Small Changes, Big Difference – Campaign on hearing loss in care homes launched
A campaign about hearing loss in care homes has been launched by Engage, a deaf awareness training and development company, and Care England.
Entitled ‘Small Changes, Big Difference’, the campaign is calling for greater awareness and practical support around hearing loss in care homes. It follows the publication of a white paper in 2025, ‘Hearing Loss in Care Homes: A Call to Action’, that we reported on here: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/white-paper-on-hearing-loss-in-care-homes-published.
Statistics that have been shared as part of the campaign include:
- 90% of care home residents live with hearing loss
- Only 27% of care home staff regularly check their residents’ hearing aids
- Residents are 3 times more likely to fall if hearing loss goes unaddressed
- Only 50% of residents with dementia have any support with their hearing.
Padraic Garrett, Head of Engage, says:
“Hearing loss is one of the most widespread and overlooked challenges affecting people living in care homes. It is often misunderstood as simply part of getting older, rather than something that directly affects communication, relationships, wellbeing and inclusion. Through this campaign, we want to work alongside providers to help build confidence, improve communication and ensure residents remain connected to the people and world around them.”
The campaign will build towards an in-person event in London on 17th November 2026 that will bring together national leaders from across the care sector. Before then, ‘Small Changes, Big Difference’ will offer practical resources, webinars, expert insight and supporting materials to help care providers engage with issues around hearing loss in their residents and take action within their services. Find out more about the campaign here: https://www.careengland.org.uk/small-changes-big-difference/