Registration simply means being on our social services register of people with sensory impairment.
Registering as hearing impaired
To register you will first need to visit your GP for an assessment.
Your GP can then refer you to an audiologist for a hearing test. When you provide us with your test results (audiogram) we will ask you if you would like to be registered and offer you an assessment of your needs.
There are three levels of registration:
- Deaf
- Deaf with speech
- hard of hearing.
If you are registered, you may be able to claim certain benefits.
For example, if you are registered with profound hearing loss you may be entitled to:
- transport discounts such as a Freedom Pass or Disabled Person's Rail Card
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
Find out more about the benefits and support you may be entitled to.
Registering as blind or partially sighted
Some levels of sight loss qualify you to be registered as blind or partially sighted. Registering means that you can get access to a number of benefits including:
- free advice on dealing with sight loss
- free sight tests
- special equipment to help you
- discounts on your TV Licence
- some disability benefits
- discounts on public transport such as a Disabled Person's Railcard
- free or discounted corrective lenses (if these are suitable for you).
To register you will first need to be seen by a consultant ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Ask your doctor or optician to refer you.
The ophthalmologist will conduct a series of tests to measure your vision and, depending on the results of the test, will issue you with a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI).
If you are issued with a CVI you can then choose to register as blind or partially sighted with us and we will issue you with a National Registration Card which will entitle you to access the benefits listed above.
Find out more about registering as sight impaired.
Contact us about getting help
Contact us if you would like to know more about registering your hearing or sight loss and how our services can help you.
If you would like to request an assessment please visit our assessments for care page.