Hearbase is pleased to be involved in a range of community activities associated with hearing related issues.  We have carried out a number of surveys into noise levels in cinemas, the problems with non-functioning loop systems and the noise risks associated with a range of occupations. You can find links to some of these stories in the local and national media on our news page.

Campaigns

Hearbase Ltd has worked with charitable organisations for more than a decade, both in this country and abroad.

Some of the children in our Romania project

Romania

Between 1998 and 2008, Hearbase Ltd helped children in Romania with hearing difficulties and no access to hearing aids or clinical support. Hearing Care Centre Director, Mark Scutchings, together with other volunteer hearing aid audiologists from across the UK, helped 34 children in Baia Mare, Transylvania, Romania. The children were fitted with hearing aids donated by local Kent people and hearing aid manufacturers. The project helped them hear, learn to communicate and develop into employable and independent young adults.


Hearing Dogs for the Deaf

Bumble

In 2008, the company became involved with the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity. The Hearing Care Centre raised £5,000 to sponsor Bumble, who was placed with Jill Roach from Thanet. Jill suffered hearing problems from a young age but became severely deafened following an operation to relieve acute vertigo symptoms. The money raised by Hearbase Ltd covered Bumble's initial selection, training and placement, right through to the aftercare required during its working life.


Noise awareness

Two years ago, Hearbase launched a noise awareness campaign which has focused on educating people about the risks of noise. Through this campaign we have:

• Made a journalist ‘deaf for day' using custom ear moulds to muffle sound and asking them to complete everyday, ordinary tasks
• Tested Loop systems in shops in Canterbury to see if they work and if staff know how to use them
• Measured the noise levels people in Canterbury listen to their mp3 players for a research project
• Measured the noise levels at cinemas at Thanet, Canterbury, Folkestone, Dover and Ashford
• Measured seven professions (zoo keeper, hairdresser, new mum, teacher, musician, gardener and librarian) to see who has the loudest job