RNID research reveals a lack of public awareness about hearing loss and deafness
The national hearing loss charity RNID is urging the public to help drive a major step forward in deaf awareness with its latest report that reveals over two-thirds of deaf people have experienced negative behaviours and attitudes in everyday life.
Over 40,000 people have already joined RNID’s ‘It does matter’ campaign, which helps people play an active role in breaking down barriers faced by deaf people by offering free communication tips and resources.
Now, the RNID, supporting the 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, is calling on even more people to get involved and make a difference by helping the campaign reach 50,000 participants.
RNID Ambassador, the writer, actress and broadcaster, Sam Baines, said: “When people are deaf aware, it makes a huge difference. I remember being on a job, we were on a film set, and there was someone with me who just repeated a couple of things that they thought I might have missed. And it helped so much because it meant that I was part of the conversation.
“Also, when someone was facing away saying something, they turned to me and repeated what they’d said so I could see their mouth clearly and lip read. It meant that I was included and I felt like part of the team. Being deaf-aware isn’t just important at work, it’s important all the time.”
Research from RNID has revealed the extent to which the deaf community faces daily negative attitudes and behaviours, with over half of people being told “it doesn’t matter…” by someone when they asked them to repeat something they missed.
However, the research also found that there is often a lack of public awareness about hearing loss and deafness. As a result, the public lacks the confidence and knowledge to communicate effectively.
The ‘It does matter’ campaign aims to redress the balance and help break down the communication barriers, challenges and misconceptions faced by people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
RNID is encouraging people to sign up to the initiative via their website and discover the small things that can make a big difference, such as free basic BSL videos and simple communication tips.
Sam added: “Being deaf aware all the time is super important and it’s so easy to do. If you’d like to become more deaf aware then the first step is to go to the RNID website, where you’ll find loads of information, some easy BSL phrases and words that you can learn and communication tips.”
69-year-old Nicky Whaltham-Weeks from Portsmouth is a strong advocate for making everyday life better for deaf people. Nicky has hearing loss herself, and recently signed up to ‘It does matter’.
She said: “In my day-to-day life I do my best to encourage people to be deaf aware. A couple of friends who are learning British Sign Language now meet with me in a local cafe, where we only sign.
“The waitresses often ask us to show them signs, for ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘thank you’, ‘coffee’, ‘tea’, ‘milk’ and ‘sugar’ etc. I also ask them to look at me when they talk to me. It all helps!
“It’s so important to get deaf awareness out into all communities. What is not often talked about is that many hearing people will lose at least some of their hearing in old age, so if everyone had learnt some signing beforehand, their lives would be easier and less isolating.”
Frankie Garforth, Head of Inclusion at RNID, said: “A lack of deaf awareness can have significant impact on individuals. Yet we know most people genuinely want to get it right when communicating with someone who has hearing loss – they’re just not always sure where to start.
“‘It does matter’ is the perfect way to empower yourself. With just a few simple changes, you can make a huge difference. In fact, over 80 per cent of people who’ve already signed-up reported feeling more confident when communicating with someone with hearing loss.
“It really does make a difference, so why not join the 40,000 who are already on that journey. Sign-up today, and together we can make sure no one is ever left out of the conversation.”
RNID also launched a research project – funded by the Motability Foundation – aimed at understanding the barriers faced by people from these communities when using public transport.
