Volunteers showed what it's like to navigate city with hearing loss 

Manx Deaf Society hosts 'Hearing Off, Awareness On' event in Douglas

People on the Isle of Man - including the Lieutenant Governor - have been given an insight into what it's like to navigate the Island's capital with hearing loss. 

The Manx Deaf Society hosted the 'Hearing Off, Awareness On' event on Saturday (15 March). 

Eight volunteers left the Sea Terminal in Douglas, in pairs, with earplugs, ear defenders and a list of instructions of things to do in the town for two hours.

Lucy Buxton is the chief executive of the charity: 

“It made me realise how much I take for granted.” Participant

Among those participating in the event were Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and his wife Lady Lorimer: 

Manx Radio's Chanelle Sukhoo also participated in the event - she was partnered up with Vanessa Smith: 

"The lack of traffic noise is alarming. We were talking about electric cars and how dangerous it could be if I did have a hearing impairment because it's amazing how much we rely on (our hearing)." - Vanessa Smith

SUPPORT

Commenting after the event Carolyn Turner, chairwoman of the Manx Deaf Society, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support. 

"It is good for people to understand how deaf people cannot feel confident about going about. 

"We would like people to contact the society to see how we can help them.”

SIGN LANGUAGE WEEK

The Manx Deaf Society is offering free taster British Sign Language sessions on Saturday (22 March) from 1pm-2pm. 

To reserve a spot text: 07624 202875 or email lucy.buxton@manxdeafsociety.org.im.