Two-thirds of adults have never had a routine hearing test despite having symptoms

Adults prioritize treating everyday health complaints such as colds, rashes, aches and pains, but are much less likely to seek professional help when it comes to hearing loss. A survey of 2,000 consumers found that 65% of them never had a routine hearing test, despite 68% experiencing symptoms that could indicate they are struggling with hearing.

These include ringing in the ears (31%), mishearing what others are saying (28%), and asking people to repeat their words regularly (23%).

The study found that 80 percent of those surveyed would seek medical attention within a few weeks or earlier for illnesses with flu-like symptoms, pain or bumps, and a rash.

But when those “visible symptoms” were replaced with hearing loss as a symptom, the number of people who would seek medical help within a few weeks or less fell to 55 percent.

And while 49 percent of all adults worry about hearing loss, 36 percent admitted they would pretend to be completely normal if they were having problems.

To mark World Hearing Day tomorrow (Friday, March 3), Specsavers, which commissioned the study, is urging the public to prioritize hearing health.

This follows a recent report from the World Health Organization, which states that 60 percent of hearing problems can be solved with primary health care.

General practitioner and broadcaster, Dr. Zoe Williams, who collaborates with leading experts in ophthalmology and audiology, said: “The appearance of a red rash, swelling, bumps or blurred vision are all diseases for which we would like to be immediately examined and treated. . medical advice.

“However, people with hearing loss don’t always seek help right away — and unfortunately, the longer you leave hearing problems, the worse they can get.

“Hearing checks are an integral part of our overall health maintenance, and hearing health is an integral part of primary health care.

“Fortunately, audiologists are part of this primary care and can quickly and easily address a range of hearing problems you may be facing.”

Among the top reasons people didn’t get a hearing test was simply not believing their symptoms were a problem they needed to worry about (39 percent).

A fifth (19 percent) thought they were overreacting, and 13 percent thought they were too young to experience them.

But 28% did not know that the longer they waited for a hearing problem to be resolved, the worse their hearing would become.

However, a OnePoll study found that 81 percent of people would sign up for a hearing test sooner if they knew they were at risk of losing their hearing.

Gordon Harrison, Chief Audiologist at Specsavers, said: “Hearing loss affects millions of people in the UK and we know many people struggle for years before taking any action.

“It is important to get your hearing checked if you notice any changes, no matter your age.

“In most cases, hearing loss happens gradually, making it harder to notice when you hear less than before.

“The best thing to do is make sure you never listen to music above 60 percent volume, give your ears regular breaks, and when you know you’re going to be surrounded by loud noise, don’t forget to bring your hearing protection. You.

“Prevention is always better, so if you notice any changes in your hearing, be sure to seek professional help as soon as possible.”