Accelerating innovation in hearing healthcare

An illustration of an audiologist wearing a white coat. She holds a clipboard and an ear instrument.

We’re working with healthcare professionals, academics and technology experts to explore ideas for improving hearing healthcare.

Current challenges in hearing healthcare

In the UK, millions of people need hearing healthcare but are not accessing it. Those that do have access still struggle to navigate the support they need.

Despite the available technologies, hearing healthcare services have remained largely unchanged for decades. We’re looking for the opportunities where new technology can match people’s needs to look after their hearing health.

Ideas in healthcare innovation

Within RNID we have a passionate team of audiologists, audio technologists, and researchers that welcome ideas in this area. With our connection and understanding of the communities impacted, and our influence across the sector, we are excited to bring organisations, people and ideas together.

This year, we’ve been working with experts in the field to explore ideas for improving hearing healthcare for more than 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Here are their contributions.

Crystal Rolfe, RNID's Director of Strategy. She stands outside in front of some green trees and smiles at the camera.

Ideas from Crystal Rolfe

Crystal Rolfe, RNID’s Director of Strategy, shares a few ideas for improving hearing healthcare in the UK to meet the current and future demand.

Photo of Nathan Hall. He sits in front of a window wearing a suit and looks off to the side.

Ideas from Nathan Hall

Nathan Hall, NHS England Deputy Director (Physiological Science), shares ideas around developed hearing aids, affordable access and NHS advancements.

Ideas from Dr Gabriel Saunders

Dr Gabrielle Saunders, Professor of Audiology at the University of Manchester, discusses potential innovations using ‘smart furniture’, AI and other devices.

Ideas from Dr Dave Smith

Dr Dave Smith, the UK’s National Technology Adviser (NTA), shares ideas on digital hearing aids, Auracast and designing technology to user needs.

Join the future of hearing health

Be at the forefront of healthcare innovation and development by sharing your ideas and support for this initiative. Reach us at [email protected] .