"Lack of deaf awareness"

Waited three months for a ‘review’ appointment for a diagnosis/discussion about my sudden deafness, after having MRI scans and blood tests in December. I found it an absolutely shocking service. I am profoundly Deaf and rely on lip-reading as my primary method of communication. Arrived at the appointment to be greeted by a nurse who wouldn’t lower their mask. I respect autonomy and don’t mind them wearing the mask itself, however they kept talking to me with the mask on and made no effort to communicate with me another way, despite me saying I’m deaf and cannot hear them. Most people step back to a safe distance and lower their mask, but I had to suggest the whiteboard on the wall as they still spoke to me with the mask on!.

Then when the doctor arrived they asked what the issue was and why was I there? They hadn’t looked at my chart/files at all and had no idea about my issues, my history of deafness and my tests. They suggested blood tests and an MRI scan, which I’ve already had done but they didn’t know the results or anything. Then simply shrugged, said cochlear implant is my only option. How can they suggest this without knowing anything about me?

I had to show them my previous audiology results so they could understand my level of deafness before and now. They had no patience and were getting agitated when I was confused about the questions, simply because I couldn’t hear or understand their lip reading.

Their deaf awareness was disgusting - they lowered their mask but enunciated so slowly and emphasised their words so much that I couldn’t lip-read. They kept turning away from me (I had my mother with me to help me with communication) so I couldn’t lipread. The staff spoke to my mum and I was completely out of the loop, even though I am the patient. I felt left out, with no understanding or care from the doctors. I felt like I was right back where I started and with no support for this new lifestyle I have to face.

For NHS staff working in ENT (and Audiology, as I’ve had similar issues with them around communication), I find their lack of Deaf Awareness to be appalling.