Action on Hearing Loss and Deafness Research UK are in merger discussions it has been announced today.

A statement released by both charities says their trustees and senior executives are discussing how the combined work of the two organisations could raise the profile of, and boost funding for, biomedical research in the long term.

Both charities sustained income drops this year - Deafness Research UK saw its income drop by 35 per cent form £1.7m to £1.1m, while Action on Hearing Loss had a 9 per cent drop in income to £37.5m.

Commenting on the news, chief executive of Action on Hearing Loss, Paul Breckell said: “Hearing loss is something that will affect most of us during our lifetime, but currently biomedical research into hearing loss and tinnitus is hugely underfunded compared with other health conditions. By combining the expertise of Action on Hearing Loss and Deafness Research UK we believe we can raise the profile of this vital area of our work, and encourage greater funding.”