Press Office

DeafHear.ie has an important advocacy and campaigning role in creating awareness of the issues for people with hearing loss, and in advocating for change. DeafHear will be happy to provide spokespersons, comment and information to the media on issues relevant to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

Current Issues & Campaign Priorities:

• Newborn Hearing Screening: The introduction of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) into Ireland is the single biggest issue which would reduce the lifelong disabling impact of deafness on an individual. UNHS would also significantly reduce the cost to the State of lifelong rehabilitation arising from late diagnosis. It is the delay in diagnosis, not the deafness itself, which determines the extent of the disability caused. Due to the absence of UNHS, the average age of detection is two years nine months. In the UK, the average age of diagnosis is three months.
  
  
• Access, Advocacy & Equality Issues: DeafHear is focused on a priority list of public policy initiatives to improve equal access to society for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in Education, Health, Employment and Social Inclusion. Priority issues range from text access to 999 emergency numbers to remote ISL interpreting and accessible FÁS employment services.
  
  
• Deafness in Older People: Hearing loss in older people has a major impact on their well-being and safety. It is a disability which affects the quality of life, impacting on social life and psychological well-being. Not hearing warning sounds such as smoke alarms and fire alarms affects safety. Access to information, advice and support can radically improve the quality of life for older Deaf people and their families.
  
  
• Deaf Awareness: Deafness is a hidden disability masking the Deaf person's need for assistance. 50% of people with acquired hearing loss experience communication difficulties with family members, while 85% have difficulty communicating in hospitals (Deaf Hear Survey, 2009). Deaf Awareness Training enables service providers to communicate effectively and politely with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person without causing any embarrassment to the person or themselves.

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