intouch - hearing dogs for deaf people · in august this year, hearing dogs for deaf people and...

inTouch

News for Hearing Dog recipients and Hearing Link beneficiaries

3 years5

Hearing Link Matters Winter issue 2017

“Both Hearing Dogs and Hearing Link have been a great help to me”

In Touch Winter 2017 single space after stops_Layout 1 07/11/2017 11:55

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In August this year, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Hearing Link joined forces in a friendly merger.

The combination of the two organisations will mean a greater number of people with hearing loss across theUK will be able to access our life-changing services.

As we look ahead to the future, Michele Jennings, Chief Executive of the merged charity, and Lorraine Gailey,Chief Operating Officer of Hearing Link, share their vision for joint working and future service provision.

Stronger togetherI am thrilled Hearing Dogs have joined forces with Hearing Link and sodelighted at the prospect of helping many more beneficiaries. This year,Hearing Dogs’ 35th Anniversary has proved to an exciting time with manyplans and projects coming to fruition.

The Welcome Centre at the Grange is set to open in the new year, as awonderful facility to open up Hearing Dogs to the wider public and helpsecure a new income stream for the future. But perhaps the mostamazing achievement has been the merger with Hearing Link, that nowgives deafened people access to a much greater range of services under“one roof”.

HRH The Princess Royal, Royal Patron of Hearing Dogs, attended the charity's board meeting in Julyat the Grange, Buckinghamshire. The Chairman,Faith Clark announced the merger with HearingLink of which her Royal Highness is alsopatron. The Princess Royal will continue asRoyal Patron of the merged charity.

Together, Hearing Dogs withHearing Link aim to supportdeafened people fromprofound to mild hearing losswith a much wider range ofservices; the provision ofhearing dogs, assistiveequipment advice, anddedicated courses andsupport. The first residential course has just been held at the Grange over a weekend in October.

The merger will provide logical cost benefitsby efficiently combining back office functions,such as finance, fundraising, volunteeringand administration. We will be maintainingthe identities of both charities, as both are well recognised and well-lovedorganisations.

Finally, I would like to extend a verywarm welcome to those dedicated staffand great volunteers that have nowcome into the Hearing Dogs family fromHearing Link.

MIchele Jennings


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In this issueWelcome to your copy of InTouch – Hearing Link Matters. We hope you enjoy this issue which offers anexciting combination of news and articles from both Hearing Dogs and Hearing Link.

Charity merger - pages 2 and 3Self Management Programmes - page 5What does a hearing dog do? - pages 6 and 7How technology can help you - pages 8 and 9Living better with hearing loss - pages 10 and 11Hearing Link Helpdesk is your lifeline - pages 12 and 13 Remembering Billy - page 14Tributes - page 15

Your next issue will be published in Summer 2018. Have a great Christmas and New Year.

InTouch – Hearing Link Matters is accessiblein BSL via the links atwww.hearingdogs.org.uk/in-touch

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Hearing Dogs and Hearing Link merge

Hearing Link: A bright futureAs Hearing Link starts our next chapter, our supportand advice services will have added energy andvitality as we join forces with our new colleagues atHearing Dogs.

We aim to help even more people to reconnect witheach other and their families, so they can embracelife again – whatever their level of hearing. We’ll do that first and foremost through ourHelpdesk. It provides free and independent advice,

support and signposting by email, phone and text topeople struggling with changes in their own hearingor the hearing of a relative or friend.

Complementing our Helpdesk, we have a growingnetwork of Community Support Volunteers acrossthe country who can offer personalised advice on a face-to-face basis, grounded in their own hearingchallenges and experiences.

We also run courses that offer life-changing supportwhen people are struggling with gradual or suddenchanges to their hearing, and we encourageeveryone to participate in our Let’s Hear initiative – a community-driven approach to enhance hearing in public places across the UK.

And of course we have our Hearing Link shop,where you can find all sorts of solutions to easecommunication in the home and outside. There areso many products and services available today, but it can be confusing to know how to choose the onethat’s right for you. Our dedicated andknowledgeable volunteers are there to discuss yourparticular needs and help you get the best fromwhatever equipment you have.

