A DEAF teenager says she is “frustrated” over the lack of subtitles on Channel 4 shows.

Channel 4 has announced that subtitles, sign language and audio description may not return to some of its services until mid-November after its output was disrupted following a technical issue.

The fault, which occurred on September 25, angered deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired viewers.

The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) has written to Ofcom calling for regulatory action, asking the broadcasting watchdog to intervene and resolve the “completely unacceptable” delay in fixing the issue.

An NDCS member from Sussex, Maia, says it’s now impossible the enjoy her favourite shows.

The deaf 16-year-old said: “I am missing vital moments in Channel 4 shows, especially The Great British Bake Off.

“It makes me feel frustrated that I can’t laugh at any of the jokes, let alone understand what is happening.”

In the letter from NDCS, the charity expressed “grave concern” at the absence of subtitles from Channel 4’s content, which the charity says is having “a very direct and detrimental impact on young deaf viewers”.

“We consider a satisfactory resolution of these issues is now long overdue and needs to be addressed as a matter of the utmost urgency,” it states.

Ofcom said the organisation shares the “concern” of NDCS.

“Channel 4 did not have strong back-up measures in place, and it should not have taken several weeks to provide a clear, public plan and timeline for fixing the problems,” an Ofcom spokesman said.

“We have met Channel 4 to express our concerns and ensure it meets its timings for restoring subtitles, signing and audio description.”

On Tuesday, Channel 4 said it has begun to trial new methods of delivering subtitles during programmes, while subtitles are being added to other shows such as Gogglebox and The Great British Bake Off on its All 4 streaming platform.

The broadcaster said it would “like to apologise to viewers for not currently being able to provide access services”.

“We know that this will be incredibly disappointing to everyone, but we do need to get this right,” a spokesman said.

Mike Hobday, director of policy and campaigns at the NDCS, said the lack of subtitles is “simply unacceptable”.

“We’re hearing from numerous deaf children and young people who are deeply frustrated at not being able to watch their favourite programmes with their family and friends,” he said.

“If there was no sound on TV, there would be a national outcry.”

“The failure of its planning and the weakness of its response leaves us wondering whether accessibility remains a priority.

“Reinstating subtitles quickly would mean the welcome return of programmes that have effectively been ‘off air’ to deaf people for weeks. It would also send the message that young deaf people are valued viewers too.”