RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

HearCom, which is funded by the European Commission, is a four and half year project that involves industry, university researchers, audiologists and deaf and hard of hearing people throughout Europe.

Researchers are working on:

  • self-screening hearing tests over the telephone and the internet
  • a web based rehabilitation service for new hearing aid users
  • systems that will enable public announcements to be sent directly to a hearing aid, or be provided in text
  • a wireless link that will connect hearing aids to modern technology like mobile phones and entertainment systems.
A man taking the telephone hearing check

The telephone hearing check used in our Breaking the Sound Barrier campaign, which aims to change people’s attitudes towards hearing loss, was developed as part of the Hearcom project.

What we do in HearCom

We contribute to most of the projects being carried out in HearCom. We make sure that the work will be of real benefit to users by ensuring that the views of deaf and hard of hearing people are taken into account.

Who’s involved?

The 29 partners involved in HearCom are from a range of countries including:

  • United Kingdom
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • France
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Poland
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark


How you can help


Would you like to get involved? We at the technology department seek to involve a large number of people in our research. You can volunteer to help in projects like HearCom. Volunteers also receive our seasonal newsletter. Please fill in our online volunteering form.


More information

Find out about our Breaking the Sound Barrier Campaign. (external link, opens new browser window)

Visit the HearCom website. (external link)