Deaf Awareness Week 2026

Deaf Awareness Week is an annual event that raises awareness about deafness and celebrates British deaf culture, community, and history. Deaf Awareness Week runs from the 4th to the 10th of May. It is a chance to recognise the experiences of people who are deaf or have hearing loss.

Hearing loss affects 1 in 3 people

Hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus affect 1 in 3 people in the UK today. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) will recognise and raise awareness of the experiences of people who are deaf or have hearing loss throughout the week.

RNIB research found that two-thirds of deaf people and people with hearing loss had experienced negative attitudes from others in the last year. More than a quarter say they are ignored in public by most people, and if they miss the conversation the first time, millions are being dismissed and told 'it doesn't matter'.

Sign up for simple communication tips and BSL phrases 'It does matter': BSL phrases and communication tips - RNID

You can check your hearing in just 3 minutes with the RNID online hearing test: RNIB hearing test.

Deafness and hearing loss in children

In the UK, around half of deaf children are born deaf. The other half are born hearing and become deaf as they get older. Some children may be identified as deaf later in childhood and others may experience temporary hearing loss, such as glue ear.

The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) will use deaf Awareness week to raise awareness of common signs of deafness and hearing loss, to help make sure deaf children get the right support as soon as possible.

Signs of deafness and hearing loss in children