More than six million older people suffering from hearing loss in the UK and not receiving treatment

There are 10 million people within the UK suffering from hearing loss, of those, more than 6 million are over 65 whilst the rest are working age and a further 800,000 are deaf, according to Action on Hearing Loss.

A recent survey ‘Listen Up Britain’ commissioned by a hearing implant provider, MED-EL has revealed the need for increased awareness, better diagnosis, treatment and support for anyone with hearing loss.

Its study revealed that 93 per cent of people knew little or nothing about hearing loss before receiving a diagnosis and nearly 50 per cent of those received no treatment to help their condition.

Managing director of MED-EL, Cassandra Brown, said: “Removing the barriers to assessment, diagnosis and intervention is imperative to reduce the impact on quality of life and long-term damage associated with hearing loss. MED-EL is proud to be raising awareness of what is often a significantly under-reported condition.”

Results of the survey indicated that of 1,300 people surveyed, 20 per cent said that if they had symptoms of hearing loss they would ignore them and only 12 per cent were aware of the scale of the problem in the UK.

A further 73 per cent said that they knew someone who suffered from hearing loss and only three per cent knew that people experiencing hearing loss wait 10 years on average to get their hearing tested from first noticing a problem.

A leading audiologist at St George’s Hospital in London, Sharmila Patel, said: “The Listen Up Britain survey provides further evidence of the lack of awareness and action around hearing loss in the UK.

“This is an issue that we really need to be making a lot more noise about. Studies have shown that by the time many people seek treatment, their ability to adapt and benefit from treatment is often greatly reduced.”

UK based charity, Action on Hearing Loss estimates that by 2031, there will be in excess of 14 million people with hearing loss. There are more than 45,000 deaf children in the UK, plus many more who experience temporary hearing loss whilst more than 350,000 people in the UK have a visual and hearing impairment.

The charity estimates that two million people have hearing aids in the UK, but only 70 per cent of those use them regularly whilst four million people would benefit from hearing aids but don’t have them, whilst a further 10 per cent of adults have a form of mild tinnitus.

Ms Patel added: “If you are experiencing hearing difficulties, don’t delay, talk to your GP and ask them to refer you for a simple hearing test. If someone you know is showing signs of hearing loss, talk to them about it and encourage them to take action.”

The World Health Organisation anticipates that by 2030, adult hearing loss will be one of the top 10 diseases in the UK affecting more people than diabetes and cataracts.

MED-EL produce hearing implant systems allowing those affected by hearing loss to have their hearing restored if they cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids.