New research shows public often unwilling to help deaf people on public transport

The May bank holidays are upon us and its peak time for day tripping, but new research has revealed a lack of public willingness to help deaf people – making managing public transport tricky for many of the UK’s 18 million people with hearing loss.

The research, released by RNID, the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, found that only 65% of the public surveyed would step-in to offer help to someone wearing a hearing aid on public transport – for example if they missed a passenger announcement – compared to 83% who would assist a wheelchair user, 80% who would help an older person, and 79% who would help someone who was pregnant.

The findings, which have been released to mark Deaf Awareness Week 2025 (5th – 11th May) – underscore the significant challenges faced by deaf people every day and the barriers they face whilst using public transport.

According to the survey, shockingly almost 1 in 5 (19%) members of the public admitted that they would avoid someone who is deaf or has hearing loss on public transport, and more than 1 in 5 (21%) said that it’s not their responsibility to try and communicate with a deaf person on public transport.

Whilst the findings show the worrying extent to which deaf people face challenges whilst travelling or using public transport – the research also suggests that many members of the public want to help but are held back by uncertainty.

Two in five (41%) people surveyed said they are worried about getting it wrong or coming across as patronising (40%) if they did try to communicate, and over a third (36%) said they are unsure how to communicate effectively with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss.2

However, more positively, 3 in 5 (59%) say they would offer help if they noticed if someone wearing hearing aids appeared to miss a platform change announcement. Furthermore, the vast majority (73%) say they would be more likely to offer help if they were given simple, practical tips on how to approach and support someone with hearing loss.

Georgia Meacham, an actor and model who was born Deaf, shared a recent experience at London Euston train station, when a platform change was announced over the loudspeaker. She said:

“Even with both my hearing aids in, I struggled because the station was noisy and chaotic. Hearing aids help, but they do not make sounds perfectly clear, especially in loud, echoey places.

“There were several announcements, and I kept asking the person next to me what was being said. At first they were helpful, but after a few updates, I could see they were getting frustrated, as if I was just being lazy or not paying attention. I started to feel like a burden, so I stopped asking and tried to figure it out on my own.

“Travelling as a deaf person brings constant challenges, especially on trains. I often find myself trying to interpret whether an announcement is important or not based on how others respond, their body language and facial expressions, do they look concerned, are they gathering their bags, or relaxed? This guesswork adds unnecessary stress and uncertainty to what should be a simple journey.”

Stacey Worboys from South Wales, who is deaf, shared a recent experience whilst waiting for a train to London. She said:

“All of a sudden, loads of people started leaving the platform. I had no idea what was happening. I wrote down a question on my phone and tapped someone on the shoulder, but when I showed them my phone, they ignored me. Someone else must’ve seen me struggling because they came over and told me that the train had changed platforms. I was so grateful for this person coming over.”

This Deaf Awareness Week, RNID is on a mission to break down the communication barriers, challenges and misconceptions faced by people who are deaf or have hearing loss, in everyday situations like public transport – and is calling on everyone to join their ‘It does matter’ campaign.

The charity is encouraging people to sign up on their website for free basic BSL lessons and some simple communication tips – easy actions that can make a huge difference.