All of our work is developed and led by ourpassionate, committed volunteers who share insightand understanding through their own experiences tohelp us meet the growing/local needs of those livingwith hearing loss. We are all excited to be workingwithin Hearing Dogs, and we are looking forward toa great shared future.

Dr Lorraine Gailey

Send your comments [email protected] or write to Gill Lacey, InTouch, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, PrincesRisborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9NS


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Partnership Services We are the team who supportall of our clients from the veryfirst time they make contactwith Hearing Dogs for DeafPeople throughout theirlifetime with the charity.

As Head of PartnershipServices, it’s my job tooversee this activity andensure that we continue toreach out to those whocould benefit from oursupport.

The people who make upPartnership Services arededicated to working witheach individual to find away forward to helpsupport them with theirhearing loss. In mostcases, this results in a Hearing Dog partnership,but not always, as an accredited Hearing Dog may notbe the solution for everyone.

We also provide sound support dogs andconfidence companions to peoplewith different needs – work which wewill continue to grow in the future.

As we start to work with our newcolleagues at Hearing Link, we areinspired by their success storiesworking with individuals with acquiredhearing loss and how the resourcesprovided by their staff and volunteersmake a huge difference to theirbeneficiaries.

Our plans for the future are constantlyevolving, but we hope to be able to offermore support than ever before to thosein need. By working with Hearing Linkstaff and volunteers we will make greateruse of the resources available throughthe Helpdesk, as well as running our ownbespoke courses for applicants andrecipients of a Hearing Dog (see page 5).

For more information visitwww.hearingdogs.org.uk

Hearing Link Some of our readers will be new to Hearing Link andthe services it offers across the UK.

We provide information and support for people livingwith acquired hearing loss, their families and friends.

By understanding individual needs and personalfeelings, we help people to regain their confidence,take back control of their lives and reconnect withfriends and family.

Hearing Link offers ways to overcome the practicaland emotional challenges of hearing loss.

We are a small team of 12 people, and so we areonly able provide our personalised support thanks tothe wonderful community of volunteers we haveacross each country.

Our volunteers support the delivery of helpdesk,specialist support programmes, one-to-visits, talks,loop auditing and behind the scenes work with our

website and social media channels. Theircontribution is invaluable and helps us to deliver real,practical and emotional help to our beneficiaries.

To find out more about our work, visitwww.hearinglink.org

Introducing

Angie Platten, Head of Partnership Services

We offer a number of support services for people with all levels of hearing loss. Here are the teamsbehind our work.


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One of our first activities as amerged organisation was to holdSelf Management Programmesat The Grange.

Based on the highly-regardedformat run by Hearing Link acrossthe UK, the courses held inOctober and November were forfuture Hearing Dog applicants. It was an opportunity forattendees to learn usefulstrategies and techniques toenable them to feel independentand more self-confident in day-to-day life.

Led by experienced volunteersand staff who have experience of hearing loss, the pilotprogrammes covered topics suchas lipreading, finger spelling,assistive technology, personalsafety and relaxation.

Our participants, some of whomwere joined by family membersor friends, were delighted to beinvolved in our sessions.

Sandra, who attended the pilot,said: “Personally I found it aneye-opener, as I have never metso many hard of hearing/deafpeople in one place tackling theirproblems. For people to stand upand speak in front of everyonewas amazing. The course gaveme a glimmer of hope to bedetermined with my hearingloss.”

Fellow attendee Angelina added:“It was a pleasure to be part ofthe conception of a new phase in the Hearing Dogs for DeafPeople and Hearing Linkpartnership. Thank you formaking our stay so welcoming.”

If you are a Hearing Dog applicantinterested in finding out moreabout these pilot programmes,please contact your advisor formore information.

To find out more about theservices offered by Hearing Link,visitwww.hearinglink.org/services

Self Management Programmes takesplace at The Grange

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My Hearing Dog is already famous. Way more recognisable than I am.

True story; he gets more fan mail and peoplestopping him in the street than I could ever dreamof. He had his own hashtag on Twitter when wewent to the Edinburgh Festival.

He steals my thunder at every opportunity. Yet,I’ve never actually officially introduced him to the world.

Meet George, or Baron Von Georgeinton, as he isknown as the school gates.

