UK Public Wants Hearing Screening On The NHS, Charity Tells Government

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Also Included In: Ear, Nose and Throat;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 26 Jan 2009 - 8:00 PDT

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More than 90 per cent of the general public believe those over 55 should be offered free hearing tests on the NHS according to a new RNID survey published today (Monday 26 January).

The survey, commissioned by RNID, which has adopted as The Co-operative's Charity of the Year, also shows 88% of over 55s themselves would like to have access to a hearing screening programme and that more than a quarter of all surveyed are missing out on social activities because of hearing loss that could be addressed if they saw an audiologist.

Four million people in the UK aren't wearing hearing aids when they could benefit from them, leading to isolation in social situations and frustration of not being able to follow conversations with friends and family.

RNID, the charity for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and The Co-operative are calling on the Government to deliver a National Hearing Screening Programme to ensure that everyone over the age of 55 has the opportunity to get their hearing tested and take action to get the best out from their hearing.

Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive Officer, RNID, says: "These figures show that there is appetite for a hearing screening programme. The people of the UK value their hearing and they want the Government to show they do too.

"It can take people up to 15 years to address a hearing loss. We want to send a clear message to the Government that an NHS hearing screening programme for over 55s is wanted and vital. With an ageing population we are facing a hearing loss timebomb and we want to ensuring those who aren't hearing as well as they used to lead a fulfilling and active life."

Peter Marks, Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group, says: "We are delighted that the RNID is our charity of the year and I know our staff and members will have great fun raising money for this worthwhile charity.

"Behind the fun, however, lies a serious message. Thousands of people are being isolated by their hearing loss and that is why we are supporting the RNID's campaign to establish free hearing tests for everyone aged over 55.

"Our past two UK-wide charity fundraising campaigns each raised more than £1 million and with the tremendous enthusiasm and commitment of our staff for this new initiative, plus the help of our ever-supportive customers and members, I am sure we can more than emulate our past successes for this very worthwhile cause."

The GfK NOP omnibus survey was carried out in November 2008 with a random location sample of 1023 people, designed to be representative of all adults in the UK.

- Ninety-one per cent either strongly agreed (74%) or agreed (17%) with the statement 'Everyone aged over 55 should be offered the chance to have their hearing tested free on the NHS'. 88% of those aged 65 or over either agreed or strongly agreed.

- Twenty-seven per cent of respondents said that have trouble hearing in some social situations.

- Fifty-five per cent of respondents know someone who has a hearing loss.

1. 4 million people in the UK aren't wearing hearing aids when they could benefit from them - from medical research council findings.

2. RNID is the largest charity working to change the world for the UK's nine 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.

For further information about RNID or to become a member, visit http://www.rnid.org.uk.

Challenge yourself in 2009! Cycle London to Paris or trek the Great Wall of China and raise vital funds for RNID. To find out more visit as http://www.rnid.org.uk/challenge.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. Registered Address 19 - 23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL. A company limited by guarantee in England and Wales Number 454169. Registered charity Numbers 207720 (England and Wales) and SC038926 (RNID Scotland).

Royal National Institute for Deaf People

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