National Trust pledges support to Hearing Loop Awareness Week (2-8 November)
The National Trust is backing ‘Hearing Loop Awareness Week’ a UK-wide campaign by charity Hearing Link which is taking place this week (2-8 November).
‘Hearing Loop Awareness Week’ aims to raise greater awareness and understanding of hearing loops – a vital piece of technology for two million hearing aid users in the UK. It is part of a wider initiative called ‘Let’s Loop the UK’ which has set up projects in 10 communities across the country and is partnered by Rotary International.
Hearing loops which are commonly found in banks, shops, libraries, pharmacies and other public buildings provide valuable communication support for hearing aid users by cutting out background noise and delivering sound directly into the aid.
Throughout 2015, The National Trust has been working in partnership with Hearing Link to improve and increase the provision of hearing loops at its properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It has invested in loop testers, which check the condition of hearing loops within its historic sites, and are responding to feedback from hearing aid users to make sure that any loops where defects are identified are repaired or replaced.
The National Trust has also played a role in establishing the ‘Let’s Loop Swindon’ project by hosting its launch in February this year and as an active member in the group. Last month, it also hosted Hearing Link’s ‘Hear & Now’ event in Surrey which included two guided tours of its Polesden Lacey property with the guide wearing a loop to enable people with hearing aids to hear everything that was said more easily.
In the coming months, the National Trust will continue to raise awareness and accessibility to loops by hosting further ‘Hear & Now’ events, participating in Let’s Loop groups, and making sure it continues to improve visitor experience at its properties for people with hearing loss.
Heather Smith, Equality Specialist for the National Trust, said: “We are pleased to be working with Hearing Link to help us improve the visitor experience for people with hearing loss at our premises. Hearing Loop Awareness Week highlights how important loops are and we are pleased to show our support.”
Ben Rickett, House and Visitor Service Manager at Peckover House in Cambridgeshire, added: “The installation of the hearing loops in our visitor reception and tea room have made a big difference to the experience our visitors get. The addition of the portable hearing loop has been new for us this year also, and people have really welcomed having the opportunity to use it on our tours.”
Dr Lorraine Gailey, Chief Executive of Hearing Link, added: “Loop technology is a simple, but vital tool for people with hearing loss. We are delighted to have received support from the National Trust throughout 2015, and in particular for Hearing Loop Awareness Week. With its backing we are generating more understanding about the value of hearing loops and ensuring that its wonderful properties are accessible for people with hearing loss.”
For further information about Hearing Loop Awareness Week or to get involved, visit: www.hearinglink.org/loop-week.
If you would like to find out how to use a hearing loop with your hearing aid, contact Hearing Link’s Helpdesk on Tel: 0300 111 1113; SMS: 07526 123255 or email helpdesk@hearinglink.org for support.
For further information please contact: Lorna Armstrong, Marketing & Communications Manager Email: lorna.armstrong@hearinglink.org Tel/SMS: 07534 563485.
For details on accessibility at National Trust properties visit: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
About Hearing Link
Hearing Link is a UK charity for people who have developed any level of hearing loss and their family and friends. It provides information and support and puts them in contact with others who have similar experiences. It aims to give people the knowledge, skills, confidence and contacts so they can more easily manage the practical and emotional challenges that hearing loss brings. It works across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information, visit www.hearinglink.org/press-office
About the National Trust
With more than 250,000 hectares of countryside and 775 miles of coastline across England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with the National Trust. The charity is one of the most important conservation organisations in Europe. It promotes environmentally friendly practises and cares for the diverse and rare wildlife that lives on its land. It also looks after more than 300 houses and gardens, from workers cottages to stately homes, preserving not only buildings but the stories of the people who lived there. These spaces inspire the Trust’s 4 million members, 60,000 volunteers and 20 million other visitors every year. For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
About Hearing Loop Awareness Week
Hearing Loop Awareness Week takes place from November 2 to 8 2015. Hearing Link currently has 10 ‘Let’s Loop’ groups across the UK in Eastbourne, Surrey, Lewes, Worthing, Swindon, Westminster, Chester, Poynton (Manchester), Derby and Newcastle. Further groups are being established in Salisbury, Calne (Wiltshire), Cotswolds, Epping Forest, Redbridge (Essex), Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh.
There are 10 million people in the UK with some form of hearing loss – one in six of the population. 3.7 million people between the ages of 16 to 64-years-old and 6.3 million are aged 65 and over. 70% of 70-year-olds and 40% of 50-year-olds have some form of a hearing loss. Four million people in the UK would benefit from the use of using a hearing aid. By 2031 that figure is expected to reach 14.5 million.