It’s funny but, before I had a Hearing Dog, I neverrealised how much attention they get. And, as aparticularly sociable beast, George doesn’t reallygive me a choice – he thinks everyone comes outonly to see him, and has been known to block thepavement until he’s had a scratch.

But, what does he actually DO?

Hearing dogs alert their d/Deaf owners toimportant sounds. We know this. But HOW?

A lot of the smaller dogs do a lovely, polite little sitby their owner’s feet, and put their front feet up asan alert. However, as a Labrador, George is a big monster. He has paws like Yogi Bear. If hejumped up me like that, I would be instantly felledlike a tree.

So instead of the paw alert, he nudges me with his nose. This varies in intensity and strengthdepending on what he’s alerting me to.

Once nudged, I ask him “What is it?” and he takesme to the source of the alert (apart from when it isa fire alarm; this is signalled by him lying downand staying put until I tell him to move and, intheory, evacuate us both safely from the burningbuilding/vicinity of the toaster).

The things a Hearing Dog alerts their handler tocan vary, as they are trained to suit each person’s

needs. Generally, they will respond to a fire alarm,a doorbell and an alarm clock. George also knowsthe ‘Call Mum’ command, which sends himscuttling to fetch me wherever in the building I am.

This command especially has been life-changing.It’s also been invaluable on sets and stages, alongwith the fact that such a gorgeous, hairy presencejust benefits everyone.

The best thing for me, since I had George… Well,it sounds very Hollywood and cheesy, but it’s alsotrue. He has made me so much more confident,especially at home.

As a single mum, it can be tough being Deaf,never quite sure what’s happening with your childwhen you can’t see them. Never quite sure if thatthud was a toilet seat, or a box of toys, or a smallhead hitting the floor. But George always lets meknow – even if he doesn’t do an official alert.

And, outside, I have to interact with everyone.George is so happy, bustling up and down thestreets and in and out of the shops and cafes, thatwe attract attention. It was weird at first, but I’m alot more used to it now. And it’s very, very rare thatthe attention isn’t positive.

So, here we go. This is the link. Anybody who has been wondering what Hearing Dogs do,especially the most gorgeous, boofheaded one,Baron Von Georgeinton – now you know. It’s pretty amazing, huh?

And, yes. He can come on a plane with me.

And, no. I can’t imagine life without him. Thelimelight-stealing scumbag.

Emily Howlett is a regular writer for TheLimping Chicken. She is a profoundly Deafactress, writer and teacher. She tweets as@ehowlett.

This article orginally appeared in The Limping Chicken

Emily Howlett: Answering the question:


“But what does yourHearing Dog do?”

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When you have a hearing loss, every day situations can be challenging. Going to the shops; participating in a meeting at work; or hearing your doorbell at home present different obstacles and frustrations.

But help is at hand. In addition to the support a Hearing Dog can provide, or through learned copingstrategies, there is an abundance of assistive technology and products on the market that could makelife a little bit easier. Many are available through the Hearing Link shop. Here, we take a look at some ofthe solutions that could help you to live better with your hearing.

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Out and aboutWhat are the challenges?

Without hearing loss, heading outto the shops, bank or having ameal out is taken in your stride.But, with hearing loss, an everydaytask becomes daunting and theenvironment more challenging.Common anxieties range fromhearing public announcements attrain stations and airports, tohearing over the backgroundmusic and chatter in shops.

What can help?

A widely available piece oftechnology is a hearing loop.Some premises also have aportable version, which should bemade available when asked.However, not all loops workproperly, are switched on, orcover the whole venue. So theonus is often on the customer toask to use it or tell a member ofstaff when it isn’t working. You

also need to have a compatiblesetting on your hearing device toconnect to a loop.

Personal listeners are also veryuseful. Examples of productsinclude Comfort Duett with NeckLoop or the Conversor Pro – youcan find out more atshop.hearinglink.org

There is also the Hearing LinkPersonal Awareness Kit (PAK)which offers visible and discreetways to alert others to yourhearing loss. It includes awristband, stickers, door hanger,and communication cards. Itemscan also be bought individuallydepending on your needs.

At homeWhat are the challenges?

Your home is a place of comfort,security and familiarity. However,hearing loss can easily make itone of isolation and frustration.Common challenges includehearing the doorbell, enjoying yourfavourite television show ormaking sure you get out of bed intime for work. Even though it is aless noisy environment than outand about, you might find you

don’t pick up every sound or missout on vital moments ofconversation.

