JENNY RANDERSON AM BACKS RNID CYMRU'S CHECKS FOR A HEALTHY HEARING FUTURE

12.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th May 2009

Jenny Randerson is supporting RNID Cymru's campaign

To mark Deaf Awareness Week (4 - 10 May 2009) Cardiff Central AM, Jenny Randerson has joined RNID Cymru's call for people to value their hearing health and take the charity's specially developed hearing check.

RNID's five-minute hearing check, which helps identify whether you have a hearing loss, can be accessed by calling 0844 800 3838 for English or 0844 800 8880 for Welsh. People can also take the check online by visiting www.rnid.org.uk/hearingmatters or www.rnid.org.uk/profi. The check assesses your ability to hear someone speaking with background noise - similar to being in a crowded room.

Jenny Randerson AM said: "Many people don't realise how important their hearing is in their everyday lives, until they start to lose it. I'm lending my voice to RNID's Hearing Matters campaign, which is urging you to look after your hearing health by dialling 0844 800 3838 or 0844 800 8880 and take immediate action to avoid experiencing unnecessary isolation from friends, family and colleagues."

RNID Cymru Communication and Campaigns Manager, Elinor Smith, says: "On average, people take 15 years to report hearing loss and, in that time, a person's quality of life can be greatly reduced.

"Our message to people in Cardiff Central is simple - if you're concerned about your hearing, take our check today and start addressing your hearing loss so you can soon return to leading a fulfilling and active life."

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Contact for general media enquiries:

Alan Dalziel, RNID Media Officer, 020 7296 8388 or alan.dalziel@rnid.org.uk

Notes for editors:

Calls to RNID's telephone hearing check from a BT landline cost up to 5p per minute. Other providers' charges may vary. Call set up charge may apply. 

RNID Cymru is the largest charity working to change the world for the 480,000 people in Wales who are deaf or hard of hearing. We do this with the help of our members by campaigning and lobbying, raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss, providing services and through social, medical and technical research.

For more information about RNID Cymru, visit www.rnid.org.uk, contact RNID's Information Line on 0808 808 0123 (freephone) or 0808 808 9000 (textphone) or email information@rnid.org.uk

RNID is proud to be The Co-operative Charity of the Year for 2009. As part of the partnership, we are encouraging everyone to check their hearing by visiting www.rnid.org.uk/hearingmatters or calling 0844 800 3838 (English) or 0844 800 8880 (Welsh).