I am a culturally Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) researcher based in the SORD (Social Research with Deaf People) research group at the University of Manchester. My research is focused on addressing systemic health and social care inequities faced by the Deaf community. My work explores areas such as audiology, mental health and healthcare accessibility, with a core focus on transforming the experiences for Deaf BSL users.

I am an experienced mixed-methods researcher. I leverage methodologies such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), Reflexive Thematic Analysis, and Participatory Action Research (PAR) to ensure my work is directly co-produced with and for the community. Central to my research practice is a deep commitment to championing Lived Experience and Public Involvement (LPI) at all stages of health and social care research.

Current research: Developing, Implementing and Evaluating a Culturally Competent Hearing Aid Clinic for Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) Signers: A Feasibility Study funded by the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (Hearing Health theme) 

Current research: 

NIHR MBRC Research Associate - Developing, Implementing and Evaluating a Culturally Competent Hearing Aid Clinic for Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) Signers

Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) signers face unique challenges when accessing National Health Service (NHS) hearing aid clinics. Recent research by Hulme et al. (2021, 2022 and 2023) and Hulme’s thesis (2022), funded by BRC 1 Hearing Health, has highlighted significant gaps in cultural competence, communication and service delivery for this population resulting in Deaf patients feeling that they are not getting the best out of their hearing aids for the purposes they identify as significant. 

A Whole Service Cultural Competency Model for adult hearing aid services concerning Deaf signers has been conceptualised based on the integrated findings from Hulme’s PhD thesis (2022) and published (Hulme et al., 2023). While serving as a foundational conceptual framework, the next imperative is to transition towards its practical application through implementation and pilot initiatives to test its feasibility and acceptability to all stakeholders. 

Building upon the research of Hulme et al., and aiming to address the identified issues, this project focuses on a selected number of practical implications of these findings. It centres around the design and implementation of a new hearing aid clinic tailored to the cultural perspectives and needs of adult Deaf hearing aid users.