What can help?

Solutions are available to help withthese situations. Vibrating alarmclocks (such as the Sonic Boom),portable flashing doorbells andamplified telephones are everydayessentials which can removesome of the anxiety. Somelocal authorities provide this

equipment free of charge,however it depends on whereyou live, if funding is availableand whether you meet theeligibility criteria. Otherwise seewhat our shop has to offer.

You could continue to enjoyyour favourite television showusing a loop system. Optionsinclude a room loop, which,when sitting inside of the loopwill direct sound straight intoyour hearing device.

How technology can help you

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There are also other devices suchas the TV Pro, AmplicommsDigital TV Listener with NeckLoop or Pocket Talker.

The Boogie Board e-Writer is ahelpful device, available in threedifferent sizes. It lets you jot downnotes... available in three differentsizes, or a communication aidabout the house or when out.

Sonic Boom Dual Alarm Clock

At workWhat are the challenges?

The biggest challenges at workinvolve being able to participateeffectively in meetings, takingpart in office banter or simplybeing able to use the telephone.

What can help?

Hearing loss is a disability and asa result, you are covered by theEquality Act. This means that youremployer must make reasonableadjustments for deaf and hard ofhearing people so you are not putat a disadvantage. Through theAccess to Work scheme you canapply for helpful equipment e.g.amplified telephones, captioning.Ask your employer directly forinformation.

You can also download apps for your phone which detect andtranslate speech. Ava(www.ava.me) is available on bothIOS and Android. There is aone-on-one mode and a groupmode. It displays all words thatit can understand. TextHearhttps://texthear.com is anothersimilar app.

It is important toremember that no onething will solve yourcommunicationissues. A combinationof support, including aHearing Dog, lipreading,technology and communicationtechniques can help you to livebetter with your hearing.

Remember, that one size doesn’t fit all, so make

sure you try different solutionsto see how they work for you andtalk to our volunteer experts, who all have experience ofdifferent solutions.

The Hearing Link shop sells a range of communicationresources for people with hearing loss – from badges and wristbands, to assistivetechnology.

Shop now atshop.hearinglink.org If you want to find out more about our products, [email protected]

Comfort Duett with neck loop


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Living better withhearing lossHearing Dog recipient and Hearing Link beneficiary Neil Smith shares his story...


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Neil Smith developed hearingloss after a bout of measlesas a young child. However,the scale of his problem wasnot discovered until a hearingtest aged 10.

His teachers at school labelledhim lazy, and his educationsuffered badly.

After diagnosis, Neil was put atthe front of the class and givenextra tutorials to help improvehis grades. By 12 years of agehe had received his first hearingaids, was able to move up agrade and was in the top ten inhis class.

Neil remembers: “Unfortunatelymy education was held back somuch that I was not able tostudy for O’ levels or Highersand this had a detrimental effecton me getting a decent job. Myexperience proves howimportant it is for hearing loss tobe detected early.”

Dealing with frustrations

Neil now has severe to profoundhearing loss in his left ear, andprofound hearing loss in hisright ear.

Throughout his life, he alwayshad difficulty followingconversations, especially atfamily gatherings with lots ofchatter and background noise.

Neil says: “I was unable to joinin and I often felt alone andisolated. Even in company, I feltlike I was being ignored.”

His deafness also affected withhis career and his dream to trainas a Registered General nurse.Despite passing his entranceexam, he was encouraged tosign onto an Enrolled Nursequalification instead. His tutorbelieved it would be too difficultdue to his hearing.

There came a turning point whenNeil realised that he neededsupport.. He recalls: “My wifeEileen came home from workingnight shift and couldn’t get herkey in the door because I’d leftmine in the lock. She knockedthe door, rang the doorbell,rattled the letterbox, phoned thehouse phone, phoned my mobileand my pet Labrador wasrunning up and down the stairsbarking his head off, but I wassound asleep.

“When I wakened I realised thedog was distressed. I wentdownstairs to let him outside intothe garden. I found my wifestanding at the door and shewas blue in the face. She hadbeen trying to get in for almost90mins and the temperature was-4 degrees. As if that wasn’t badenough I did the same thingabout one month later. I realisedthen how vulnerable I was.”

