Eleven million people in Britain today are living with a hearing loss, and with an ageing population that number will rise in the years ahead. Too often people delay seeking help or don’t receive the help they need and there’s increasing recognition that this not only has a devastating impact their quality of life -; affecting relationships, employment and health -; but also creates a real cost to our economy and our society.

Lilian’s speech to the BSHAA set out some of the issues that the All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness are discussing as they consider this vital public health issue, including the Government’s Action Plan on Hearing Loss, cuts to audiology services and and the need for hearing screening to prevent, diagnose and support those affected by deafness, hearing loss or tinnitus.