News Date: Tuesday 3rd January 2006
Tim helps to break the sound barrier
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton is supporting the RNID's Breaking the Sound Barrier campaign to hold the world's largest ever telephone hearing check.
The RNID have launched a service where, from the privacy of their own home, anyone can call 0845 600 55 55 and participate in a hearing test. The hearing test has been devised by audiologists and takes only five minutes to complete. Once the caller has finished the test they are given the results and if necessary they are advised to visit their GP.
Tim commented:
"It is estimated that five million people in this country would benefit from hearing aids but a very significant number of people are not aware either that their hearing is damaged or that they can receive help on the NHS. Breaking the Sound Barrier is an excellent method of reaching the people for whom hearing is a problem.
"I called 0845 600 55 55 and checked my hearing and would urge Adur and East Worthing residents to do the same. The test is simple and quick and if enough people take it then it has the power to raise the standard of life for thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of people."
Note to editors:
1) To undergo the RNID's five minute hearing check you can call 0845 600 55 55.
2) For more information about the RNID's campaign to Breaking the Sound Barrier, please visit www.breakingthesoundbarrier.org.uk or call RNID's Senior Media Relations Officer Suzi Darsa on 020 7296 8091.
3) As Shadow Minister for Health, Tim has responsibility for audiology services and recently asked a Oral Parliamentary Question on the waiting list for the provision of digital hearing aids. To see the full text of Tim's Parliamentary Question please visit: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm051220/debtext/51220-02.htm. Tim is also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on deafness.
Tim Loughton MP , 2006
