The MP had his ears tested by the RNID, the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK.

The charity, together with UnumProvident Workplace of the Future partnership, are focusing on the support needed to ensure those with a disability and older workers receive the help they need to remain in the work place.

The RNID stand showcased the importance of hearing tests as just one of the many options available to assist employees with finding an appropriate solution to a disability.

Paul Goodman MP said: "Our workforce is getting older, yet too often many people do not get the support they need when they are in their 50s or 60s to keep a job.

"A hearing test and the provision of a digital hearing aid can help someone with a hearing loss stay in work. Hearing loss can lead to stress and difficulties in communicating, both at work and at home.

"By getting a hearing test, people will be able to make the necessary adjustments to their lives so they can continue leading a full professional and social life."

John Low, Chief Executive RNID, says: "Having your hearing tested is a simple and non-intrusive way of finding out whether practical changes to your professional environment can help you become accustomed to a hearing loss.

"Simple solutions such as amplified telephones and loop systems for hearing aid users can make the world of difference to someone with a hearing loss and enable employees perform at their best."

Joanne Hindle, Corporate Service Director, at UnumProvident says: "Changes in employment and most importantly changes to attitudes are vital if the workplace of the future is to be fully accessible for the older worker."

By Rachel Sixsmith
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.641533.0.mp_shows_support_for_deaf_people.php