Readers might be interested to know that Deaf Awareness Week is taking place from May 1-7.

During the week, RNID, the national charity representing the one in seven people in the UK who are deaf or hard of hearing, will be raising awareness of the many different ways deafness and hearing loss affect people's lives.

I would also like to invite you to join the thousands of people across the country expected to take part in Britain's Biggest Sound Check on May 3.

We are challenging people everywhere to call RNID's special telephone hearing check on 0845 600 5555. We aim to set the record for the largest number of people to check their hearing on any one day. The target is 100,000.

So, if you think you or anyone you know might have some hearing loss, why not take the five-minute check. Taking this first step could improve your life for the better.

For information on deafness and hearing loss and Britain's Biggest Sound Check, contact RNID's information line on 0808 808 0123, textphone 0808 808 9000 or visit www.rnid.org.uk

Dr John Low Chief executive RNID