Urgent warning to Brits skipping hearing tests which could prevent deadly illness
BRITS have been urged to get their hearing tested in order to prevent deadly illness.
Fewer people have their hearing checked than their eyes, teeth and blood pressure, data shows.
Experts at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) said keeping on top of hearing tests can help reduce your risk of dementia.
Research found that found only 6 per cent of people in the UK, who have not been diagnosed with hearing loss, took a hearing check in 2022.
This is in stark contrast to people having other health updates including 53 per cent who got a dental check-up, 46 per cent who had an eye test or 44 per cent who had their blood pressure checked.
Despite the lack of action, 98 per cent of people said their hearing was important to them.
The charity warned that the lack of checks means people are risking their health.
Hearing loss may be slow to spot and can lead some people into loneliness and depression if left unmanaged, according to the RNID who added it can also increase the risk of dementia.
Getting support and treatment early may reduce these risks.
Crystal Rolfe, the RNID’s associate director for health, said: “Everyone should be valuing and protecting their hearing as much as they value and protect their teeth, eyes or blood pressure, and this can all start with a simple hearing check.
“If over the festive season or whilst attending a New Year’s Eve party, you found yourself, or saw your partner or parents asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow a conversation, please take the first step and check your hearing.”
When it comes to when Brits are getting these checks, 47 per cent said failing to repeat a sentence back to someone would spur them on.
While 42 per cent said being told they had turned the volume up too loud on the TV would prompt them to take action.
How do I get an hearing test?
You can get a free hearing test on the NHS.
GPs can refer you onto a hearing specialist, known as a audiologist. Large pharmacies and opticians also offer tests.
Common signs of hearing loss
It's not always easy to tell if you're losing your hearing, which is why it's vital you get tested often
Common signs include:
- difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places
- asking people to repeat themselves
- listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
- difficulty hearing on the phone
- finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
- feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening
Sometimes a friend of family member might notice problems with your hearing before you do.
Source: NHS