THERE are many types of deafness – and just as many ways of dealing with it.

During Deaf Awareness Week, the local voluntary organisation Deaf Direct wants to try to improve the understanding between those who can hear, and people who can’t.

In Herefordshire, where 26,000 people are believed to have some sort of hearing loss, a series of events is being planned to help people recognise the different methods of communication used by deaf people, such as sign language and lip reading.

The first is on Saturday, May 2, for anyone interested in volunteering to help with deaf or hard of hearing people.

The second, on Tuesday, May 5, is an open day at the Hereford Centre, Kemble House, Broad Street, to see the services available, find out about hearing loss, view equipment displays and take part in deaf awareness sessions.

This will be followed by a two-day communication tactics course on May 7 and May 14 to learn more about the communication needs of deaf people and how to break down communication barriers.

Philip Gerard, chief executive of Deaf Direct, said: “Most people now know someone in their family, at work or socially who has some type of hearing loss.”

For more information or to book a place on any of the courses, call Sue Bucknell on 01432 357741 or email hereford@ deafdirect.org.uk.