03 Mar Changing mindsets this World Hearing Day
March 3rd is World Hearing Day 2025 and this year, the call to action is to change mindsets and encourage people to advocate for better hearing for themselves and others.
Hearing loss, unlike changes in vision or mobility, is something that many are inclined to ignore or cope with. They can turn the volume up a bit on the TV, have a question repeated or just smile and nod.
If they use a hearing device and find assistive listening systems such as hearing loops are not working, or not working well, in a venue, rather than point this out and disclose their impairment, or ask for it to be remedied, they may walk away and not bother to return.
But an inability to hear well can lead to social isolation, a decline in wellbeing and even, some research suggests, contribute to cognitive decline.
A proactive mindset
This World Hearing Day is very much about ‘changing mindsets’ and encouraging individuals to protect their hearing and use hearing devices if they need them, but also for others to support those with hearing loss.
So what can venues do? What role do they play?
Raising awareness among staff is an important first step. Businesses might not think they have any customers or staff with hearing loss but the reality is, it’s often impossible to tell.
18 million people in the UK are Deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, according to the national charity, RNID.
Having this in mind is important to offer an inclusive and welcoming environment. The RNID has a range of information to help or check out our guide on improving workplace accessibility .
Assistive listening
Hearing devices like hearing aids can go a long way to improving sound intelligibility and inclusion, but noisy environments or ones where sound is limited by a barrier or distance, need assistive listening systems to create inclusion.
Venues need to think about those areas where systems such as hearing loops are needed. There are one-to-one situations like reception desks and ticket windows, and so-called ‘large areas’ like theatres or lecture halls.
Installing and maintaining assistive listening systems will ensure compliance with equality legislation, and the ability to communicate clearly will encourage repeat visits from customers.
Having installed a large area hearing loop at Eastbourne Theatre, General Manager Gavin commented “This has transformed the theatre experience for existing customers of the Devonshire Park Theatre. Those who, through a bad experience, had stopped visiting the theatre are now returning in ever increasing numbers.”
Venues can change their mindsets this World Hearing Day and see an inclusive welcome as an opportunity, not an obligation. Positive interactions, clear communication and happy customers create brand loyalty. And for staff with hearing loss, they feel valued and can fulfil their potential.
Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how to create an inclusive welcome for your customers and staff.
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