Hearing loss is a normal part of the ageing process but can occur at any time of life due to illness, injury, or trauma. Within policing, the unique roles performed by our officers and staff put them at a potentially increased risk of developing hearing loss or hearing-related conditions such as tinnitus at a younger age.

Following our first ever national police hearing survey in 2024, we made a number of recommendations. One is for Forces to implement mandatory hearing tests for those in at-risk operational roles, as only firearms officers currently undergo regular hearing testing. This means that some individuals in these roles have only had their hearing checked at the medical recruitment stage of their policing career.

If you are not in the police, the need to get your hearing tested, especially if you are exposed to high noise levels or suspect you may have hearing loss, still applies.

Consider how many times you have had your eyes tested under the DSE regulations, which ensure employers offer sight testing every two years for free when you are a regular user of computers. However, have you ever had your hearing tested, despite suspecting that your hearing levels may have diminished?

There is no stigma associated with wearing glasses. Sadly, there is for some regarding the use of hearing aids. For about ten years I have worn two hearing aids, through the NHS which provides everything for free, including upgrades every three years, batteries, and aftercare. I even recently realized I could request sparkly hearing aid moulds to make them more personal to me.

My recommendation is that if you feel you are struggling to hear certain things, please take this free online test. Upon completion of the test, there will be recommendations if further investigation is required.

Take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to check your hearing. ∎