Hearing Matters

Hearing Loss is major public health issue that affects more than 11 million people across the UK.

Our new report Hearing Matters presents the latest evidence and sets out what action needs to be taken to improve the lives of people with hearing loss and to remove barriers in their way.

Unaddressed Hearing Loss can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing:

• People with hearing loss are more likely to experience emotional distress and loneliness.
• Hearing loss doubles the risk of developing depression.
• People with hearing loss are at least twice as likely to develop dementia.

Governments across the UK now say they want to tackle the growing impact of hearing loss, but local action is needed to make sure NHS hearing aids aren't cut, investment in hearing research meets the growing level of need, and people with hearing loss are able to access shops and services, health and social care and employment.

Our Hearing Matters report gives all our findings and recommendations for government. Read a summary of our recommendations.

A summary of the report is also available in British Sign Language

Or you can read the recommendations for the devolved governments:

• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Tell us why Hearing Matters to you

We need the evidence that's presented in Hearing Matters to come to life, so that governments and other decision makers really understand the impact of deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss, and the importance of taking action.
To make sure that we're representing you and your concerns in our campaigning and influencing work, please tell us your number-one priority relating to deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss.