But you can also email or write to your MP directly ahead of the Westminster Hall debate. Now is a great time to remind our MPs about the vital work that hearing aid audiologists are carrying out up and down the country on spreading the message about the importance of caring for hearing.
Let them know about the recent Lancet review on dementia, which showed that mid-life hearing loss tops nine risk factors that contribute to the risk of dementia, not to mention its link to other health and social problems. In fact, a quarter of the risk of dementia that individuals can manage for themselves is linked to hearing. For the first time, the research shows the importance of addressing hearing in mid-life between 45 and 65, not simply when it has been left untreated to later life and the damage already done. The mid-life age bracket is much earlier than any current guidance suggests, so we should all be encouraging people in their 40s and 50s to value their hearing and make a serious commitment to take good care of it. MPs need to be aware of this.
Our MPs also need to be aware of this year’s Cochrane review that showed the life-changing impact of hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Let MPs know about the work you do to provide hearing care and the tremendous impact it has on people’s lives.