The next few days have the potential to reduce isolation for many people within the UK. Around 2M people have hearing loss which is severe enough for them to have had one or more hearing aid or cochlear implants fitted. For many of these people, the availability of a properly fitted and maintained hearing loop or other assistive listening system can make the difference between hearing what others are experiencing in social and educational settings, or being unable to do so. There are many buildings and settings where hearing loops have not been fitted, simply because as the Practice Manager of a GP Practice once explained to me, we don’t have many deaf people who would benefit from the additional investment. Its time to change that sort of attitude and this coming week, the first ever hearing loop awareness week is the ideal time to do so. More details can be found here.