Tuesday, 13 October 2026.

Online meeting. Topic: Hearing loss and anxiety experiences

Kate started the meeting by welcoming all members.

The meeting objectives were to:

1. To discuss group member’s experiences of hearing loss and anxiety.

Dr Bethan Impey facilitated a discussion in which group members described how hearing loss can contribute to anxiety, social withdrawal, reduced independence, fatigue, safety concerns, and strain on family relationships.

Several topics were discussed including social withdrawal, cochlear implant limitations, listening anxiety, safety and independence, family impact.

We went on to discuss barriers in public and leisure settings whereby group members described how inaccessible cinemas, theatres, transport, and public announcements create uncertainty and anxiety even when hearing technology is being used.

Following this, we discussed deaf awareness and communication. Group members identified limited public understanding as a central barrier and proposed clearer communication practices, education, visual identification, and wider awareness training. We discussed gaps in NHS awareness, the limited reach of existing training, and the need to integrate hearing loss and anxiety into healthcare practice.

Finally, Bethan proposed using the meeting’s experiences to inform their hearing-loss and anxiety research and considered practical resources, while others supported written materials for people with hearing loss and the wider public.

After a great evening discussion, Kate closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their valuable contributions.

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