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Being told ‘it doesn’t matter’
Our new research shows the enormous impact that the general public’s negative attitudes and behaviour has on the 18 million deaf people and people with hearing loss in the UK.
“One of the worst things is when people say something I miss and when asked to repeat they say ‘oh it doesn’t matter’. It probably didn’t matter to them at the time, but it makes me feel I don’t matter.”
Sarah, 23, is deaf and works as an audiologist in Erith. She shares how public attitudes towards her impacts her life on a daily basis.
“Someone asked for directions. I said, ‘sorry I did not hear everything you said as I am deaf’, and they said, ‘oh, no worries, it doesn’t matter’ and walked away. This happens so often. Yes, I am deaf and will sometimes miss things. People are not always aware of how to communicate with a deaf person.”
For a more in-depth look at the experiences our communities face, read our research report or explore more stories from our communities.