Finding support

Neil took control and the firststage of accepting his hearingloss was to contact HearingDogs. He made an applicationwhich was assessed and he wasmatched with Ginger. Thedifference to his life wasincredible.

He says: “Before Ginger I wasvery shy and used to feel lonelyand isolated – even in company.Ginger goes everywhere with meand because he wears a

burgundy coat when he goes outpeople are aware of my hiddendisability. My wife is confident togo out and leave me on my ownbecause she knows that Gingeris looking after me.”

Neil has also found support inother ways. At a lipreading class,he found out about a Self Management Programmebeing run by Hearing Link.

He and his wife Eileen attended aresidential course being held inGlasgow in 2016.

He says: “We took up the invitationto attend the course and we reallyenjoyed and benefitted from theinformation given. The volunteerswere excellent; they made us feelvery welcome by helping us torelax and formed a bond with theother participants. There were a lotof topics covered and we wereinspired to help ourselves.”

The greatest benefit was thechance to hear the experiences ofthe other participants and theirpartners. It made them realise theywere having the same problemsand frustrations.

Neil wouldn’t be the confidentperson he is today without thesupport of both organisations. Thecombined support has inspired himto take control and Neil has nowqualified as a lipreading tutor. Hehopes to set up a lipreading classin his home town of Dunoon,Argyllshire. He also gives talks forHearing Dogs and raisesawareness of deafness to others.

Neil says: “Both Hearing Dogs andHearing Link have been a greathelp to me. The result has beenthat my confidence has grown andI do a lot of things to try and helpothers. I would never have had theconfidence to do any of this beforetheir help.”

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“The volunteers wereexcellent; they made usfeel very welcome byhelping us to relax andformed a bond with theother participants. Therewere a lot of topics coveredand we were inspired tohelp ourselves.”


The Hearing Link Helpdesk is much more than an information service.

Of course, we are ready to offer guidance, information and signposting to anyone who contacts us forhelp, but many of the enquiries we receive show a real depth of emotion too.

The Hearing Link Helpdesk is a lifeline

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Take Marion in Hampshire.She contacted the HearingLink Helpdesk after thesudden death of herhusband followed swiftly byan illness leading to herbecoming completelydeafened. Marion’s plea wassimply to talk to someone –she was seeking help to puther fears aside and find anew way of life.

Within a couple of days,Marion had received apersonal email responsefrom a Volunteer Responder,offering sympathy,understanding, and ongoing

temail support until aCommunity SupportVolunteer was found to talkthrough issues face-to-face.Marion’s relief waspalpable, and sheresponded the same day,signing off with someheartfelt words:

At a time when I was ill,alone, frightened and incomplete silence, to hearfrom someone assympathetic as yourselfwas a blessing. I justwanted to thank you foryour help. Marion

Anyone can contact our Helpdesk for free andindependent advice, guidance and support.

The enquiries we receive vary enormously, fromfamily communication worries to questions abouthearing aids or lipreading classes. Some people askabout benefits and the Access to Work scheme,while others might have worries about an imminentcochlear implant, or how to deal with dizziness andringing in their ears.

The answers are usually provided by our VolunteerResponders - a team of dedicated individuals whooffer personalised, genuine advice based on theirown hearing loss challenges and experiences,

backed up by Hearing Link resources andinformation. Many people simply want to know thatthey are not alone.

Eleanor, too, was happy with our response,declaring: Of all the ‘Deaf Support Agencies’ I have contacted, YOU are the only one to havemade some effort to address the issues Iexperience!

As did Mary, who thanked us for the information we shared with her, adding: I have contactedseveral different agencies and you have been by farthe most helpful.

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I was once told by a very good friend, that talking to me on the phone was like talking to an idiot. I was very depressed and didn't know what to do. I had very little help… Even silly, little concernsabout hearing loss and communication can get bigger when you have nobody to talk to, so it was sogood and helpful to be in touch with the Hearing Link Helpdesk by email. Alan

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“Some people turn to us for more than information and advice


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From technological, audiological or even financialadvice, to a life-changing connection knowing theyare not alone with their problems, we can helppeople take their next step towards living better withhearing loss.

