Hearing Matters

Last updated: 11 May 2020

Hearing loss is major public health issue that affects more than 12 million people across the UK. Read our report which outlines updated evidence demonstrating the link between hearing loss and mental health.

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. Or, read the recommendations for the devolved governments:

Find out how many people have hearing loss in your area

Would you like to know how many people have hearing loss where you live? Download data for every NHS and local authority area in the UK below: