DEAF AWARENESS WEEK: Family share their story to highlight early signs of deafness
A Stirling family is sharing their experience of childhood hearing loss to highlight the early signs of deafness and show how vital it is for deaf children to receive the right support, at the right time.
Keiran and Mya Meiklejohn, who live with their three children, are supporting the National Deaf Children’s Society’s campaign throughout Deaf Awareness Week (4–10 May), which focuses on helping families and professionals recognise the signs of deafness early and access vital support.
Keiran has moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss himself, but says his experience growing up, when his deafness was identified late and support was limited, has been very different from that of his children.
“Looking back, I realise there were huge gaps in what I experienced as a child,” says Keiran. “I was there, but I wasn’t really hearing or taking part. We didn’t want that for our children.”
Two of the couple’s children are deaf. Their son Finlay, aged nine, has mild hearing loss in one ear, and their daughter Hollie, aged six, has mild to moderate bilateral hearing loss across the speech range. Both passed their newborn hearing screening, but their hearing loss was identified later through follow-up screening carried out by NHS Forth Valley.
Because of Keiran’s own hearing loss, the family was more aware of what to look out for, but the process was still daunting.
“As a parent, you’re always asking yourself whether something is just a phase or something you should act on,” says Keiran. “Having clear information about the signs of deafness made all the difference in helping us feel confident taking the next steps.”
Finlay’s hearing loss is monitored with support at school, including small adjustments when needed. Hollie hearing loss was supported early with hearing technology, and she received hearing aids around the time she started nursery.
“I find the word ‘mild’ misleading,” Keiran says. “It can sound like it doesn’t really matter but the impact can be huge without the right support. Getting help early has changed everything for Hollie.”
Hollie now wears her hearing aids confidently, choosing the colour of her ear moulds herself and proudly explains to classmates why she wears them. She is supported by a Teacher of the Deaf, who provide deaf children and their families with specialist support, as well as speech and language therapy, and her parents say she is thriving both socially and academically.
The family believe early support and positive representation have been key.
“Hearing loss is just part of our everyday life,” says Keiran. “We talk openly, we adapt how we communicate, and our children advocate for themselves. That confidence comes from being supported early and understood.”
Deaf Awareness Week is an annual event celebrating British deaf culture, community and history, while raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss. This year the National Deaf Children’s Society is empowering families and professionals with clear, accessible information and practical guidance.
The charity says the family’s experience highlights why early awareness is so important. Deafness can affect children in different ways, and the signs aren’t always obvious or consistent. Some children may struggle in noisy environments, miss speech, rely on watching others closely, or become tired or withdrawn – signs that can easily be misunderstood or overlooked.
During Deaf Awareness Week, the charity is sharing practical guidance, real family experiences and expert advice to help reduce anxiety for families who may be noticing changes and waiting for answers.
As part of the campaign, the charity is also releasing a five‑part video series by Sarah Adedeji, a deaf audiologist and content creator. The videos explain how to spot early signs of deafness, what happens at audiology appointments, and how families can feel more confident while waiting for support.
Michael Heggie, head of policy and influencing in Scotland at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Across Scotland, families often tell us they noticed small changes in their children but weren’t sure what they were seeing or whether it was something to act on. Hearing loss isn’t always obvious, and labels like ‘mild’ can give a false sense of reassurance.
“Deaf Awareness Week is about making those early signs easier to recognise and letting families know they’re not on their own. With clear information, the right support and early identification, deaf children can grow up confident, resilient and able to communicate fully.”
Families across Scotland are encouraged to take part in Deaf Awareness Week by ordering free deaf awareness resources, sharing information with nurseries and schools, and getting involved in local community events aimed at reducing isolation and building understanding.
For more information about Deaf Awareness Week, the early signs of deafness, or free advice and support, visit the National Deaf Children’s Society website. or contact the charity’s free Helpline.