“My deafness doesn't define me. Just because I have lost one sense, I gained so much more."
Rebecca became Deaf at four from meningitis. When she was in school, she saw her Deafness as a negative.
“I felt so ashamed of my Deafness. When hearing people asked if I was Deaf I would blush and act as though I wasn’t.”
Fortunately, this changed after she travelled around the world at 25 and became immersed in Deaf communities in Australia and New Zealand.
“I returned home a changed person and sign language proud!
“I'm really proud of my journey. I was a frustrated child due to communication difficulties, as my parents were told not to sign or use British Sign Language (BSL). But I became resilient and wouldn't let anything get in my way. I graduated with a degree in Biology and Environmental Sciences and worked as a forensic scientist after university. I travelled the world alone for two years and met so many people while working my way across Australia and New Zealand.
“My deafness doesn't define me. Just because I have lost one sense, I gained so much more.
“I would recommend every Deaf person embraces their deaf identity and learns to sign. Look at actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, the world is our oyster!”
Her biggest advice to those who have lost their hearing as a result of meningitis is to find support by finding nearby Deaf communities and organisations.
“I would encourage those who have lost their hearing to join organisations such as the British Deaf Association and RNID. Secondly, I recommend going to a local BSL class where they can meet other deaf adults, and also hearing students who are interested in learning the language. Thirdly, I recommend joining local Facebook groups where you can discuss and find support in shared experiences.
Rebecca also offered some advice to parents or adults who care for children that have had hearing loss as a result of meningitis.
“My parents went through the same situation when I was younger. It is important to accept their hearing loss and not to dwell on what they can't do - they will still be able to enjoy things like music, but in a different way. And that is okay! Be positive and love them for who they are, just like you did before they became deaf. I would also highly recommend learning BSL”
Hearing loss is a common after-effect of bacterial meningitis. Difficulties can range from mild hearing loss to profound deafness in one or both ears. If you’ve experienced hearing loss after meningitis and would like to attend the online event on 10 September you can find more information here.
Please note there will be two British Sign Language Interpreters present during the event, there will also be subtitles available.
If you have been affected by meningitis or would like more information, visit our support pages or contact our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org
