Zoe Cox had no idea she had severe hearing loss until she spotted one symptom
Emergency Medical Technician Zoe Cox had no idea she’d spent the majority of her life depending on lip-reading rather than her hearing until the pandemic hit. With face masks becoming compulsory, her condition suddenly became apparent and she received a diagnosis of severe hearing loss in 2020.
While attempting to come to terms with her life-altering diagnosis alongside her demanding role with the London Ambulance Service, Zoe found invaluable support in deaf paramedic Richard Webb Stevens. The two medical professionals shared a touching reunion to mark Deaf Awareness Week.
Zoe now relies on hearing aids to manage her severe hearing loss and, reflecting on the past, she acknowledges that certain signs were already evident during her school years. She had spent her whole life depending on lip-reading, combined with other visual cues such as body language, and frequently found herself in trouble at school.
Following her diagnosis, Zoe discovered comfort in sport, where her hearing difficulties proved less of an obstacle. She thrived in football before switching to rugby, going on to earn her first cap with the England Deaf Women’s Rugby Union in 2024.
Despite her achievements on the field, she feared her diagnosis could jeopardise the career she cherished. Richard, however, a paramedic with 27 years of experience, offered her renewed hope and direction for the road ahead.
Richard was born with profound hearing loss and had previously been turned down by the British Army due to his condition. He went on to become the first deaf paramedic in the UK to serve on an air ambulance and currently works as a motorcycle paramedic.
Zoe told her mentor during their heartfelt reunion: “You’ve not only been a constant source of reassurance and strength, but also a true role model for the deaf community – showing what’s possible with compassion, dedication, and leadership.
“Your understanding, guidance, and encouragement – both professionally and personally – have made a lasting difference, and I’m truly grateful.”
She also gifted him something particularly meaningful; the first rugby shirt she wore representing England’s Deaf Women’s team in 2024, where she earned her debut cap. She’s subsequently earned four additional international caps for the squad while maintaining her professional commitments.
Richard shared: “I’ve seen Zoe thrive in the ambulance service and in her rugby. I’m hugely proud of her – she’s achieving so much.
“She is an incredible ambassador for the deaf community and the ambulance service. And I am overwhelmed by her gift to me – I’m a massive rugby fan so this is perfect.”
In 2022, Richard received the Queen’s Ambulance Medal for distinguished service. The honour acknowledged both his commitment to his patients and the inspiration and support he had offered people within the deaf community to pursue careers in emergency services.
When Richard first joined the motorcycle response unit, he discovered the in-helmet earpiece used by the service was incompatible with his hearing aid. He went on to meet with designers, audiologists and hearing aid companies to create a new, compatible design that has now been taken up by police forces, medical and military professionals globally.
He has also endeavoured to make 999 more accessible to deaf patients by supporting the launch of a BSL app, allowing people that need the accommodation to be instantly connected to a video call with a BSL interpreter to provide life-saving help.
