Information and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

Page last updated: 7 May 2021

We are working hard to continue to help and support everyone who needs us during the coronavirus pandemic. The health and wellbeing of the people we support, our volunteers and our staff remains our priority.

We are also committed to making sure the government understands and responds to the needs of deaf people and those with hearing loss in their response to the pandemic. Find out more about our influencing work.

If you have any questions or need more information, get in touch with our friendly Information Line:

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

For information and support in British Sign Language (BSL), contact our BSL Information Service.

If you used our local face-to-face services

Following government guidance, we have paused our face-to-face local services and events, including our:

• hearing aid support drop-ins and home visits
• information stands and talks
• face-to-face befriending
• support group meetings.

But we are still here to support you in different ways, such as over the phone or through video calls. Find local support services.

You can also contact our Information Line for information and support and see our online information below.

If you need guidance on face coverings

Face coverings: how the regulations apply to you.

If you use hearing aids

What to do if you need new hearing aid batteries or tubing during the coronavirus outbreak.

What to do if your hearing aids need adjusting or repairing during the coronavirus outbreak.

How to clean your hearing aids during the coronavirus outbreak.

What to do if you’re waiting for hearing aids to be fitted during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you need support with your tinnitus

Contact our Tinnitus Helpline (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm):

Managing tinnitus and stress during the coronavirus outbreak

See the British Tinnitus Association website for more guidance on managing tinnitus at this time.

If you need ear wax removal

What to do if you need ear wax removal during the coronavirus outbreak

If you need communication tips

Communication tips for health and social care professionals.

Communication tips for people with hearing loss

Communication tips for the general public

If you need communication support

We are continuing to run our communication support services. We are regularly reviewing our approach in line with the latest government guidance.

SignHealth and InterpreterNow have launched BSL Health Access. This is a free service providing on-demand access to a BSL interpreter for Deaf people in health settings. Find out more about BSL Health Access.

If you lose your hearing

What to do if you lose your hearing during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you’re looking for technology and assistive devices to help

We have a new online shop in partnership with Connevans, one of the leading suppliers of assistive devices and technology. Visit our shop for equipment such as alarms, phones and listening devices to help.

You can also contact our Information Line with any questions.

If you’re looking for official guidance on coronavirus

For official government advice on coronavirus, visit:

• the GOV.UK website
• the GOV.SCOT website
• the GOV.WALES website
• the nidirect website

Find out the latest guidance on face coverings, when you need to wear them and what we’re calling on the government to do.

For health advice on coronavirus, visit the NHS website.

The charity Sign Health provides BSL videos of the guidance published by the NHS. You can watch these on the SignHealth website.

If you’re working from home

Communication tips for video and voice calls

How video conferencing apps compare for accessibility

If you need more support when working from home, you may be eligible for the government’s Access to Work scheme.

If you already receive Access to Work support but your needs have changed because of the pandemic, you can report a change in circumstances through the Access to Work helpline, also available by textphone, Relay UK and BSL Video Relay.

Find out more about reporting a change in circumstances (GOV.UK)

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you’re a health professional or other organisation

Read our coronavirus policy statement.