or have hearing loss.

“We encourage worship leaders and volunteers to follow our basic deaf awareness tips to support churchgoers with hearing loss to participate in all their events and activities during this season of goodwill.”

For information about deaf awareness visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/deafawareness or send an e-mail to: [email protected]