In
the U.K. there are approximately 60 million people. Deafness affects
approximately 9 million of them, thats 1 in 7 of the population.
Approximately
8.3 million are hard of hearing. Many may benefit from using hearing
aids. The majority of hard of hearing people are over 60. Hearing
loss increases sharply with age. About one third of people aged
between 61-70 have a significant hearing loss. Three quarters of
people over 70 have a significant hearing loss.
There
are approximately 123,000 deafened people in the U.K. These are
usually people who became profoundly deaf as teenagers or adults.
Approximately 20,000 deafened people are under 60 years of age.
Approximately
50-70,000 deaf people in the U.K. use British Sign Language as their
first, or preferred language.
90%
of deaf children are born to hearing parents.
Approximately
23,000 deaf children between the ages of 0-15 wear hearing aids.
There
are approximately 24,000 deafblind people in the U.K. 15,000 of
these are over 70. Deafblind people are defined as having a severe
degree of combined visual and auditory impairment resulting in problems
with communication, information and mobility.
If
you have any questions or would like further information on courses
or to book training please contact: jeanette@wcts.org.uk
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