People born deaf 'see better'

Adults who are born deaf can see better than people with good hearing, according to research released yesterday.

A study from the University of Sheffield revealed that deaf adults and teenagers react more quickly to objects in their peripheral vision than hearing people.

Dr Joanna Robinson, research programme manager for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said that the results could have positive consequences for those who are born deaf.

"For example, deaf people could be more proficient in jobs which depend on the ability to see a wide area of activities and respond quickly to situations, such as sports referees, teachers or CCTV operators," she said.