Understanding Life with Hearing Loss - a Health Professional's Prespective

Hearing loss is an umbrella term covering mild, moderate, severe, and profound reductions in hearing sensitivity.

Over 18 million adults in the UK (1 in 3) are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Some 1.2 million adults in the UK have hearing loss severe enough that they would not be able to hear most conversational speech.

Over half of us over 55yrs have hearing loss and by age 70yrs, 80% of us will have hearing loss.

As health coaches and health professionals, it’s vital to recognise the daily challenges faced by individuals living with hearing loss—many of which go unnoticed in a world not designed with their needs in mind.

From struggling to follow conversations to feeling excluded in healthcare environments, hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, sense of connection, and overall wellbeing.

This session is a must for all health coaches and all health professionals seeking to enhance their practice when supporting clients with hearing loss.

Members of the public interested in gaining insight into the experience of hearing loss within a predominantly hearing world, will gain a deeper understanding people living with this ‘hidden’ disability.

Supporting Clients and Non-Clients with Hearing Loss – Inside and Outside Your Practice

Your role places you in a unique position to make a meaningful difference. This session will offer practical guidance on how to create more accessible and inclusive spaces for clients with hearing loss—whether you're working one-to-one, leading group sessions, or offering support in the community. We’ll also explore simple, effective communication techniques and ways to be a strong ally for those who may not yet be clients but still need your awareness and support.

The Hidden Health Impact – Social Isolation, Barriers, and Wellbeing

Hearing loss often leads to more than just missed words. Social withdrawal, frustration, and reduced confidence are common, and over time, these can contribute to poor mental health, cognitive decline, and physical health issues. We’ll examine how emotional and environmental barriers affect overall wellbeing, and how you—through empathy, understanding, and accessible practice—can help reduce these risks and improve outcomes for your clients.

Learning outcomes

• Practical communication tips for both hearing individuals and those who are hard of hearing.
• Guidance on how to approach and use appropriate terminology related to hearing loss.
• Increased awareness of everyday barriers faced by people with hearing loss – and how you can help reduce them.
• Direction on where to find further resources and reliable information.
• Encouragement to reflect and ask yourself: What can I do better or differently?

About Anna Kirton

Anna has led a richly diverse and international career before qualifying as a certified Health and Hearing Coach. Born with hearing loss, she brings a lifetime of lived experience, valuable insights, and a wealth of inspiring stories.

Her role as a Deaf Awareness Trainer introduced her to a range of practical strategies and techniques—many of which were new even to her. This work took her into numerous organisations across the UK, promoting greater understanding and inclusion.

A qualified skipper, Anna also worked in sail training, supporting individuals from all walks of life, including those with hearing loss. Her passion for the sea mirrored her commitment to helping others navigate life’s challenges.

Throughout her adult life, Anna has been a tireless advocate, continually demonstrating that hearing loss is not a barrier to success or fulfilment.

In her current role as a health coach, she supports individuals with hearing loss—whether newly diagnosed or long-term—empowering them to move forward with confidence and make meaningful changes in their lives.

Anna is deeply committed to creating positive change—one person at a time, one step at a time.

This event is FREE for UKIHCA Members - please use the discount code supplied during checkout.