Deafness: Predicting the future for Scotland - The Census and beyond

Abstract

The exact numbers of deaf people in Scotland varies depending upon which source is consulted. This lack of clarity is problematic when it comes to planning for delivery of future services and it is widely recognised that there is a need to establish better reporting procedures in order to capture relevant statistics. To this end, this research has sought to investigate the source with which the Scottish Government makes policy decisions; the source that is used to ‘allocate resources and plan services’ in Scotland: The 2011 Census for Scotland (Office for National Statistics 2011). As the next Census will be taken in 2021, it would seem timely to look at what information this source currently offers on the prevalence of hearing loss in Scotland and how far it relates to the wider picture. How far does the above definition of the aims and objectives of the Census fit to enable precise data to be captured and recorded and as a result ensure optimum service planning and provision for those with hearing loss in Scotland?