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Anne
Anne received her cochlear implant at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and looks forward to hearing her grandchildren’s voices.
“It’s absolutely wonderful – it’s exceeded all my expectations. I haven’t been able to hear this well for years. It’s so exciting … I can’t wait to see and hear my grandchildren." -
Ben
Our dedicated Outreach Service team provides support to help their clients live independently. For Ben, who is deaf and has autism, this means he has gained the skills and confidence to manage his money, to cross the road safely and travel to college on his own.
“When I originally met him, [Ben] hated being in group situations ... and now he is totally different, really confident." Sandra Whittington, Community Support Worker -
Zubair & Zuheb
Brothers Zubair and Zuheb are deaf and until now they have relied on their family to wake them up in the morning. Lynn Bannister from our Community Equipment Services presents the brothers with their new alarm clock.
“It will help me to wake up early so that I won’t be late for school.” Zubair -
Cilla & Donna
Cilla and Donna have been running a club for older deaf people for two years. They provide an invaluable service to their members and enjoy a rewarding experience in return. “We enjoy doing our bit for them and we hope they enjoy us doing it.” Cilla.
“Cilla and Donna are fantastic – they’re lovely people. It’s interesting, something to look forward to and what I appreciate most is the friendship. This means a tremendous amount to me.” Iris, club member. -
Dr Ruth Taylor
Dr Ruth Taylor is working on research to try to understand why sensory cells die. In particular, she is looking at why the death of sensory cells continues over long periods of time once triggered by initial exposure to a damaging effect such as loud noise.
“Once sound detecting cells (that convert sound vibrations for the brain to understand) are lost, they are not replaced and that’s why hearing loss is permanent. With the support of RNID, we are carrying out research into why sensory cells die and how best to prevent this.” Ruth -
Florence
Florence, 79, has had hearing loss and tinnitus for 40 years. Her tinnitus means she often feels like she is sitting in the cockpit of an aircraft.
“My biggest problem with tinnitus is that …when I am alone I don't know if the noise is in my ear or if there is a fire in the house.” Florence -
Lorraine
Lorraine is Practice Manager at a GP surgery in Craigavon, Northern Ireland where staff have taken part in deaf awareness and Start to Sign training.
Lorraine talks about the RNID Louder than Words Charter and the range of measures taken to ensure that accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing patients is considered throughout the daily routine of the surgery. The practice has also been put forward for a Management in Practice Award.
"We felt that it had such terrific results for the patients and for ourselves." Lorraine -
Joanne
Our Regional Communications and Information team provide information for deaf and hard of hearing people as well as those who are worried about their hearing throughout the country. Joanne is at the RNID stand at the Retirement Show in Earls Court where the main aim is to reach older people who may have a hearing loss and don’t know what to do next.
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Jim
Jim’s life revolves around music. Since visiting the RNID tent at the Latitude festival, he has become more and more aware of the importance of protecting his hearing. He is now investing in a pair of custom made ear plugs to ensure he doesn’t lose the music he loves.
“I’m very grateful to the Don’t Lose The Music campaign. I have always thought I’ve been good with looking after [my hearing], but I scored 6 out of 10. I made the decision …to improve that score.” Jim -
Katie
Katie, who is profoundly deaf and has additional support needs, talks about her new home at RNID’s supported living accommodation in Carmarthenshire, Wales where she is supported to live as independently as possible.
Katie has support with cooking, cleaning, at voluntary work and at college. Staff also assist her with shopping, helping her to count out money and check her change.
"I am happy now ... it's brilliant!" Katie -
Phil
Phil has found employment at a steel company in Manchester where he has learnt new skills and has changed the attitudes and working practices of those around him.
Our Employment Training and Skills Service, together with Phil, were recently nominated for an Award in the North West European Social Fund Celebration and Awards Event held in Manchester.
“We had reservations initially about employing a disabled person ... but Phil is a total asset. He’s the best thing that ever happened to this company.” Dave, Phil's colleague