Exploring help-seeking experiences in the health system among people with deafness or hearing loss and mental health concerns

This research highlights the lived experiences of people who are d/Deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing, or experiencing hearing loss –alongside carers and service providers – to uncover the systemic barriers they face when accessing mental health support. 

Through a community-informed process, the study identifies urgent gaps in communication, cultural safety, and service integration, while also amplifying the resilience and insights of affected communities. 

The findings inform actionable strategies to create more inclusive, person-centred care and long-term systemic reform. A full set of recommendations and broader reflections on healthcare education and policy are provided.

Recommendations

1. Make communication inclusive
2. Integrate hearing and mental health
3. Boost cultural safety
4. Raise public awareness
5. Design future ready, person-led care