Deaf services
On this page
Deaf services promote safety, independence, inclusion and as good a quality of life as possible for people in Highland who are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafened, or deafblind.
We work in close liaison with clients, families and partner agencies across the Highland HSCP area, including audiology, Technology Enabled Care (TEC), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and housing associations (for environmental equipment fittings).
Important: Contacts
Main office location
4 Fodderty Way
Dingwall Business Park
Dingwall
IV15 9XB
- phone 01349 868 711
- mobile 07887 833 889
- email highland.deafservice@nhs.scot
How to access our services
You can access our services by self-referring (contact our office using details above) or you can be referred by another service or person who will contact us on your behalf.
About the service
Deaf services works to support people who have a hearing loss across Highland. We also work with those with a dual sensory loss. We ensure that there is appropriate guidance and support to families, unpaid carers, and colleagues in partner agencies.
We provide a reablement service for those with any kind of hearing loss, including specialist environmental assessments, and provision of and guidance with:
- environmental aids
- Deaf awareness
- communication tactics
- practical support
- emotional support
- providing carer advice, guidance and support
- liaising with integrated community colleagues, partner agencies and specialist audiology services
The Deaf service team's range of services includes:
- assessments for environmental aids and equipment, which can help with hearing alarms (such as a fire alarm), the doorbell, the TV and conversations
- British Sign Language (BSL) tuition for families who have a child with hearing loss, and NHS Highland staff
- drop-in service in various locations throughout Highland
- training for individuals, services and groups in:
- Deaf Awareness
- Sight Loss Awareness
- Deafblind Awareness
- accredited BSL courses
- other bespoke training courses and materials involving hearing and sight loss
- a link worker service to local care homes, to promote and support good practice in sensory care, and support and guide care staff with the maintenance and care of hearing aids (including batteries and tubing), including the development of communication care plans
Drop-in centres
Clients can drop in at these places with no appointment needed, for:
- hearing aid batteries (alternatively available at audiology drop-in centres)
- tubing
- other NHS hearing aid maintenance
- demonstrations
- help, support and advice - guidance to those with a hearing loss, including referrals to other services
- trialling of environmental equipment
Useful links
- Hearing and Sight Care - providing free and confidential support to people with hearing and sight loss in Caithness
- Highland Deaf Children's Society - a group that helps families of deaf and hard of hearing children
- Lochaber Sensory Care is a charity providing a variety of practical and support services to those living with a sight or hearing loss in Lochaber
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