So, if you are looking for answers, seeking supportor simply need to talk to someone who understands– just ask! Our Helpdesk Volunteers Respondersare ready to help you, whatever is on your mind.

Please get in touch with the Hearing Link Helpdesk:

www.hearinglink.org/helpdesk/Email: [email protected]

In March, 2017, we heard from Lisa who losthearing in both of her ears just over a yearearlier, leaving her 100%deaf. While she hadaccepted that her hearingwould never come back,she was struggling athome. She explained:

What is driving mesooooo mad is my familysaying now I have lost mysense of humour. I’m juststressed and need to ventbut don’t quite know whoto moan to. It’s reallybeginning to get medown. I would like it if Icould communicate withsomeone who isn’tconnected to me, but mayunderstand what I’mgoing through.

Our Volunteer Responderprovided the outlet and

encouraged Lisa to recognise just how well shewas coping with such a sudden change to her

hearing. The volunteeroffered advice andreassurance on differentways for Lisa to approachher family and share someof her worries so theycould better understandwhat she was goingthrough. Lisa replied soonafter, expressing hergratitude:

THANK YOU SOMUCH! I’ve only justshared my concerns withyou and you seem theperfect person to havereplied. Your reply wasamazing as I could identifywith you all the way. I willread my email and yourresponse to them - it mayjust help.

A personal approach to support

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If we are measured by our kindness and dedicationto helping others, then Billy Falconer would reachthe sky and beyond.

For over 13 years, hewas an activevolunteer withHearing Dogs forDeaf People and inrecent years,Hearing Link.

Billy’s journey withHearing Dogs forDeaf People beganin 1999 when heapplied and wasmatched with hisfirst Hearing Dog

Dougal who changed his life. Inrecent years, it was lovely Rico who was always byhis side.

Billy’s charm, warmth and passion for raisingawareness of the challenges faced by people with alllevels of hearing loss helped him to raise thousandsof pounds for the charity through fundraising. He alsopresented around 200 talks to groups in Scotland,supported by his loving wife Margaret and loyalHearing Dogs.

The couple were first introduced to Hearing Linkin 2006, when they attended the charity’sIntensive Rehabilitation Programmes inScotland. They learned as a couple how toadapt and manage Billy’s hearing by connectingwith others with similar experiences, and gaininginformation on different topics includinglipreading, communication strategies andrelaxation.

They went on to provide similar support in theirlocal community through one-to-one visits andtalks.

It was the support they received in Billy’s timeof need that inspired him to give back sogenerously to both organisations.

We were very sad to learn of his passing onSeptember 24th following a recent illness. Ourthoughts are with Margaret and his family.

Andrew James, Head of Partnerships, said: “Weare blessed to have good people who are part ofthe Hearing Dogs family and we are eternallygrateful for the many happy years that Billy wascounted amongst them. Billy’s family and friendshave every reason to be proud of his achievementsand the great man that he was.”

Carol Jones, Community Fundraising Manager –Scotland, added: “Billy was always wishing hecould do more and never seemed to realise justhow big an impact he had made, generatinginterest in our work and spreading the word aboutthe life-changing impact a Hearing Dog can have.Billy leaves a great legacy behind him, and somany memories to be treasured by the charity andeveryone who knew him.”

Lorraine Gailey, Chief Operating Officer of HearingLink, said: “Billy’s passion for supporting others wasexemplary and his kindness and dedication tohelping people like him shone through at everyturn. He will be extremely missed.”

Billy Falconer (1948 - 2017)Recipient of Hearing Dogs Dougal & Rico and Hearing Link volunteer

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Remembering PipMuch loved Hearing Dog to Samuel Tidd

Pip was a small rescuedterrier with a big character.She was a much lovedhearing dog to Samuel Tiddfor 13 years. She wenteverywhere with Sam andthey were a well knownpartnership in the localcommunity. Pip even metroyalty and celebrities andtook it all in her stride. Pippassed away peacefullyat the great age of 17,and is sadly missed byeveryone that knew her.

