Celebrating 1 year of the RNID online hearing check
Since May 2021, we’ve helped over 53,000 people check their hearing online for free.
Our hearing check is an interactive tool on the RNID website. You listen to a series of recordings and tell us what you hear.
Based on your answers, the check suggests whether your hearing is in a normal range or whether you may have hearing loss.
It’s not the same as a full hearing test with an audiologist (hearing specialist), but it’s a reliable way to find out if you need one.
How it works
It measures how well you can hear 3 randomly generated numbers over background noise. The level of background noise stays the same, but the voice gets quieter.
It’s an effective way to check your hearing because many people with hearing loss find it hard to hear speech clearly when there’s background noise.
If your results suggest you have hearing loss, you’ll need to see an audiologist for a full hearing test. You can download a certificate of your hearing check result to share with your GP. You can also subscribe to more information about getting your hearing tested by email.
If you results suggest you do not have hearing loss, you’re given information to help you protect your hearing.
How we made it
Our Digital and Innovation Team developed the hearing check with Hörzentrum Oldenburg, a company that makes technology for hearing aid users. They also worked closely with our audiology, brand, and technology teams.
The team first made a prototype and tested it with people with hearing loss. They used the feedback to launch and improved version of the check on 17 May 2021.
The numbers so far
- Over 53,000 people have completed the hearing check
- 44% of people had results that suggest their hearing is in a normal range
- 34% of people had results that suggest they may have hearing loss
- 22% of people, the results suggest they have hearing loss
- 76% of people say the hearing check is useful
- 24% of people who may have hearing loss have downloaded a certificate of their results to show their GP.
How we’ve iterated it
Since launch, we’ve monitored user feedback and made iterations to address the most common pain points.
We also edited the instructions on each screen to make sure users know what to do and how to make sure they have the right set up for their device.
Case study: how the hearing check helped David
“After years of being told there was nothing wrong with my hearing, I decided to try RNID’s online hearing check. I was surprised at the result and I forwarded a copy of the report to my GP surgery. A few weeks later I was called in for a hearing test.
It was something of a shock when I was told that I had hearing loss in both ears, as well as tinnitus. A couple of weeks later, I collected my hearing aids and I was surprised to hear old and new sounds.
I can now hear quiet conversations, I can enjoy the TV or radio at sensible levels, and I no longer have any excuse for ignoring my wife whilst driving.
It’s nice to have lost the tinnitus that blighted my life for over 4 decades. I can now hear the birds and the sounds of my grandchildren playing.”
What we’ll do next
We’ll continue to iterate and improve the service to meet our users’ needs. We plan to:
- work with corporate partners to help them get their staff’s hearing checked
- offer in-person services across the UK. People will be able to take the hearing check with help from an RNID volunteer
- join up the hearing check journey with our other products and services.
Check your hearing on the RNID website.
If you have any feedback, email the Digital and Innovation team at digital@rnid.org.uk
If you’ve taken the online hearing check and are interested in taking part in a case study, share your story with us.
