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 children.
Specialist SLTs in deafness 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.
For more information about deafness and the support available in all areas of life, please visit this link to the National Deaf Children’s Society.
Locations
Currently Specialist SLTs in deafness visit children at the following locations:
- Home
- Pre-school / nursery
- Mainstream schools
- Specialist Hearing 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 the SENCO in your child’s 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 Oxford Auditory 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: 8 August, 2025