Suffering in silence with loss of hearing

A staggering 3.4m people (including more than 273,000 in Yorkshire alone – 40,000 in Leeds, 10,000 in York, and 13,000 in Bradford) do not use a hearing aid but could benefit greatly from doing so.

Untreated hearing impairment can have serious consequences including isolation, withdrawal, problems at work, depression and low self-esteem.

The study – Eurotrak UK – is the most comprehensive survey undertaken in this field. Consumers answered questions not only about their personal hearing, but also about their attitudes to and knowledge about hearing aids.

It also found that the UK has the lowest rate of hearing tests in Europe.

Professor Adrian Davis, National Director for Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, and the leading epidemiologist of hearing impairment in the UK commented: “Probably over 3.4m people in the UK need hearing aids and do not have them according to EuroTrak UK – similar to a figure estimated by the MRC studies and RNID.

“This represents a massive challenge to everyone involved with hearing healthcare, hearing aids and their dispensing. The negative impact on the lives of the undiagnosed hearing impaired cannot be underestimated.”

Lawrence Werth, BHAMA chairman added: “It is imperative that we get our hearing tested regularly. If hearing loss is detected, then a hearing aid can help.”