Significant social and psychological barriers to accessing hearing care interventions have been identified in a new study.
It highlights a lack of awareness of the long term implications of not addressing hearing loss, and the role of pharmacies in supporting hearing loss treatment.
Hearing health firm TympaHealth surveyed around 1000 adults from 18 to 65 and over.
More than half (53 per cent) of people reported they were unaware of the long-term health implications of unaddressed hearing loss, leaving people at risk of additional health and wellbeing issues like social isolation and dementia.
While more than one in three people (35 per cent) have experienced hearing loss, and over half (56 per cent) stating it has had a negative impact on their mental health, over one in three (35 per cent) have never had their hearing checked.
The survey revealed that waiting list duration was a key barrier for 28 per cent of people addressing ear and hearing health.
Embarrassment also emerged as a primary deterrent, with 31 per cent expressing concerns about potentially having to wear a hearing aid, viewing it as a barrier to seeking treatment.
The data also showed a lack of awareness among UK adults of the negative impact hearing loss can have on brain health, with over half (53 per cent) of people reporting they’re unaware of the long-term health implications of unaddressed hearing loss.
The Lancet found that risk factors associated with people developing conditions such as dementia include hearing impairment (7 per cent). Research by The University of Oxford, also found that building cognitive resilience at a young age will make the brain more robust and potentially better able to fight off conditions such as dementia in later life.
Dr Krishan Ramdoo, CEO and founder of TympaHealth and ENT surgeon, said: “Our research findings show that ear and hearing health is being overlooked by people, due to a variety of factors, but perhaps most concerningly people are worried about the social implications of addressing their ear and hearing health.
“It’s a myth that ear and hearing health only impacts older people. It can affect people at any age. Early and timely intervention makes a significant difference to people’s lives, it can prevent long term issues from arising, including poor mental health and cognitive decline, and ensure people can fulfil their potential.”
Professor Adrian Davis OBE, technical advisor for the World Health Organisation (WHO), said: “These findings underscore the urgent need to destigmatise hearing health and create supportive local people friendly environments that encourage auditory well-being.
“This new research serves as a critical wake-up call, emphasising the importance of early hearing protection and timely early interventions. By prioritising the psychological and social barriers, NHS and private sector healthcare providers and community leaders can help adults maintain their ear and hearing health and quality of life.”