Westminster Life: Why deafness cannot remain an invisible issue
“What has struck me most is how often deafness and hearing loss often remains invisible in public life”
This week, I will be hosting the DeafBlind UK Summit in Parliament, bringing together campaigners, experts and people with lived experience to discuss how we can create a more accessible and inclusive society., writes Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes.
It is an issue that matters to me not just as Peterborough's MP, but personally. I have always had poor hearing but experienced a significant deterioration before the COVID pandemic. Today, I wear hearing aids, and they have made a huge difference. Yet hearing aids are not a complete solution. Like many people who are deaf or hard of hearing, I still find noisy environments challenging.
Whether it is a crowded community event, a busy restaurant or even the often-chaotic corridors of Parliament, following conversations can be difficult. Background noise can drown out voices, details can be missed and keeping up with discussions can be exhausting. It has given me a greater appreciation of the challenges faced every day by millions of people living with different forms of deafness.
What has struck me most is how often deafness and hearing loss often remains invisible in public life. People may not realise someone is struggling to hear. They may not understand the concentration required to follow a conversation or participate in a meeting. Too often, barriers remain unnoticed until someone experiences them directly.
That is why raising awareness matters. This issue is especially important here in Peterborough. We are proud to be home to DeafBlind UK, one of the country's leading charities supporting people with combined sight and deafness. Its facilities and supports homes in Paston helping people live independently and stay connected to their communities. DeafBlind UK is not just an important national organisation. It is an important part of our city. For many years it has supported people facing significant challenges while developing expertise that helps shape policy and practice across the country.
We are also fortunate to benefit from the work of the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association. Through advice, advocacy and practical support, Andy Palmer and the team help deaf and hard-of-hearing people navigate everyday challenges and access the services they need. The organisation plays a vital role in ensuring that people are heard and included. The work of organisations like these reminds us that accessibility is not a luxury.
Yet too many people delay seeking help, often because they assume hearing loss is simply something to be put up with. My own experience tells me otherwise. Getting support, whether through hearing aids, technology or specialist advice, can transform confidence and quality of life. So can small changes in how we communicate: speaking clearly, facing the person we are talking to and making sure public services are designed with accessibility in mind.