The UK needs to step up its response to hearing loss. Download Hearing Matters (PDF) or the executive summary (PDF) for the dramatic evidence.
In this new report Action on Hearing Loss calls on government to remove the 'major barriers' within the health system that block people taking action on hearing loss. We want to prioritise hearing loss in line with other major health issues.
Our report shows that:
- Hearing loss is a major public health issue affecting over 10 million people in the UK – one in six of the population. As our population ages this number is set to grow, and by 2031 there will be more than 14.5 million people with hearing loss in the UK.
- Hearing loss is under-researched and not recognised as a public health issue, and people with hearing loss have significant unmet clinical and social needs.
Our agenda aims to:
- Create new treatments for hearing loss
- Improve public health
- Transform services, care and support
- Promote inclusion and participation.
We're calling on you to:
- Make sure you protect and regularly check your hearing – and go to your GP if you have any concerns. The sooner you take action the better. To take our online hearing check or just call 0844 800 3838 to take our telephone hearing check.
- Become a local hearing loss champion and help shape the development and delivery of hearing services. Read about the different ways to make your voice heard.
- Use our website to provide feedback on local services. We will soon be launching our hearing-service-locator and feedback tool, watch this space!
- Raise awareness in your community about the importance of communication for people with hearing loss – whether its lipreading, loops or sign language, better communication changes lives. Find out more about the campaigns you can get involved in, or email campaigns@hearingloss.org.uk
- Work with us to get involved in developing and designing research strategies and programmes.
Visit www.trih.org/patients (external link, opens new browser window) to find out how to get involved in finding new treatments and cures
Our hearing matters:
Hearing Matters (PDF) presents a powerful case for change and our recommendations show a clear way forward for meeting the challenges that we face in the years ahead. To find out how the report is already making a difference click here. For further information on the report or to receive a hard copy please email informationline@hearingloss.org.uk.