Hearing dog Rosie with Chiltern Railways MD Rob Brighthouse

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People experiment highlights the challenges deaf people face when using railways

The Managing Director of Chiltern Railways went deaf for the day to experience the train services that his company provides first-hand, both with and without the support of a hearing dog. The experiment was arranged by national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, to highlight the challenges that deaf people face when using railways.

MD Rob Brighthouse agreed to have gel moulds inserted into his ears by an audiologist, which gave him a temporary 60 percent hearing loss.

As part of the experiment, MD Rob Brighthouse travelled to and from London Marylebone station to experience the services that Chiltern Railways provide for deaf people. He explained: "As soon as the gels were in my ears, I felt cut off from everyone around me. I knew that people were having a conversation, but i had no idea what they were talking about.

I've become accustomed to the everyday sounds of the hustle and bustle at London Marylebone station, but suddenly everything around me was silent. I had lost complete control of the situation, I felt isolated and alone."

Rob learnt that he would need to rely on lip-reading to communicate, but struggled with conversations  - especially if people turned aways whilst talking to him. He also discovered how challenging it can be to find the right platform and buy a train ticket.

Rob was then given a hearing dog called Rosie, who not only alerted him to important sounds around him, but  made him feel visible and brought him back into the hearing world. He says: "Having Rosie completely transformed my situation. She wears a burgundy jacket which made people aware that I was deaf so as well as alerting me to sounds I could no longer hear.

"Rosie encouraged people to come and talk to me which is so important when you are feeling isolated. I can only images what an amazing support these dogs provide to people with severe of profound hearing loss."

Although Chiltern Railways have measures in place to accommodate deaf people, MD Rob Brighthouse says that they can support their staff further with additional training to understand specific challenges deaf people face when using the railway.

Chiltern Railways have been working with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for the last year, and recently chose Hearing Dogs as their Charity of the year.

You can watch Rob's deaf for the day video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=btSAviyNpY8

For more information visit: www.hearingdogs.org.uk