17% have hearing difficulties

Up to 17% of the population has some sort of hearing difficulty, however many people who suffer from hearing loss are reluctant to admit it or seek help, experts have warned.

According to Hidden Hearing, which is made up of a network of hearing clinics throughout the country, one in six people - that is 17% of the population - are recorded as having some hearing difficulty. While most of these have mild hearing loss, a significant number have moderate hearing loss while a small minority suffer a severe loss of hearing.

Hidden Hearing is highlighting this issue as part of Hearing Awareness Week, which has been running this week. As part of the event, a public information leaflet, 'Have You Heard?', has been launched. It outlines the basic facts that people need to know about their hearing and includes a simple self-test.

While hearing problems are traditionally associated with older people, according to Keith Ross, a hearing aid audiologist with Hidden Hearing, young people need to be aware of this issue as well.

"We are becoming increasingly surrounded by unnecessary noise and distraction, with gadgets such as iPods being so popular. Many people who use iPods or mp3 players for long periods of time are frighteningly unaware of the fact that loud noise can damage their hearing", Mr Ross said.

He explained that noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative - it happens over time, so a young person may not be aware they are doing any damage.

"It's key that volume is kept relatively low, ensuring they can still hear the sounds outside when hearing their headphones", he said.

Mr Ross emphasised that at any age, hearing difficulties can have serious implications for a person's quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can result in social isolation and withdrawal. Furthermore, those who opt for late retirement need to be sure that their hearing function is good, otherwise it can affect their performance in work.

"A massive one in three people over the age of 60 suffers from hearing loss and it can often take an average of 10 years for an individual to do something about it. There appears to be a stigma attached to having a loss of hearing, with many letting their hearing deteriorate significantly before they have it checked", Mr Ross said.

Key indicators of hearing loss include having to turn the television volume up when others find it too loud, having problems picking up a cross conversation and having to ask people to repeat themselves on a regular basis.

Mr Ross pointed out that a hearing test is completely painless. Furthermore for those who do require them, hearing aids 'have come a long way'.

"Many of the models are so small, they can barely be seen, come in vibrant colours and even feature artificial intelligence", he said.

The 'Have You Heard?' leaflet is available from GPs and Hidden Hearing clinics nationwide. Meanwhile hearing tests are free of charge in Hidden Hearing clinics.