Deafness
What support is available?
All Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) are specialists in children’s language and communication development, the difficulties that arise and how to help.
In Oxfordshire, we also have an outreach team of Specialist Speech and Language Therapists who have specific skills and experience working with deaf and hearing-impaired children.
We also have strong links with the Oxford Cochlear Implant Team at the John Radcliffe Hospital including their Speech and Language Therapy service for children with Cochlear Implants.
Specialist SLTs in deafness generally work with children who have severe/profound hearing losses. They may also support your local SLT if your child has a moderate or mild hearing loss.
Locations
They currently visit children at the following locations:
- Home
- Pre-school / nursery
- Mainstream schools
- Specialist Hearing Impaired Resource Bases
- Over video call from child’s home or school/ nursery
Getting support
If you think your child needs to see a Speech and Language Therapist, you can talk to your Teacher of the Deaf, Audiologist, GP, Paediatrician or school. They can make a referral for you.
If your child has a cochlear implant, you will see a Speech and Language Therapist from the Cochlear Implant Programme. They can offer regular appointments at the John Radcliffe during the first-year post implant. They will also talk to you about referral to our service.
Resources
Useful resources and links for deaf children and families.
Page last reviewed: 28 April, 2025