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As deafness is not a visible condition, individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired and suffering from tinnitus can feel misunderstood, unseen, invisible and isolated. The impact on mental health is significant therefore – hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia by up to five times. Their equality in the labour market is affected too – on average people with hearing loss are paid £2,000 less per year than the general population.  

That’s why Deaf Awareness Week 2022, running from May 2 to 8, has the theme of Inclusion Deafness this year. This will give impetus for the Week to cast a light on mental wellbeing, increase the visibility of under-represented groups and raise awareness of the need for deafness support provision in education and the workplace. The silence of deafness is amplified when we don’t notice and understand. 

If we think about the impact on individuals who are deaf over the last two years of the pandemic, the use, for example, of face masks has had a significant impact on deaf people, as so many deaf and hard of hearing people rely on lip reading. It is important therefore that our NHS Western Isles healthcare staff have access to face masks with clear panels to enable lip reading. Having them to hand to put on quickly can make such a difference for a patient at a clinical discussion who depends on lip reading. 

As part of NH Western Isles’ suite of supports around this, it is important that not just our local hearing impaired community but the wider public are aware that our Audiology Service has been up and running for quite some time with face to face appointments.  

Gabrielle Mason, the NHS Western Isles Audiologist, conducts hearing assessment tests and re-assessment, hearing aid fittings, battery replacement and ear mould re-tubing for hearing aids and provides tinnitus management and counselling. There is a dedicated box at the Western Isles Hospital Reception in Stornoway for hearing aids which require repair. Replacement batteries are also available at local GP Surgeries. The Audiologist can be contacted via email at: gabrielle.mason@nhs.scot As a back-up when the Audiologist is unavailable, the Western Isles Sensory Centre will do ear mould re-tubing as well and replace batteries. 

Thinking about the mental health and isolation toll inherent in deafness, Deaf Action Scotland has very recently launched a counselling service for members of the deaf community who feel they need psychological support. The counsellors are themselves hearing impaired with lip reading ability. This new virtual service can be accessed via this link:- Services | Deaf Action 

Sharon Smith, an NHS Western Isles member of staff, who is also deaf herself, said: “From my personal experience, many deaf people feel excluded from conversations, whether it is at social gatherings or simply in the family sitting room. This is because some hearing people have a misconception that deaf people cannot join in just because they cannot hear properly, leading to loneliness and seclusion for the deaf person. Deafness Awareness Week is so important, as it will help you to be more informed of inclusive communication skills and how to apply easy steps to make a whole conversation an enjoyable one.” 

It is planned to man a stall with helpful materials & information at the Western Isles Sensory Centre on Friday May 6. Pop in to see us and you’ll be made most welcome, with a cuppa and biscuits thrown in. 

#DeafAwarenessWeek