Monday 3rd March marks World Hearing Day – a day to focus our attention on hearing health and raising awareness of hearing loss.
Over half the population aged 55 or more have hearing loss, yet it can take people up to 10 years to get their hearing checked. It’s hard to know where to start, but RNID’s online hearing check is free, easy and only takes three minutes – less time than it takes to make a brew.
That’s why this World Hearing Day, RNID is encouraging people to take our free hearing check, and get into the habit of checking their hearing regularly in the same way we would our eyes or teeth.
Singer Rick Astley is supporting this year’s World Hearing Day. He says:
A few years ago, I had my hearing tested because I noticed it wasn’t as sharp as it used to be. I’m so glad I did as it made me realise just how important regular checks are, especially after a lifetime in music. RNID offers a free online hearing check that takes just three minutes, and it’s definitely worth doing.”
Writer and broadcaster, Gyles Brandreth is also encouraging people to have their hearing checked. Gyles says:
If we had an issue with our sight, we wouldn’t think twice about getting our eyes checked. We need to think the same way about our hearing. I waited 10 years before getting my hearing checked and I wish I had done it sooner.
I would urge anyone who is struggling to hear to go and take the free RNID hearing check. It’s just three minutes of your time and the benefits could be life changing. There are many brilliant, and discreet, options available to help with hearing loss now.”
Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the theme of this year’s World Hearing Day is “Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”
Hearing aid user, Tom Dening, shares his experience of how he was able to change his mindset when approaching his hearing loss:
I had gradual onset of hearing loss probably from my late 50s. Eventually I went to an audiologist, as I realised I was not hearing certain sounds, and I was struggling to hear conversations at work.
It was recommended that I have hearing aids, and although I was briefly a bit downcast, I accepted them straight away. They have been brilliant, I love them, they help in social situations and at work.
I discovered that you could connect all sorts of things to hearing aids by Bluetooth, so I have had lots of fun testing out what the hearing aids can do. Pretty cool ear buds, I think. I also have a wireless mic that my employers kindly funded as a reasonable adjustment for my disability.
I have become an advocate for people getting their hearing tested and using hearing aids. The benefits in the here and now of being able to hear more clearly and being able to adjust better to certain types of sound environment are well worthwhile.
I’d be interested in hearing aids becoming more like fashion items (like glasses) in the future instead of people trying to conceal them. Be upbeat! Smash the stigma!”
Seeking help for hearing loss can have huge benefits. Modern hearing aids are fantastic pieces of innovation, using cutting edge technology like Bluetooth to link with your audio devices – and you can get one for free on the NHS.
Being fitted with hearing aids can have a massive positive impact on wellbeing, improving your ability to listen and communicate with friends, family and at work.
Take our hearing check
It’s important to check your hearing regularly and we have a quick and easy hearing check that you can take at home. If the results show you have signs of hearing loss, it will give you information about what to do next.
If you’ve suddenly lost hearing in one or both ears, contact NHS 111 or your GP urgently. You could also visit your nearest urgent treatment centre.
Find out more about hearing loss and hearing aids.
