NATIONAL HEARING SURVEY
The 2024 survey results have now been published. Read below to know about the findings and recommendations
MAKE HEARING TEST MANDATORY
More support must be given to police officers and staff who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing to quash the stigma, so they feel more confident in sharing their experiences and challenges of hearing loss.
The first ever National
Hearing Survey was carried out by Andrea Shoetan, Disabled Police Association committee member and co-chair of Hear Me Support Network and Katherine Buffery, Disabled Police Association committee member and chair of the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network, in 2024 to identify issues impacting the police workforce and to provide the evidence needed for change. This survey was built in collaboration with the Disabled Police Association, Greater Manchester Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police. It received 2,468 responses with
28 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2024
the 45-54 age bracket being the most popular, followed by the 55-64 bracket. High representation was also observed with the 35-44 age range.
“We have made seven recommendations following this
survey which include gaining national understanding that not only firearms officers are at risk of hearing loss.”
• Causes of hearing loss • Outer Ear Hearing loss Many respondents answered this question with ‘None of the above’ or ‘Other’ as in many cases the cause is unknown. However, trauma, wax buildup and perforated eardrums were significant factors.
THE REPORT FOUND:
INNER EAR HEARING LOSS Over a third (35 per cent) of respondents to this question stated that noise exposure was responsible for their inner ear hearing loss. Ageing was also shown to be a significant factor. There were many other reasons provided, such as hereditary conditions, trauma, Covid-19, stress and police earpieces, Ménière’s disease and Eustachian Tube Disorder.
USE OF HEARING APPLIANCES Just under a third (31 per cent) of respondents reported using hearing aids in both ears (Bi-Aural), which is the highest recorded use of hearing appliances. Around 1 in 10 (11 per cent) of respondents wear one hearing aid. However, over 54 per cent of users stated they use none of the options shown.
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