Brits shrugging off invisible symptoms at risk of hearing loss – the 3 signs you must know
BRITS are quick to seek treatment every day for colds, rashes, aches and pains.
But they're a lot less likely to seek professional help when it comes to hearing problems, research has shown.
A poll of 2,000 people found 65 per cent have never gone for a routine hearing test.
This is despite 68 per cent having experienced symptoms which could indicate they are struggling with their hearing.
The 3 main symptoms experienced:
- Ringing in the ears (31 per cent)
- Mishearing what others are saying (28 per cent)
- Asking people to repeat themselves on a regular basis (23 per cent).
The research found 80 per cent of those polled would seek treatment within a few weeks or sooner for ailments with flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, or lumps and rashes.
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But when these ‘visible symptoms’ were replaced with hearing loss as a symptom, the number of people who would seek treatment dropped to 55 per cent.
While 49 per cent of all adults worry about losing their hearing, 36 per cent admitted they would pretend it’s completely normal if they were to experience problems.
With World Hearing Day (Friday March 3) approaching, , which commissioned the research, is encouraging the public to prioritise hearing health.
This follows a recent report by the which stated 60 per cent of hearing problems can be addressed through primary care.
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GP and Sun columnist, Dr Zoe Williams, who has partnered with Specsavers 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.”
Of the reasons individuals didn’t get a hearing test, 39 per cent thought their symptoms of hearing loss weren’t a problem they needed to worry about.
A fifth (19 per cent) thought they were overreacting and 13 per cent thought they were too young to experience them.
And 28 per cent 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 per cent 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 in your hearing, 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 per cent 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.”
The 10 issues Brits prioritise over hearing:
- lump
- persistent cough
- blurred vision
- bleeding
- rash
- teeth problems
- feeling faint
- aches and pains
- feeling sick
- a cold
Earlier this year, Brits were urged to get their hearing tested in order to prevent a deadly illness.
Fewer people have their hearing checked than their eyes, teeth and blood pressure, data shows.
Experts at the (RNID) said keeping on top of hearing tests can help reduce your risk of dementia.
Research found that found only 6 per cent of people in the UK, who have not been diagnosed with hearing loss, took a hearing check in 2022.
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This is in stark contrast to people having other health updates including 53 per cent who got a dental check-up, 46 per cent who had an eye test or 44 per cent who had their blood pressure checked.
