What's the problem?

4 million people in the UK are losing their hearing but doing nothing about it. Research suggests this is because of embarrassment, but unfortunately a hearing loss at any age can have a huge impact on personal, social and working lives if it is not addressed.

Many people wait up to 15 years between the onset of hearing loss and seeking advice about it. However it can be better to find out about hearing aids sooner rather than later as getting used to amplified sound is harder if you have already got used to a 'quieter world'.

What is RNID doing about it?

Since December 2005 over 370,000 people have called 0845 600 5555 to check their hearing. Our hearing check is a quick and easy way for people to take immediate action to address a potential hearing problem. Everyone is welcome to call the check, but as we are a charity with limited resources we target the people we think would benefit most from taking the check (the over-55s). Our activities include:

• development of the hearing check technology
• a hearing check website with relevant information and advice
• persuading well known celebrities to support the campaign
• going to events such as the Ideal Home Show, and putting on our own events such as the bus tour
• doing research with people about their attitudes to hearing loss and hearing aids
• distribution of materials such as postcards and posters
• promotional partnerships with companies such as Barclays
• communication of our stories through the media

Other RNID campaigns

The hearing check aims to get people to take that first step on the road to addressing their hearing loss, and potentially getting a digital hearing aid. This campaign is closely linked to RNID's audiology campaign. RNID runs many other campaigns, for instance Don't Lose The Music which is aimed at young people in danger of damaging their hearing. Find out more about these campaigns. 

Awards

In September 2006 RNID won two Third Sector Awards for Excellence for its approach to the hearing check. The charity won 'Best Integrated Campaign Award' and the 'Third Sector Overall Excellence Award'. Read more about our awards in news and events.

Who are RNID?

RNID is the largest charity working to change the world for the UK's 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people. We do this with the help of our members, by campaigning and lobbying, raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss, providing services and through social, medical and technical research. Visit the RNID website to find out more about us.

The legal bit...

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. Registered Office: 19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 454169, Registered Charity Numbers 207720 (England and Wales) and SC038926 (Scotland).