Visual and hearing impairment - Print version

What is a visual impairment?

A visual impairment is when a person has sight loss that cannot be corrected using glasses or contact lenses.

Rehabilitation

The Visual & Hearing Impairment Team is part of the Therapy Service within Coventry City Council.

We are a team of Rehabilitation Workers who work with people who are:

• Deaf, deafened or hard of hearing
• Visually impaired
• Dual sensory loss (both sight and hearing loss)

Our main role is to promote independent living. We can undertake an assessment of your needs, which will include asking about how your visual or hearing impairment affects the things you do every day. You may be having difficulty seeing to read, write or tell the time, cooking your meals, making a cup of tea or crossing the road. People do not have to be registered to receive a service. If you have difficulty hearing or are profoundly deaf we can assist with advice and or some provision of communication devices.

Our Rehabilitation Workers will be able to discuss these with you and provide information, training and demonstrate any equipment available to help you with these tasks. The assessment may result in signposting to services where you can purchase certain types of equipment.

If you are 18+ and your needs cannot be met by provision of equipment or rehabilitation training you may wish to have a needs and wellbeing assessment with either a social worker or community care worker. If you have a dual sensory loss that impacts on your daily living including tasks at home, getting out and about and communication, a specialist assessment of your needs may be required.

Registering as blind or partially sighted

Visit your GP or optician if you're having problems with your sight. They can refer you to a consultant ophthalmologist (eye specialist) who can assess whether you qualify to register as sight-impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight-impaired (blind).

If you qualify, the ophthalmologist will complete a certificate of vision impairment. They will send it to Coventry City Council, who will contact you to find out what help and advice you need.

If you register with your local authority as blind or partially sighted, you may be entitled to travel concessions, such as a Disabled Person's Railcard [https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/]. If you're registered as blind, you may also be entitled to other concessions, such as a Blue Badge parking permit and a discount on your TV licence.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) [https://www.rnib.org.uk/] provides further information about registering your sight loss.

For further information please see our team leaflet and to refer yourself or someone you know please contact Adult Social Care Direct.

• Visual and Hearing Impairment Team leaflet [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/28225/visual_and_hearing_impairment_team_leaflet]

What is a hearing impairment?

There are a number of different reasons why someone might be deaf or losing their hearing. You may have had a hearing loss from birth or it could have happened following an accident, injury or because of age.

If you think that you or someone you know has a hearing loss, this needs to be checked with your doctor.  You may then be offered a referral for a hearing test and hearing aids.

If you have seen your doctor, but are still having difficulties you can contact Adult Social Care Direct and ask to speak with the Visual and Hearing Impairment Team for further advice.

Registering as deaf or hard of hearing

You should also visit your GP if you’re having hearing problems. They can refer you to a hearing specialist.

You can also contact Adult Social Care Direct for help and advice about the range of services available. You don’t have to register to do this. However, registering with your local authority as deaf/hard of hearing may entitle you to travel concessions, such as a Disabled Person’s Railcard [https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/].

The Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID) [http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/] website has information about benefits

Equipment for hearing impairment

If you have a hearing impairment you may not be able to hear what is going on around you, so you will need equipment to help you know if there are alarms or danger. The Visual and Hearing Impairment Team can assess people for equipment, such as smoke alarms or baby alarms. We can also assess and give advice if you are struggling with conversations or find you need the television too loud.

• The Outside Clinic [http://www.outsideclinic.co.uk] can visit you at home for an eye or hearing test. These tests may be free of charge email: info@outsideclinic.com [mailto:info@outsideclinic.com]
• Boots Hearing Care [http://www.bootshearingcareshop.com] now has a hearing section where hearing aids, TV listeners and other aids can be purchased from.

Information and advice can also be provided on other equipment such as doorbells and alarm clocks. Equipment can be bought from various charities and companies.

Other useful websites

• Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID) [http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/]