Dear Mr Garnier,
Open Letter: You can help make a difference.
How is your hearing? “I am a -earing aid wearer wi-- mild to moderate, -igh -re-uen-y -earing lo--. I -ave worn di-ital N-- -earing aid- -or --e la-- eight year-. To -ay --at --ey -ave tran--ormed my li-e i- no e-aggeration.”
This is what someone with ‘mild’ hearing loss might hear. Those with moderate or severe hearing loss will hear a more redacted version making that very short extract from my ‘Making Sense of Speech’ document even more difficult to understand. The full version can be found here: https://bliss2hear.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/making-sense-of-speech.html
I am one of around 11 million people in the UK who has a hearing loss. (1 in 6 of the population)
- This figure is projected to rise to 15.6 million in 2035. (1 in 5)
- The problem is exacerbated because we are an ageing population and as we age hearing deteriorates.
- Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression.
- There is a link between hearing loss and the development of dementia.
- I wear two digital hearing aids and have campaigned against proposed cuts in services both in Worcestershire and other CCG areas in the country.
- My hearing aids have transformed my life.
- For many reasons, 60% of those who could benefit from hearing aids don’t have them.
- Ideally we need to find a way of curing - or better still - preventing hearing loss.
Action on Hearing loss - for which I am a volunteer - is the largest charity for people with hearing loss in the UK. https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/about-us/
- It is generous in providing grants to help fund hearing loss related research projects. https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/how-we-help/technology-and-research/
- This seems to be a derisory sum when 16.6’% of the population have some form of hearing problem.
How can you help?
- We need more government money so that British Scientists can fulfil their research potential.
- Your support for increased government funding for UK Scientific Research, particularly hearing loss research, is vital.
- Please attend the debate on deafness related issues organised by Jim Fitzpatrick MP in Westminster Hall on 30th November 1.30pm - 4.30pm.
- A brief for this debate can be accessed by emailing info@deafcouncil.org.uk
Thank you for reading this email. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Kathleen Hill
Action on Hearing Loss National Volunteer Award - Passion in Action - Winner 2017
Twitter @kathleenlhill
