On 23rd March 2026, Peppa Pig will tackle a subject that millions of families navigate in real life: childhood hearing loss
In the episode titled “Hearing Test,” Peppa’s family learns that George has moderate hearing loss in one ear. He’s then fitted with a hearing aid by an Audiologist voiced by Jodie Ounsley - the first deaf female rugby player to represent England internationally, and someone that many viewers will recognise as Fury from Gladiators.
The signs of hearing loss in a child can be difficult to spot — and equally hard to describe. Families may sense that something isn’t quite right but struggle to clearly explain the issue. Hearing loss is still relatively rarely addressed directly in mainstream children’s television, and this Peppa Pig storyline may help reassure parents and reduce stigma by showing that children with hearing loss can thrive and live full, happy lives.
“Children don’t always realise they can’t hear clearly, so it’s often up to parents to spot the signs,” says Vincent Howard, Co-founder of Hearology® and a Clinical Audiologist. “It’s such an important area that we’re planning to introduce a dedicated paediatric service at Hearology® later this year. If a parent feels their child may be struggling to hear, they deserve to have their concerns taken seriously. We hope this storyline encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek advice if they are worried. As the episode shows, with the right support, children with hearing loss can thrive just as well as their peers.”
"Globally, an estimated 34 million children are deaf, yet we don’t always see their stories told in the media. Representation matters and it’s vital for deaf children to see their experiences reflected positively on screen,” said George Crockford, Chief Executive at the National Deaf Children’s Society which has partnered with HASBRO, owners of Peppa Pig, to ensure the storyline accurately and sensitively reflects the experiences of deaf children. “Introducing this storyline in a series as beloved as Peppa Pig is an important step toward creating a world where anything is possible for deaf children – a world where differences are celebrated and every deaf child feels seen, valued and included,” concludes Crockford.
References
PEPPA PIG Introduces New Storyline as George Is Revealed to Be Moderately Deaf - HASBRO partnering with National Deaf Children's Society for new Peppa Pig storyline
