A string of top Scottish celebrities have lent their support to charity Action on Hearing Loss – formally RNID – to encourage people who struggle with hearing the traditional toasts and poetry at Burns Supper to take a quick and easy hearing check.
TV presenter Carol Smilie says: “I hope everyone enjoys celebrating Rabbie’s birthday but, if you’re struggling to follow the fun at Burns Suppers or birthday parties, I urge you to take Action on Hearing Loss’s free hearing check. With fantastic digital hearing aids available these days, there is a lot of support for people with hearing loss to follow conversations with friends and family and avoid social isolation at big celebrations.”
TV presenter Jenni Falconer says: “Unlike in Rabbie’s day, when there was little support for people with hearing loss, digital hearing aids make a huge difference so don’t delay and get your hearing checked today!”
Aggie MacKenzie says: “Take just five minutes on Burns Day to check you hearing. Action on Hearing Loss’s free online and telephone check can be a life-changing step if you have unaddressed hearing loss.”
Armando Ianucci says: “It takes on average ten years for people who realise they have hearing loss to get a hearing aid or treatment. Don’t struggle to hear at ten more Burns Suppers. Get your hearing checked today!”
Singer Barbara Dickson says: “Hearing loss is potentially a huge blow to a person's life and dealing with it can be psychologically challenging too. I know, as I have hearing loss myself, with tinnitus in one ear. However, I encourage everyone to check their hearing when it is age related. The digital hearing aids on offer are a huge help especially at social occasions a like Burns Supper. There's no need to miss the fun!”
Blind DJ and Big Brother star Mikey Hughes, says: “Everyone should take Action on Hearing Loss’s free hearing check to ensure they are able to join in with the laughs on Burns night.”
Take Action on Hearing Loss’s five minute hearing check online (www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/check) or call 0844 800 3838. Alternatively, download the hearing check iPhone or android app for free by visiting www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/iphoneapp or https://market.android.com/details?id=air.uk.org.actionnhearingloss.mobilehearingcheck.
Contact for general media enquiries:
Rohini Simbodyal, PR Officer, telephone: 020 7296 8274 or email: rohini.simbodyal@hearingloss.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
- One in three people who could benefit from hearing aids are currently using them, leaving four million people in the UK with unaddressed hearing loss.
- Calls to Action on Hearing Loss’s telephone hearing check costs up to 5p per minute from a BT landline. Other providers' charges may vary. Call set up charge may apply.
- Action on Hearing Loss is the charity working for a world where hearing loss doesn't limit or label people, where tinnitus is silenced – and where people value and look after their hearing.
- For further information about Action on Hearing Loss or to become a member, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk, contact the Action on Hearing Loss Information Line on 0808 808 0123 (freephone) or 0808 808 9000 (textphone) or email: informationline@hearingloss.org.uk.