Justin Tomlinson MP Supports Campaign To Encourage More People To Get Their Hearing Screened

Local MP Justin Tomlinson attended a drop-in event in Westminster organised by Action on Hearing Loss to get his hearing screened as part of the charity’s “1,2,3” campaign to encourage more people to do the same.

The former Minister for Disabled People is backing the campaign which encourages people to address their hearing loss by highlighting three simple steps: take an initial check on Action on Hearing Loss’ website, to see your GP, and lastly to get help with your hearing.

Action on Hearing Loss helps people to confront deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss to live the life they choose.  The charity works to enable people to take control of their lives and remove the barriers through support & care, developing technology and treatments, and campaigning for equality.

Currently there are 11 million people in the UK having hearing loss with almost five million who are of working age. Evidence suggests the number is set to rise considerably in the near future.

During his time as the Minister for Disabled People worked closely with Action on Hearing Loss and its Chief Executive Paul Breckell, meeting with the charity regularly and using its experience to help shape better policy.

The North Swindon MP also helped Action on Hearing Loss after he left the Department for Work & Pensions, when the charity launched a report in Parliament on employment entitled “Working for change, improving attitudes to hearing loss in the workplace”. The report urged businesses & Government to work closer together to help people with a hearing loss to find and stay in work, building on Justin’s efforts on the Access to Work & Disability Confident schemes.

Justin’s work to improve support and opportunities for people who are deaf or suffer from hearing loss was also recognised locally when the Swindon charity Let’s Loop Swindon presented him with a ‘Champion for Hearing Loops’ award at an event in 2016.

Justin Tomlinson MP, said: “It’s been great to find out more about Action on Hearing Loss’ work supporting people with deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss and to find out just how easy it is to get your hearing screened. With 11 million in people in the UK living with hearing loss, a number rising as the population ages, it’s more important than ever that people understand the importance of their hearing health. I’d encourage all of my constituents who might suspect that they are losing their hearing to follow Action on Hearing Loss’ simple three steps to get their hearing checked.”

Paul Breckell, Action on Hearing Loss Chief Executive, said: “This campaign wants to demonstrate that getting your hearing checked really is as easy as 1, 2, 3. We know that early intervention for those who have hearing loss makes it immeasurably easier for people to make the most out of hearing aids. We are hugely grateful that Justin came along and demonstrated the importance and ease of getting your hearing checked.”

To take an initial hearing check, please visit https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearing-health/check-your-hearing/