Warning signs about hearing health are being ignored by many people in South Devon, with more than a fifth of adults unaware of the importance of looking after their hearing.
This comes after World Hearing Day (3 March), with research from Specsavers finding that 41% of people across the region have never gone for a routine hearing test – despite 65% having experienced symptoms, which could indicate hearing difficulties.
Such symptoms include ringing in the ears (40%), asking people to repeat themselves on a regular basis (77%) andfinding it hard to keep up with a conversation (38%).
The research commissioned by Specsavers, which provides primary hearing care across the UK, showed that most South West respondents – 80% – would seek treatment within a few weeks or sooner for ailments such as flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, lumps or a rash.
While more than half (55%) of adults in the region worry about losing their hearing, more than a third (36%) admitted they would pretend it’s completely normal if they were to experience problems.
The World Health Organisation noted that 60% of hearing problems can be addressed through primary care. SoSpecsavers is rallying South Devon people to prioritise their hearing health and to take action if they have any concerns.
Dr Zoe Williams, a GP and regular on TV, has partnered with Specsavers to remind individuals of the role primary care plays when it comes to ear health.
She says: ‘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 for individuals not having a hearing test,four in 10 (39%) South West people thought their symptoms of hearing loss weren’t a problem they needed to worry about, a fifth (19%) thought they were overreacting and 13% thought they were too young to experience them.
Nearly 3 in 10 (28%) were unaware that the longer they waited to get their hearing problem sorted, the worse their hearing would get. This is despite a whopping 81% of Brits admitting they would book a hearing test sooner if they knew they could be at risk of losing their hearing.
Commenting on the findings, Specsavers’ chief audiologist Gordon Harrison said: ‘Hearing loss affects millions of people in the UK, and we know that many people struggle for years before they take any action. But there’s no need to put it off any longer, particularly with the expert help and support that’s available on the high street.
‘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. It’s also important to look after and protect your hearing.
‘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.’
If you’re worried about your hearing, a hearing test at Specsavers is free of charge. For more information, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
