SIR – The news that services for deaf children are being cut in 28 local authorities, or one in five councils, throughout England, is very bad news for deaf children and their families throughout the country. The costs in both human and economic terms will be significant.

Profoundly deaf children face immense hurdles communicating effectively in a hearing world and, without the right support, their education and employment prospects will suffer. Many will face severe social and mental health problems in later life.

The latest technology means that deaf children can now be identified immediately after birth – something that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago – and that hearing aids and cochlear implants can help these children hear at a crucial stage in their development. Deafness Research UK has been behind many of these technological advances, and we remain committed to finding new treatments and cures for deafness, tinnitus and other related conditions.

It will be a real tragedy if these cuts mean that the benefits unlocked by the advances that have been made cannot now be realised and that deaf children not only continue to be denied the opportunity to fulfil their true potential but are prevented from making their contribution to the country’s future economic prosperity.

Vivienne Michael, CEO, Deafness Research UK