A couple chatting in sign language over coffee in a bright café; one wears a hearing aid
Deaf dating

Deaf dating in the UK, in whatever language you speak

BSL, lip-reading, hearing aids, cochlear implants or a mix of all four: meet Deaf and hard of hearing singles, and people who will happily write it down, sign it or face you when they talk.

Free to join Free ID and video checks Conversations start in writing

A deaf dating site where communication comes first

Ask Deaf and hard of hearing people what makes dating hard and it is rarely the dating itself. It is the noisy bar, the date who mumbles into their pint, the phone call you cannot take. Disability Dates starts with messaging, so the first conversations happen in writing, at your speed, with nothing to mishear.

When you are ready to meet, say exactly what helps: a quiet table, good light, sitting opposite rather than side by side. Here those requests are ordinary, and the right person will be glad you told them.

However you communicate

Deaf, deafened or hard of hearing

BSL users

British Sign Language is your first language and the Deaf community is your community. Say so in your profile, along with whether you would like a partner who signs or one willing to learn.

Aids, implants and lip-reading

Hearing aids, cochlear implants and lip-reading get you through most days. A little planning makes a date one of the easy ones.

Late-deafened

Losing your hearing as an adult brings its own adjustments, and dating again can feel like a big step. Take it as slowly as you need to.

Aids and implants

Hearing impaired dating: making the tech work for you

If you are hard of hearing, a little preparation lets your hearing aids or implant do their best work. Charge them before you leave, and if yours pair with a small remote microphone, ask your date whether they would mind clipping it on; it cuts through background noise far better than the aids alone. Most people are curious rather than put off, and it saves you both a lot of “sorry, say that again?”

Before you meet, a video call with captions switched on is a gentle way to check how you get on. Many video apps now offer live captions, and the call tells you how your date speaks: how fast, how clearly, whether they remember to look at the screen. That is useful to know before a first drink, and a good sign if they make the effort.

First dates

Deaf-friendly first dates

Pick somewhere you can see each other's faces clearly and follow the conversation without straining. Daytime often beats evening for both light and noise.

Most first dates are arranged in messages anyway, but if a phone call is ever needed, Relay UK can turn it into text for you.

  • A quiet café or restaurant, booked at a quieter time
  • A table by a wall or in a corner, away from the coffee machine
  • Good, even lighting on both your faces
  • Something with less talking, such as a gallery, a walk or a subtitled film
  • Your phone handy to type a word that will not come across
  • Texts rather than calls when you are running late
Members

People already on Disability Dates

Real members from the UK. Sign up free to see more profiles and write to anyone you like the look of.

  • ID verified

    Bebob, 51

    Glasgow

    I’m 51 years old, short, but regularly get told I look young for my age (the photos are a couple of years, and a few pounds out of date, but they are still me). I guess in some ways, I am still young at heart. I grew up in the 90s and have spent a lot of time in clubs and partying and that is no longer my thing. Looking for someone who wants to get to know me like I want to get to know them. I write; been working on a fantasy book for a couple of years. I like walks and the outdoors, pubs and restaurants, movies, art, theatre, sport, and being true to myself. Open to ideas and suggestions for things to do. I have bipolar disorder and have not been working for a year, so I can’t treat you in the style to which you might have become accustomed! But I’m honest, and romantic and looking for someone to cuddle. See you down the line.

    Join to say hello
  • ID verified

    Delbert007, 57

    Ashford

    I enjoy holidays, driving around the country, meeting people, eating out.chilling on the sofa with some good company and a great film and generally having a good time.

    Join to say hello
  • ID verified

    nikki, 60

    Coventry

    i love the great outdoors enjoy exploring different places would love some company

    Join to say hello
  • Pea711, 49

    Turriff

    I'm a 49-year-old man, standing at 5'10", seeking a relationship with a woman who shares my interests in going out and enjoying good music and movies. I enjoy the occasional drink. If you're looking for someone genuine, let's connect and see where it leads.

