New research reveals Brits take hearing for granted
A recent survey commissioned by the British Irish Hearing Instruments Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) has revealed that the average adult in the UK only gets their hearing tested once a decade.
Despite 1 in 6 adults in the UK with some form of hearing loss, most people are getting their hearing checked once every ten years instead of every two to three years as recommended by BIHIMA.
The survey of 2000 UK adults also revealed:
- 16% of respondents self-reported suffering from hearing loss
- Men are twice as likely to suffer from hearing loss – 1 in 5 – compared to 1 in 10 women
- 11% of 16-24 year olds surveyed say they too suffer hearing loss. This figure doubles to 22% in the over 55 age group.
In comparison, these UK figures are significantly higher than the 1 in 9 Europeans with self-reported hearing loss, according to the latest Eurotrak report.
Nearly half of those who say they have a hearing loss claim to use hearing instruments according to BIHIMA’s UK 2018 Eurotrak study, leaving over 50% not taking advantage of available technology. A problem that could be managed with regular visits to an audiologist.
BIHIMA Chairman, Paul Surridge said on the survey’s findings: “Not everyone notices a decline in their hearing. It’s often a relative or family friend that raises the subject. We know hearing loss can have a detrimental effect on people’s mental health and the way they live their lives. As a society, we need to encourage everyone to have regular hearing tests and when appropriate be fitted with life changing hearing instruments to prevent unnecessary suffering.”