Executive Summary
Hearing loss is a major and growing public health and economic challenge in the UK. It affects more than nine million adults in England and contributes to reduced productivity, higher unemployment, and poorer quality of life among older workers. Many cases remain undiagnosed, and current systems fail to identify noise-induced hearing loss, a preventable condition prevalent across manual and routine occupations. Early detection is limited, and high-risk groups such as people with Type 2 diabetes are not routinely screened. These gaps undermine efforts to sustain a productive ageing workforce.
The submission proposes three actions: recognising noise-induced hearing loss as a reportable disease under RIDDOR, embedding routine hearing checks into NHS health assessments, and introducing targeted screening for people with Type 2 diabetes. These measures would support earlier diagnosis, reduce long-term costs, and help maintain employment among older adults. Evidence from international practice and WHO guidance indicates that investment in hearing health delivers strong returns and enhances workforce participation. Improving hearing care is therefore a practical and cost-effective step toward strengthening productivity and economic resilience in an ageing society.
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