Our social research and evidence

Our social research guides all our work and campaigns. It helps us influence government, business and employers, and raise awareness of the issues faced by deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus.

We ensure our social research is informed by working with our Research Panel, a group with lived experience.

Join our Research Panel

Are you deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus? We’re looking for people with lived experience to help our work, from campaigning and inclusion to employment and health.

Join the Research Panel

Our social research so far

We regularly carry out research to understand more about the life experience of deaf people and those who have hearing loss or tinnitus. This helps us develop our policy positions in health and social care, employment and broadcasting and telecommunications. 

We also respond to consultations and government inquiries to make sure legislation, regulations and national guidance take people’s needs into account.

Read our social research reports, policy positions and consultation responses.

Our facts and statements

We have gathered all statements and figures from research into deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus in one place. Explore our Facts and Statements page for the prevalence of BSL users in the UK to facts on inclusion and employment.

Key social research projects

Subtitle It! 2023

Our 2023 report highlights the importance of subtitles- 9/10 people who filled out our survey who are deaf or have hearing loss usually or always use subtitled when watching TV. But more than 4 out of 5 deaf people are excluded from watching their favourite TV shoes because of missing subtitles. We are calling on the government to introduce the Media Bill to Parliament as soon as possible to give deaf people and people with hearing loss equal access to TV on-demand. 

Read the Subtitle It! 2023 report (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Access Blocked: The Impact of Cutting NHS Ear Wax Removal Service

Our 2022 report gathered evidence to support the need for action to ensure ear wax removal services are available free of charge to those who need them. 

Find out more about our research into Eat Wax Removal Services.

Working for Change

Support and advice needed for people with hearing loss or deafness in work. Our 2020 report pulls together available evidence to better understand what workplace support deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus would find most beneficial, so they can feel empowered and be open about their hearing loss and get the support they need. 

Read more about our Working for Change campaign.

Join the Research Panel

We want you to get involved in our research and tell us what matters to you. Your views and experiences will help us shape the direction of our work.