9. Short Debate: Hidden issues affecting deaf people and those suffering hearing loss

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:41 pm on 8 June 2022.

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Photo of Altaf Hussain Altaf Hussain Conservative 7:41, 8 June 2022

Thank you, Joel, for this debate and for giving me a minute—I may take more. In many cases, people with hearing loss are forced to wait significantly longer for an appointment with their GP. Many GP surgeries can't offer same-day appointments because they lack staff who are trained interpreters or can use sign language. Patients could wait two weeks or more as they wait for an interpreter to be arranged. This is a significant time for a vulnerable person who needs to see their doctor. At a cross-party group, a person with hearing loss described how they were cut off during a 111 call, as it took so long to find someone who could communicate with them over the phone. If this was a 999 call, this could have been catastrophic. Regulations need to be tightened by the Welsh Government for over-the-counter hearing aids, as users could experience further isolation and hearing loss due to overamplification. The Welsh Government needs to invest in hearing loss services so that all people receive equal treatment. Ultimately, this could save lives. Thank you.