Millions of people in the UK are suffering in silence from hearing loss, according to RNID, the charity for the deaf and hard of hearing.

As staff head back to work after the charity is calling on workers and their managers to 'Break the Sound Barrier' and take it's five minute telephone hearing check.

To date, 300,000 people have taken the telephone hearing check but RNID believes there are up to 4 million people in the UK who could benefit from taking the check to discover their level of hearing loss.

The hearing check allows individuals to discover whether hearing aids could help them to hear better. Practical measures such as digital hearing aids, amplified telephones and loop systems can also introduced at work to help employees to perform at their best.

John Low, Chief Executive, RNID, said: “We want to reach out to people who may be having difficulties hearing but are doing nothing about it and encourage them to take the first step in transforming their lives for the better.”

To take part in the five-minute check call 0845 600 5555.