Hearing is one of the five senses so its loss can bring major changes to a person, to their everyday life and to their family.

Around 70% of people over the age of 70 suffer hearing loss. Sometimes referred to as the “hidden disability”, losing the everyday level of hearing alters an individual’s outlook. The person can feel quite isolated and their confidence can also be affected especially if they have other health or mobility problems. I have an understanding of the effect hearing loss can have as my late wife Frances lost her hearing in 2004 at the age of 49 writes Colin Mackie.

When I met up with Carol Grice and Sharon McQuiggan at Deaf Connections, Norfolk Street, Gorbals, our conversation brought back memories of what Frances and I went through together, how other people reacted and the lack of knowledge about deafness and hearing loss.

Deaf Connections has recently started DeafCare Housing Support Service. This covers a range of basic services such as help with shopping, visiting the post office or bank and collecting prescriptions.

The staff have been trained on Deaf awareness, communication tactics and how to look after hearing aids.  The aim is to help the individual maintain their independence to live in the community. DeafCare Housing Support Service has links with Deaf Connections, HearOn project – which provides lip reading classes – and other services for hard of hearing people. It is registered with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care; staff are professionally trained and follow the Scottish Social Services Council’s Codes of Practice.

Anyone who feels they’d like more information can arrange to discuss their need or the needs of a friend or relative, with Sharon McQuiggan, DeafCare Manager. Glasgow City Council provides funding for housing support to Deaf Connections under contract. There is no charge for this service to those who meet the support criteria. Individuals can come along to Deaf Connections at any time or contact any of the numbers below to make an appointment for a home visit. The level of support is reviewed on a regular basis to accommodate changes in a person’s life and condition. Contact: Sharon McQuiggan Manager Deaf, Care Deaf Connections, 100 Norfolk Street Glasgow G5 9EJ. Phone/text 0141 420 2816. Fax 0141 420 2184. Email: sharon@deafconnections.co.uk.