    Join to say hello
  • BraveBossjbbgab, 41

    Luton

    I’m a loving, loyal, and honest woman who believes a relationship should be built on trust, respect, and good communication. I enjoy spending quality time together, having a laugh, and supporting each other through both the good times and the difficult ones.

    Join to say hello
  • Stacer88, 37

    Walsall

    I like the movies and listening to music I like to laugh and cook for guests

    Join to say hello
  • Pauliejohn5, 54

    Dymchurch

    I enjoy travelling reading and good company just want to find someone normal ish to enjoy life with

    Join to say hello
  • Racheal94, 32

    Leigh-on-sea

    What makes me happiest is spending time with my family and friends, having a good laugh and making people smile. I love comedy, especially Ricky Gervais and After Life, and I enjoy telling jokes and having a bit of banter. I also like going out for lunch, enjoying a nice cup of tea and spending quality time with people I care about. I’m happiest when I can be myself, have a laugh and enjoy the little things in life. I’d love to meet someone I can share laughs, good times and new experiences with.

    Join to say hello
  • Adele, 34

    Ely

    cats friendS and family talkig 2 friends and talking my friends dog out

    Join to say hello
  • IntriguingCanary676, 38

    Maidstone

    I love animals, theatre, music and helping others.

    Join to say hello
  • Happylady, 48

    Chatham

    I am friendly. I come from Slovakia. My English level is not very good, if you don't mind I would be great.

    Join to say hello
  • Royhanch, 61

    Wolverhampton

    Hey there! I’m a 6ft 1in gent from Wolverhampton who’s ready to find that special someone. Cooking up a storm in the kitchen and enjoying a good film are some of my favourite pastimes. Being a wheelchair user hasn’t slowed me down, and I’m always up for an adventure. Let’s grab a drink and see where the conversation takes us!

    Join to say hello
  • Join free to see more

Dating someone hearing, or someone Deaf

Some Deaf people would rather date someone who shares their language and community; others are happy with anyone willing to meet them halfway. Both are worth saying in your profile, so the right people find you.

Hearing and dating someone Deaf? The basics go a long way: face them when you talk, keep your hands away from your mouth, and learn the fingerspelling alphabet. A handful of signs shows you care.

For hearing partners

How to date a Deaf or hard of hearing person

Get their attention before you start talking: a wave or a light touch on the arm works, shouting across the room does not. If something does not land, say it a different way rather than repeating the same words louder, and never answer “what?” with “it doesn't matter”. Groups are hardest, so at a party or a family meal, a quick recap of what everyone is laughing about makes a real difference.

Many Deaf people who sign see themselves as part of a community with its own culture, and British Sign Language is a language in its own right, recognised in law in Great Britain since 2022. Take an interest in that world and learn a few signs. It tells your date you are thinking about the long run, not just the first night out.

Good to know

Deaf dating questions

Is there a deaf dating site in the UK?

There is: Disability Dates is open to Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing singles across the UK, alongside people with other disabilities. Joining is free, and conversations start in writing.

Do I need to know sign language?

No. Members communicate in whatever way works for them, and messaging on the site is all written. If BSL matters to you, mention it in your profile.

Can I say I want a partner who signs?

Of course. Put it in your profile so people know from the start.

What makes a good first date if I lip-read?

Somewhere quiet and well lit, a table where you can face each other, and a daytime slot if you can manage it. Agree in advance that it is fine to repeat or type things.

Is there a deaf dating app?

No download needed. Open Disability Dates in the browser on your phone and add a shortcut to your home screen for quick access.

Can we video call in sign language?

Yes. Once you feel comfortable, any video calling app works well for BSL. Good light and a phone propped up so your hands stay in shot make it easier.

How do I stay safe meeting someone new?

Look for the ID verified badge, chat for a while before meeting, choose a public place and tell a friend where you will be. Anyone who makes you uneasy can be blocked or reported from inside the site.

Start the conversation in writing

Create a free profile and send your first message today.

Join free
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