Testing Times For Hearing Loss Sufferers

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Also Included In: Ear, Nose and Throat
Article Date: 11 May 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Loneliness is the most common symptom associated with hearing loss, according to a national survey by Specsavers to mark Deaf Awareness Week (4-10 May). [1]

More than half of those surveyed (64%) find themselves isolated from social situations because of badly managed hearing loss.

One in ten people would rather suffer in silence than wear a hearing aid because they would feel embarrassed by the associated stigma.

Specsavers hearing aid audiologist, Colin Campbell, says: 'It is staggering to think that 33% of people with hearing loss choose not to wear a hearing aid despite knowing this could enable them to hear well in all situations - it's like being advised to wear glasses and choosing to ignore an optician's advice.'

'It is really important to remove the associated stigma of old age so we have less of the population suffering from loneliness because of their hearing problems. This could be simply managed with the correct treatment and aftercare.'

Hearing loss affects one in seven people in the UK. Jenny Moir from charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People comments: 'The findings of this survey confirm the feedback we receive from deaf people applying for our hearing dogs. Loneliness and isolation very often leads to depression. Hearing aids can help many people with hearing loss feel more able to cope in society, while a hearing dog offers companionship and security breaking down barriers and increasing confidence and independence.'

Over half (56%) of those questioned with hearing loss felt that there wasn't enough done in their area to accommodate their needs. More positively, the survey did discover that 55% of people with a hearing aid said the device has changed their life for the better and 45% admitted that wearing one has improved social situations.

The survey also questioned people without a hearing loss. The figures reveal a nation in denial with one in three people in the UK having never had their hearing tested. Says Mr Campbell: 'A hearing test is as important as an eye examination and should take place every two years. Hearing loss is not just a consequence of age and with widespread use of MP3 players and exposure to loud music at events, it has become a health issue that affects all ages.

Despite the fact that hearing tests are free at Specsavers hearing centres, only 6% questioned have had a private hearing test. The Government considers hearing tests a vital health check for the over 60s.

To make an appointment for a free hearing test at one of over 400 Specsavers hearing centres across the UK, please call 0808 143 1143 or click here.

Other result highlights across the UK

In England:

• Almost a third (32%) of people with a hearing loss in England chose not to wear a hearing aid despite having hearing loss that could warrant one
• A quarter (24%) of the general population have suffered from tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

In Scotland:

• Well over a third of Scots (38%) have never had their hearing tested and a third (36%) would stubbornly not wear a hearing aid, even if they were advised to

In Wales:

• 97% of people with a hearing loss in Wales say wearing hearing aids has changed their life

In Northern Ireland:

• A staggering 68% feel isolated or lonely because of their hearing loss - the highest in the UK

The survey was carried out by Specsavers hearing centres, who questioned over 700 passers-by and optical customers nationwide, ensuring a mix of those with a hearing loss and those without.

[1] 715 people were surveyed by Specsavers staff in stores across the UK from September 2008 to April 2009. Questionnaires were used on customers, passers-by and friends and family of customers sitting in the waiting rooms. 26% of those questioned admitted to having a hearing loss



Source
Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited