Hearing impairment and deafness are serious disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, over 278 million people worldwide have moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears. Children with hearing impairment often experience delayed development of speech, language and cognitive skills. In adults, hearing impairment and deafness often make it difficult to obtain, perform and keep employment. Both children and adults may suffer from social stigmatization and isolation as a result of hearing impairment.

How Can Lions Help? Lions can take an active role in promoting hearing loss prevention and assisting those who are deaf or hearing impaired. Here are some ways Lions can help:

 Chairpersons
Lion clubs appoint one member to serve as their Hearing and Speech Action and Work with the Deaf chairperson.  On the district level, a Lion is appointed as District Hearing and Speech Action and Work with the Deaf chairperson.

Both club and district-level chairpersons develop service projects which aid persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Before implementing a service project, it is suggested that Lions contact local government and private agencies (including Lions hearing foundations) for the deaf or hard of hearing. This can eliminate the duplication of services. In addition, local agencies that have ongoing projects may be in need of additional assistance.

Hearing Awareness
Lions can help educate the public about hearing impairments and prevention of hearing loss:

• Learn more about hearing loss and find helpful resources. Information can be found at several organizations, such as Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss Association America, and International Federation of Hard of Hearing People.
• Participate in health fairs and distribute information about deafness, hearing impairment and hearing loss prevention. 
• Download the Lions brochure, Understanding hearing impairments (IAD-08). To order copies for distribution, send an e-mail to programs@lionsclubs.org
• Compile a list of local resources including the names of healthcare professionals for diagnosing hearing loss; the names of vendors for the purchase of new or used hearing devices; and vocational training programs.
• Create public awareness of  noise levels and support noise abatement efforts.  
• Donate books and other educational materials about deafness and hearing impairment to the local library.
• Determine the availability of a Lions district or multiple district hearing van and organize a hearing screening.
• Support recreational camps for children and adults who are deaf or hearing impaired. Contact Health and Children's Services Department for a Lions camp list.
• Get involved in the Lions Hearing Aid Recycling Program.

Examples of Lions Hearing Projects

• The Lions of Multiple District 105 (British Isles and Ireland), created the "Deaf Aware" program to promote and encourage better communication with the hearing impaired. The Lions also distribute safety door hangers for hotels and guest houses, which are designed to assist those with disabilities in an emergency .
• In India, the Lions of District 324-D3 produced pamphlets in regional languages explaining deafness, possible treatments, and job training opportunities.
• The Lions of District 35 (Florida, USA) worked with government officials for the passage of a new state law requiring hearing screenings for newborn babies.  
• Lions in Missouri, USA, sponsored billboards that informed the public about hearing and deafness.
• In Alberta, Canada, the hearing chairman for Lions District 37-E, used puppets, coloring books, audiotapes, and videotapes to teach children about hearing loss.

For More Information
Contact the Health and Children's Services Department at International Headquarters at: programs@lionsclubs.org