22
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2015–16
Technology
Technology enables people with deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss to take control of their
lives, and live the life they choose. We work in partnership with manufacturers of assistive
technology to bring new products to market through our online shop, and we influence
policy to make sure that new technology is accessible and inclusive.
Our impact
•
This year we worked with manufacturers and developers of assistive technology on
groundbreaking innovations, including speech-to-text and ‘digital touch’ technologies
that have the potential to provide real benefits for people with deafness, tinnitus and
hearing loss. With Bellman and Symfon, we developed five new, assistive technologies.
•
Over 800 people responded to our survey on the use of technology to aid
communication in noisy places. The results will inform how we work to improve existing
technology – and what new technology needs to be developed.
•
Our new website forum carries reviews of useful mobile technology apps. People with
deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss can share their personal experiences, give honest
feedback and raise awareness of new technologies.
•
We helped the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to invest
£4.4 million into research to improve hearing aid technology.
•
Technology plays a vital role in the lives of people who are deaf, have tinnitus or hearing
loss. This year we sold 75,303 products – from amplified phones to smoke-alarm
systems – to help people maintain their independence. We partner with more than
70 manufacturers who supply us with over 400 products.