Half of Brits (49%) worry about losing their hearing, and 68% have experienced symptoms of hearing loss – but two-thirds (65%) have never gone for a routine hearing test, a study found.
Three in ten adults (31%) have experienced a ringing in their ears, while 28% have misheard what other people are saying – and 23% frequently have to ask people to repeat themselves.
But more than a third (36%), of the 2,000 adults polled, admitted that if they did experience problems with their hearing, they would simply pretend this was completely normal.
This is compared to the 80% of adults who would seek quick treatment – within a few weeks – for ailments such as lumps and rashes, blurred vision, or flu-like symptoms.
The research found that when these “visible symptoms” were replaced with hearing loss as a symptom, the number of people who would seek treatment within a few weeks or sooner dropped to 55%.
To mark World Hearing Day tomorrow (Friday, March 3), Specsavers, which commissioned the research, is encouraging the public to prioritise hearing health.
This follows a recent report by the World Health Organization, which stated 60% of hearing problems can be addressed through primary care.
GP and TV doctor, Dr Zoe Williams, who has partnered with the high-street eyecare and audiology experts, said: “The appearance of a red rash, lumps, bumps, or blurred vision are all aliments where we’d seek immediate tests and medical advice.
“However, people who have hearing loss don’t always seek support straight away – and unfortunately, the longer you leave hearing issues, the worse they can become.
“Hearing tests are an essential part of our overall health maintenance, and hearing health is integral within primary care.
“Luckily, audiologists form part of this primary care setting, and can address a range of hearing problems you may be experiencing quickly and easily.”
Among the top reasons for individuals not getting a hearing test was simply not believing their symptoms were a problem they needed to worry about (39%).
A fifth (19%) thought they were overreacting, and 13% thought they were too young to experience them.
But 28% were unaware the longer they waited to get their hearing problem sorted, the worse their hearing would get.
However the study, carried out through OnePoll, found 81% would book a hearing test sooner if they knew they could be at risk of losing their hearing.
Gordon Harrison, Specsavers’ chief audiologist, said: “Hearing loss affects millions of people in the UK, and we know that many people struggle for years before they take any action.
“It is important to get your hearing checked if you notice any changes, regardless of your age.
“Most of the time hearing loss happens gradually, making it harder to notice if you’re not hearing as well as you used to.
“The best thing to do is to make sure that you never listen to your music above 60% volume, give your ears regular breaks, and when you know you’re going to be surrounded by loud noise, make sure to take hearing protection with you.
“Prevention is always best, so if you do notice any changes in your hearing, make sure you seek expert help as soon as possible.”
AILMENTS BRITS ARE MORE LIKELY TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR OVER THEIR HEARING:
- A lump
- A persistent cough
- Blurred vision
- Bleeding
- A rash
- Teeth problems
- Feeling faint
- Aches and pains
- Feeling sick
- A cold
