PEOPLE with hearing loss have to fight hard for assistance because their disability is not noticeable, says Capalaba’s Shirley Edwards.
The secretary of the Cochlear Implant Club and Advisory Association (CICADA Queensland) said there is a lack of understanding and knowledge about the different types of hearing loss and their implications.
Ms Edwards learned to lip read as she was deaf for 10 years before receiving her first cochlear implant in 1989.
However, she does not know sign language, which caused confusion when a sign language interpreter was called to assist her at an appointment.
“I don’t think the vast majority of people realise how diverse hearing loss is,” she said.
Ms Edwards said normal hearing is not restored when people receive cochlear implants.
“For example, it can be difficult to hear someone with an accent,” she said.
Ms Edwards has requested local cinemas to provide open captions with movies to assist the hearing impaired.
She said only one Brisbane cinema – in Rosalie – provides open captions with movies.
“It seems my requests are falling on deaf ears,” she said.
Ms Edwards said when announcements are made at train stations, they are often difficult for people with implants to hear.
“This can cause people to panic,” she said.
The frustration caused by the challenges can lead to social exclusion.
CICADA Queensland is publishing a book that tells the stories of cochlear implant recipients.
A Symphony of Stories will be launched at an event at South Bank on Saturday, August 27, the last day of Hearing Awareness Week.
The book costs $10 and can also be purchased by emailing secretary@cicadaqld.com.au
More information about CICADA Queensland is available on their website www.cicadaqld.com.au