Get your hearing checked

7:09am Saturday 28th June 2008

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BABY-boomers missing out on conversation may be due a hearing health check-up says RNID and television presenter, Lynda Bellingham, as the NHS turns 60.

Those in the area who have grown up with the NHS are being called on to become one of the 60,000 people who take RNID's Telephone Hearing Check each year.

Lynda Bellingham said: "I've always lived my life to the full and have no intention of letting anything stop me now. I try and keep myself fit and healthy so calling the RNID hearing check is just an extension of that. A good chat is my secret to a happy healthy life."

More than six million people aged 60 or over have some form of hearing loss. Sixty-year-olds are most likely to take action against hearing loss by calling the check and overall it is most popular with 50-70 year olds, so the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people wants to ensure their peers aren't missing out on their social life because they haven't sought support.

Donna Tipping, RNID Campaigner, said: "If you or someone you know is missing out on conversation or are finding it hard to follow the television or radio, call RNID's telephone hearing check on 0845 600 5555.

"There are tips to help everyone get better hearing at www.rnid.org.uk/nhs60 and the telephone check will tell you if you would also benefit from a trip to the GP."

For further information about RNID or to become a member, visit www.rnid.org.uk, contact RNID's Information Line on 0808 808 0123 (freephone) 0808 808 9000 (textphone) 0780 0000 360 (SMS) or email informationline@rnid.org.uk.