Living with hearing impairment can be incredibly isolating. For me, it’s been a long journey—something I’ve struggled with since my teens. It’s only after years of not fully understanding what was happening that I found out about my hearing loss. Now, I work with the Leslie Edwards Trust (LET), a charity that’s close to my heart because of its mission to support people like me.


LET isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about creating real change. Through our lipreading and communication classes, we help people of all ages connect with their communities and rebuild their confidence. It’s not just a class; it’s a lifeline for those who feel disconnected from the world around them.


The impact of hearing loss goes beyond just the individual. It affects families, friends, and people’s day-to-day lives in ways most people don’t realise. LET steps in to help bridge that gap, offering support to anyone facing the struggles that come with hearing impairment.


If you’re interested in how LET can help you or someone you know, or if you just want to learn more, head over to our website. There’s so much we’re doing, and every bit of support counts.

Realising you might have a hearing impairment can be a bit of a shock. Often, it happens gradually, and before you know it, things that once seemed normal—like listening to someone talk or enjoying music—become harder to experience the way you used to. If you’ve noticed you’re struggling more with hearing lately, it’s not something to ignore. The first step is recognising the signs, and then, when you’re ready, accepting that you might need to make some changes.


You might find yourself having trouble hearing in noisy places, like when you’re in a crowded café or at a party. It can feel like everyone’s speaking at once, and you can’t pick up on the important bits. If you’re always asking people to repeat themselves, especially in quieter situations, it could be a sign that your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Similarly, if you’ve been cranking up the volume on the TV or radio and it seems like it’s louder than most people would tolerate, that’s something to pay attention to. Another sign could be if you feel like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly, even when you know they’re talking normally.


Tinnitus, or that persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears, is another red flag. It often goes hand in hand with hearing loss, and if it’s something you’ve been dealing with for a while, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Some types of hearing loss also affect your ability to hear higher-pitched sounds, like the chirping of birds or the voice of a child.


Now, accepting that you might have hearing loss can be tough. It’s natural to feel a little bit of grief or frustration—it’s hard when something you’ve always relied on starts to change. But there’s no shame in recognising that you need some help. You wouldn’t hesitate to go to a doctor if you had a physical health issue, and the same should go for your hearing. Seeking help is the first step in preventing any further problems and finding ways to make life easier.


The good news is there are loads of options these days. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and even some smartphone apps can help you navigate your day-to-day life more comfortably. Getting used to these changes might take time, but once you do, they can make a huge difference. The key is to remember that you’re not alone in this. Hearing loss is actually really common, and there are plenty of people out there who understand exactly what you’re going through. Support groups, both online and in person, can be a great way to connect with others and share tips.
Talking about it with the people around you is also important. Let your friends, family, and colleagues know what works best for you. Maybe they need to face you when they talk or keep background noise down a bit. Simple things like that can make socialising a lot easier.


And remember, it’s okay to take your time with this. Coming to terms with a change like hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself grace as you adjust, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.


If you’re in Leicestershire, there are great resources like the Leslie Edwards Trust, which offers lipreading classes and communication skills workshops. They can help you stay connected with your community and make the most of your hearing, no matter what stage you're at.


At the end of the day, recognising that your hearing might be changing is the first step toward making it better. There’s no need to struggle alone—help is available, and there are plenty of ways to stay in tune with the world around you.

 At the Leslie Edwards Trust (LET), we’re thrilled to announce some significant updates to our website and social media platforms, aimed at better serving our community. These changes come in response to the evolving needs of individuals with hearing loss, especially as we navigate the lasting effects of COVID-19 and other life challenges.


Adapting to a New Normal

The pandemic has reshaped how we connect and communicate. Many people have faced isolation, and we’ve noticed that younger individuals are increasingly experiencing hearing loss—a topic that’s often overlooked. At LET, we understand that hearing loss isn’t just an “older person’s problem.” It affects people of all ages, and we’re committed to raising awareness and providing support tailored to everyone’s needs.


Enhancing Our Online Presence

In light of these changes, our website and social media channels are getting a refresh! Here’s what you can expect:

• User-Friendly Design: Our website will be easier to navigate, ensuring you can find information and resources quickly.
• Interactive Features: Look out for new tools and resources designed to engage both young and older audiences. We’re incorporating interactive elements that make learning about hearing loss and communication skills more enjoyable.
• Increased Resources: We’ll be expanding our content to address the unique challenges faced by younger individuals dealing with hearing loss, alongside our usual offerings for the broader community.

A Focus on Health and Wellbeing

Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the hard-of-hearing community. We’re here to empower individuals by providing:

• Lipreading and Communication Classes: Our classes are designed for all ages, helping participants build confidence and improve their communication skills.
• Supportive Community: We’re fostering a welcoming environment where people can connect, share their experiences, and support one another.
• Informative Content: Through our blog and social media, we’ll share tips, resources, and success stories that inspire and educate.
  

Stay Connected!

We invite you to stay in touch as we roll out these exciting updates! Follow us on social media and keep an eye on our website for the latest news and resources.

Together, we can create a more inclusive community where every voice is heard and valued. Your journey with hearing loss matters, and LET is here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We can’t wait to share our new look and feel with you soon! 

We are pleased to announce that we are resuming our face to face classes for Autumn 2021 along with online classes.  Please see Our Courses page for details of venues and dates.
We look forward to meeting you in a class soon.

You may be worried because masks must be worn and you aren't able to lip-read or hear clearly what is being said to you.  Hearing Link is a UK charity for people with hearing loss, their families and friends.  It has some helpful advice about what to expect at your appointment and how you can prepare ahead.  This should give you all the information you need to approach your vaccination with confidence.  Go to the https://www.hearinglink.org/ website or facebook page for more information.

ATLA, The Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults has a shop with resources for people who are learning to lipread.  Why not pay a visit on-line?  The the shop is at  https://atlalipreading.org.uk/shop/ and it stocks two invaluable resources, ‘Watch This Face’ – a practical guide to lipreading booklet and ‘Look Hear - Introduction to Lipreading’ DVD and accompanying booklet.  There are some  lovely tea towels too which make great easy-to-post presents.

Does Tinnitus ring a bell with you?  Me too!
But if you're looking for help to manage those distressing sounds that intrude on your every waking moment, don't forget to contact the Tinnitus Helpline for free, confidential information about tinnitus. 
​The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and aims to reply to emails and text messages within 1 working day.
Tinnitus Advisors can provide information and support on all issues relating to tinnitus, including:
*What to do if you think you have tinnitus
*What can help you to manage tinnitus, including therapies, products and technology
*How to manage stress and tinnitus
*How to support someone who has tinnitus.
To make contact:
Call: 0808 808 6666 (Freephone)
Text: 07800 000360 (text message only)
Email:  [email protected].

A warm welcome to lipreading tutors, Helen Barrow and Jenny Cluley.  The Leslie Edwards Trust is happy to announce that these two professionally trained and independent tutors are now available in collaboration with the Trust to run on-line classes in Lipreading and Managing Hearing Loss.  We wish them a very happy association with the Trust.  Go to Our Courses to find an on-line class to suit you.

Following on from the success of our on-line classes this Autumn, the Trust is planning to run more on-line classes in 2021.  From February an additional class will be on Monday mornings and an evening class on a Wednesdays.  Go to Our Courses to check details.