RNID, the national charity representing the 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, joined forces with UnumProvident, the UK's leading disability insurer, to raise awareness of the importance for people to check their hearing, particularly older people who may be struggling in the work environment. More than 40% of people aged over 50 experience some level of hearing loss, which happens naturally as we get older. RNID and UnumProvident's stand at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference showcased the various solutions available to deaf and hard of hearing employees, to help make life easier at work.
Dr John Low, RNID Chief Executive, says: "Hearing loss can have a profound impact on our lives leaving many of us feeling isolated and struggling to cope, yet digital hearing technology can transform lives for the better and reconnect people back into society. I urge those of you that think you might have some level of hearing loss to take RNID's five minute telephone hearing check on . If you do find you have a hearing loss many practical changes can be made to your working environment, including using an amplified telephone, or installing loop systems to help hearing aid users. These simple solutions will allow you to continue performing at your best and help you cope with your hearing loss."
Joanne Hindle, Corporate Service Director, UnumProvident says: "No employer should underestimate the value disabled and older workers can bring to their businesses. If we are to derive maximum benefit from that talent pool, as well as using all the simple technologies that are readily available, it will be necessary to change the adverse stereotypical attitudes that many employers, and employees, have towards disability and ill-health in the workplace."
RNID's 'Breaking the Sound Barrier' campaign aims to reach out to the 4 million people in the UK who are losing their hearing but doing nothing about it. A recent Ipsos MORI survey shows that 46% of adults in Britain believe that embarrassment about not being able to hear prevents people with hearing difficulties discussing their problem with others, or having a hearing test.
