Deaf community sold short during crisis

DURING the weeks of lockdown, many vulnerable people have been seriously affected by isolation and the loss of contact with friends and family.

We are now told that there will be startlingly large numbers with mental health problems due to their lockdown difficulties.

Government ministers, scientists, community officials and many other public figures have delivered information and advice throughout. Despite the wide and frequent coverage, one vulnerable group has seldom, if ever, had their specific difficulties mentioned in the media, or the Press.

How have people who are deaf coped with the restrictions of Covid-19? Deafness, in itself, is an isolating condition. It is recognised as a highly significant factor in mental health. Wearing face masks may be a necessary inconvenience for most of us, but it presents immense difficulties for those who depend upon facial expression and lipreading to communicate. Speech distorted by masks becomes virtually meaningless.

Nicola Sturgeon is to be congratulated for having an interpreter at every information broadcast. This service was requested, but never offered, for similar information sessions by the UK Government. Deafness is not life-threatening, or “fashionable”, known as the “Cinderella disability”.

A fairy godmother is not necessary to improve the situation, just some informed media and Press coverage.

JANETVEAL

(Principal audiological adviser to the Inner London Authority, 1972-1990)

Belfast