Source: Radio NZ
From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 27 August 2019
The rate of hearing loss in prisoners is double that of the general population and legal and disability advocates are calling for all remand prisoners to have their hearing checked.
Louise Sinden-Carroll is a former chief executive of the National Foundation for the Deaf, and she says hearing loss is a hidden, but significant, social justice issue.
Her research has found that more than half of 100 prisoners whose hearing was tested - needed further assessment and treatment. South Auckland based barrister Kingi Snelgar says his hearing impaired clients often can't understand the complexities of court appearances and have trouble following what's happening.