What we wanted to achieve

• starting a conversation about hearing loss in our local community
• connecting older community members to share their experience, knowledge and fears around hearing loss and brain ageing
• raising awareness of hearing loss and the positive impact of prioritising hearing health on overall health and well-being

This project was funded by the Public Engagement with Research Unit (PERu) at the University of Southampton.

This project was lead by Kate Hough.

What we did

Building connections and trust with local community groups

Our approach to this objective was:

• reaching groups through existing networks
• connecting with a diverse range of community groups
• being open and friendly
• getting involved with group activities, including quizzes, games, bingo and even singing

Co-design activities with community group leads and PPIE group members

Some of the activities we designed include:

• information session and a quiz
• arts and crafts to aid self-expression
• designing a room around hearing impairment needs

Running the activities in the community

Clay modelling at the Let’s Communicate Hard of Hearing Club

• the group made something representing their experience of deafness and brain health

Interactive information workshop

• members shared what they knew about hearing and brain health, what they would like to know and their personal experiences

What went well

We built new partnerships with community groups.

We bridged the gap between the community and the University.

We raised awareness of hearing and brain health by sparking conversations with older members in our local community.

We produced two short videos with the Hard of Hearing Club and our PPIE group. Members shared their experience of deafness.

We would like to give a big thank you to members of ALL_EARS@UoS and Let’s Communicate Heard of Hearing Club for sharing their experiences and taking part.

What’s next

We are extending our reach to less well-served communities in Southampton. We want to connect with local groups and communities and keep on raising awareness of hearing and brain health and dementia.