May 06, 2026 - 230 views
Families across Wales are being encouraged to learn the early signs of deafness in children as part of Deaf Awareness Week, which runs from May 4 to 10.
The campaign, led by National Deaf Children’s Society, aims to raise awareness of deafness while celebrating the deaf community and highlighting the importance of early support for children with hearing loss.
Across the UK, around 50,000 children are deaf or have some level of hearing loss, with thousands of families in Wales affected. Experts say many cases are not immediately obvious, particularly where hearing loss is mild or affects only one ear.
Parents are being advised to look out for signs that can often be overlooked. These may include a child not responding when their name is called, difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, appearing tired or withdrawn, or missing parts of speech.
The charity says recognising these signs early can have a significant impact on a child’s development. With the right support, deaf children can build strong communication skills and develop confidence from an early age.
In Wales, newborn hearing screening is routinely offered to babies, helping to identify many cases shortly after birth. However, some types of hearing loss can develop later in childhood, making ongoing awareness important for parents and carers.
Support is available to families from the earliest stages, including advice on communication, education and access to specialist services. The National Deaf Children’s Society provides free information and guidance to families of children with all levels of hearing loss.
Parents or carers who have concerns about their child’s hearing are being urged not to ignore them and to seek advice as soon as possible.
More information is available via the charity’s website or by calling its free helpline on 0808 800 8880.
