Hearing Concerns: 150,000 People Take RNID Test

A staggering 150,000 people were concerned enough about their hearing to take the UK's first ever telephone hearing check since its launch on christmas Day.

National television advertising promoting the telephone hearing check was first broadcast on Christmas Day and was seen by millions during the commercial break of Coronation Street. Thousands of people were inspired to take up RNID's challenge to check their hearing. Since then calls are averaging 5,500 a day.

The TUC is backing to the campaign, which aims to encourage the UK's 28 million workers to take the hearing check, by targetting its 19 unions and millions of members. 

General Secretary, Brendan Barber, says: "Many older people are struggling to get by at work either because they are too ashamed to admit their hearing loss, or because they have no idea what to do about it. Many may also be reluctant to advertise it for fear that their employers may treat them less favourably as a result. But good bosses know that it makes sense to do all they can to help employees be as productive as possible at work and so most will, I'm sure, be keen for their staff to take RNID's hearing check."

With more than 40 per cent of the over 50's experiencing some level of hearing loss it has come as no surprise that RNID's telephone hearing check has proved so popular. There are 4 million people in the UK who could benefit from wearing a hearing aid, but are doing nothing about it. Research RNID commissioned through MORI shows that almost half of Britain's adults believe that embarrassment prevents people with hearing difficulties seeking help.

RNID Chief Executive, John Low, says, "Some people may be struggling to stick to their New Year's resolutions, but checking your hearing is a simple and easy resolution to keep."

Former Health Secretary Frank Dobson MP applauds the initiative and believes it will help reconnect tens of thousands of people back to society. "I have been involved in many public health campaigns over the years and this one is bold and imaginative in its approach to a subject which has been taboo for far too long.I have taken this simple check and I urge others to follow my example."

RNID's telephone hearing check, which can be accessed by dialing 0845 600 55 55

Source: RNID Press Release