Hearing loss is one of the most neglected, under-researched and unrecognised public health issues affecting one in six of the population in the UK. It is widespread and growing with 14.5 million people expected to have hearing loss by 2031 (Action in Hearing Loss, 2011). There are also 800 000 people who have severe or profound levels of deafness (Davis, 1995) and more than 45 000 deaf children across the UK (National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS), 2009). There is a significant under investment in hearing loss research. In 2010, the UK spent £1.34 million into the research in hearing loss for every person affected compering to £49.71 millions spent for cardiovascular research (Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), 2010). Let's be realistic, we face a future where hearing loss will become increasingly prevalent.
Despite improvements in legal protection, people with hearing loss are still disadvantaged and discriminated against. They constantly face barriers to social inclusion in health and social care services, education, employment, transport, media and commercial services. There is an inadequate response to the communication needs of people with hearing loss, and deaf awareness amongst health care staff remains low (Sign Health, 2014). A survey about access to health care found that 35% of people with hearing loss have experienced difficulty communicating with a GP or nurse (RNID, 2006).
There is little literature available on providing maternity care to Deaf parents. Deafness and pregnancy are two concepts rarely considered together. Most of the resources for midwives are more than 20 years old and there is no accessible information about antenatal, childbirth and postnatal periods for Deaf parents.
The midwife's role is distinctly outlined in the Midwives rules and standards (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2013) and the Code (NMC, 2008). It describes the central importance of the responsibility of the midwife in care provision to a woman and baby and in acting in their best interests. This concept is echoed by Gould (2011), who stated that midwives must act as an advocate for those in their care. Planning care with a woman and sharing decision making to enable her to make fully informed and evidence-based decisions about models of care during childbirth not only reduces the risk but also builds a woman's and midwife's confidence and trust. This is further supported by Pairman (2006) who proposed the ripple effect of positive birthing experience, of a women being empowered and gaining confidence in themselves.
Building a trusting relationship requires good two-way communication between a midwife and a woman and her family. Effective exchange of information together with explanations and support enhance a woman's childbearing experience. Consequently, there is an acute need to educate midwives and other health professionals in deaf awareness and associated communication skills. The woman should be central to all communication. Midwifery 2020: Delivering Expectations (2010) certainly supports this.
The Deaf Nest project presents a powerful case for change, its objective is to meet the challenges that Deaf parents face in accessing maternity services. It aims to implement a clear guidance to help remove communication barriers, improve deaf access to information and promote equal participation in the society. The Deaf Nest's vision is a maternity services where every Deaf parent has full access to services, an excellent childbirth and pregnancy experience and the information to make informed choices.
The first step in promoting deaf awareness is organising the Deaf Nest conference for midwives and other health professionals. The vibrant programme offers a range of attractions including speakers and presentations, workshops, art displays, raffle tickets, interactive activities, service users personal accounts, Deaf Nest documentary and more, allowing the opportunity to reflect on personal and professional practice and development. The Conference is being held in Manchester at the University of Salford on 11 June 2014.
Childbirth can be an empowering and embracing life experience for a women not least for Deaf women. For this to be positive and fulfilling, midwives and other health professionals need to be empowered and enabled to deliver care that is woman-centred to meet individual needs, at the same time as being evidence-based. ‘Embracing diversity is key to change’ (Rotheram, 2007).
For more details about the conference and to book tickets visit: www.deafhest.com.