Hearing loss

Hearing loss affects 18 million people in the UK.

Find out about the different types of hearing loss, how to get your hearing tested, and what can help you hear better and overcome challenges communicating.

Illustration of a man wearing headphones connected to their mobile phone.

Free online hearing check

Check for signs of hearing loss in just 3 minutes with our free online test.

Check your hearing

Signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss can happen gradually, so you might not notice it at first. There are common signs to look out for.

Types and causes of hearing loss

There are different causes of hearing loss, including ageing, exposure to loud noise, genetics and ear conditions.

Getting your hearing tested

Where to go for a hearing test, what it involves and what happens next if you’re diagnosed with hearing loss.

An illustration of three people talking. One person wears a hearing aid.

Talking about hearing loss with loved ones

Have you noticed a change in a loved one’s hearing health? Here’s our advice on how to talk to them about it.

Read our advice

Hearing aids

Different types of hearing aid, how to get used to hearing aids, and how to use them with tech to hear better.

Hearing implants

A cochlear implant or auditory brainstem implant may be an option if you get little or no benefit from hearing aids.

Living with hearing loss

Hearing therapy, communication tactics and what can help you to manage hearing loss in everyday life.

Support our communities

In a hearing world, having hearing loss is life changing. We’re here to ensure everyone can access information and support. Just £5 covers an enquiry made to our Contact Centre. Can you help?

Donate to RNID

Hearing loss research

We fund research that’s focused on preventing hearing loss and restoring hearing. Find out more about our research projects.

Contact us

If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID.

We’re open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.