Remembering Fern Applicant Assessment andDemonstration Dog for staffmember Claire Bott

On the 16th August, I hadto say goodbye to mygobby, little diva dog. It'sstrange as I was onlyplaying with her a fewdays before, and nowshe is gone. She hadtumours on her liver,which spread to herpancreas. Shebecame very ill veryquickly, so I had to dothe kindest thing for her. We have beenon many adventures, me and my so called 13-year-old puppy,and she has been a great ambassador for our charity. I have lotsof fond memories from all the demonstrations and photoshootsshe has done. She helped give people a taster of what a HearingDog was like and gave them an opportunity to see if a dog wasright for them. I owe her more than I think I realise. Taking her todemos and the crowds she would draw in with those eyelashes,made me talk to people and due to her I think she helped me be amore confident person. Rest well my little one. Say hello to Tessand Bess for me.

TributesThese pages are dedicated to the memory of the people and dogs who have helped shape HearingDogs for Deaf People into the successful and respected organisation it is today.

Remembering MaxHearing Dog to Mrs EileenWood (2006-2017)

In loving memory of my Maxie– my friend for 10 years. Imiss him so much. He was myears and my life. He lovedeveryone, and everyone whomet him loved him, exceptcats! He was always by myside and will always be therein my heart. Gone, but neverforgotten. Much love andkisses, Eileen.

Remembering Bounty Hearing Dog to Jill Solly

The type of hearing loss I havemade me eligible for a HearingDog. Hearing Dogs gave meBounty – a little mongrel thathad been found in the streetsat about four months old. Shecame into the room, where wewere waiting to meet her atthe Grange. She was so shyand worried at what wasgoing to happen. I waited forher to come over to me andfrom that moment shebecame a part of me for thenext 16 years. A moreloving, precious and helpfuldog I could never have wanted. It was atraumatic time when I lost my hearing, but with the help of lipreadingclasses I was able to speak to people face-to-face. It was there I firstfound out about Hearing Dogs. Bounty made me forget I could nothear all the sounds she alerted me to, we seemed to read eachother's mind and she made my life flow again. I am also thankful forall the friends we made while dog walking – we were rarely apart.Bounty loved to run, she must have had a greyhound in hersomewhere down the line, she ran so fast I would have put moneyon her any day. When people would stop and say ‘what a pretty dog’and ‘what breed is she?’ I would say: “She's just a little mongrel, butshe got all the best bits.” Now as sad as I am that the time had comethat I had to let her go, I know in my heart that it was the right thingto do.

Book of RemembranceTo remember a special person in our Book of Remembrance please contact

Jane Albin on 01844 348148 (voice and minicom) or email [email protected]


Registered charity in England and Wales no. 293358 and in Scotland no. SC040486 • Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal

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Finding support that’s right for you When you begin to notice changes in your own hearing, or that of a relative or friend, it can be hardsometimes to know what to do. Often the most important first step is just to talk to someone who hasfaced similar challenges. A conversation by email, phone or in person can help point you in the rightdirection for your next step.

Whether you seek professional help to have your hearing assessed, get a hearing aid, find equipment orapply for a hearing dog, we offer support and advice.

What we offer...

Contact [email protected]

0300 111 1113 (voice)07526 123255 (SMS)

[email protected] 348111 (voice)18001 01844 348111 (NGT/Text Relay)

www.hearinglink.orgOur website offers a wide spectrum ofinformation about many hearing loss-related subjects.

[email protected], independent information andpersonalised support led by volunteerswith experience of hearing loss.

Specialist supportOne-to-one support through ournetwork of community supportvolunteers. We also offer groupcourses for people with all levels ofhearing loss, their partners, familymembers and friends.

shop.hearinglink.orgThe Hearing Link shop sells a rangeof resources for people with hearingloss to make their individualcommunication needs known.

Sound Support Dog For people with moderate, fluctuating orprogressive hearing loss:• Alerts you to sounds in the home• Restores confidence• Provides companionship• Restores independence• Increases overall wellbeing.

Confidence Companion Dog For people with a mild hearing loss:• Provides companionship• Gives confidence and peace of mind

• Increases overall wellbeing.

Accredited Hearing Dog For people with severe to profoundhearing loss:• Alerts to critical sounds• Provides stability, confidence and comfort

• Has a legal right to accompany their deaf recipient in all public places and modes of transport.


intouch - hearing dogs for deaf people · in august this year, hearing dogs for deaf people and...

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