Letter:Allowing the deaf to hear

Sir: A crucial point for cochlear implants (Bryan Appleyard, 6 June) is the ability to work and compete with "normal" people.

I am a profoundly deaf postgraduate with excellent academic qualifications. I am not able to communicate effectively on the telephone. This has proved to be my downfall at job interviews.

A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by a health official to discuss the possibility of the cochlear operation. I simply said that if the implant enables me to use the telephone competently then I would give it serious consideration. So do I have a choice? Perhaps.

PIERRE FACHON

Norwich