Ann Widdecombe, former MP and Strictly Come Dancing star, last week helped charity, ‘Action on Hearing Loss’ launch their online campaign, also supported by BT, aimed at encouraging people to check for any signs of hearing loss.

The present raising of awareness by the Action on Hearing Loss hearing check campaign is being actively supported by BT through their own hearing health site at bt.com, where encouragement will be given to BT users and their families to take the online hearing test. In addition, BT volunteers will be taking part in Deaf Awareness Week where Action on Hearing Loss will be using the BT Tower to hold further awareness raising events.

A recent survey of over 300 hearing aid users has revealed that from around three quarters of replies, most or nearly all are “socially embarrassed” by their impairment, in some instances as a result of noise induced hearing loss.

Previous research has found that as many as ten million people around the UK are either deaf or hard of hearing, possibly as a result of hearing damage incurred by years of exposure to excessive noise in their workplace environment. According to new figures released by Action on Hearing Loss, over 40 per cent of the population believe their hearing is getting worse, yet have never had a hearing check to find out for certain.

Fear of embarrassment, either socially or at work leads many sufferers to not want to talk about their condition and deciding to keep their hearing problem as hidden as possible. Typically, fear and stigma attached to hearing loss, especially as a ‘sign of getting old’ seems to be a major factor in not taking a hearing test. In addition, many say that they “don’t know where to go”, or “ have never had time” to check their hearing. It could take as long as 10 years before individuals decide to take affirmative action and address their hearing problems, according to Action on Hearing Loss, formerly known as the RNID.

As a result, it’s possible that there could be thousands of men or women keeping their industrial deafness ‘to themselves’ and not seeking either medical help, injury compensation or disability benefit.

Commenting on the campaign, Ann Widdecombe said: “I’m delighted to support the Action for Hearing Loss campaign. My career has depended upon hearing everything that’s being said, so I urge everyone to get their hearing checked. It’s especially important to get your hearing tested if you know you’ve got a problem. Don’t bury your head in the sand. It’s better to take action now, as there is support available.”