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More than a quarter of Irish people have noticed negative changes to their hearing, having to ask people to repeat themselves – but only 2% of people have received help with this loss of hearing.
This means that the majority of the country could be missing out on hearing our favourite sounds, TV shows and music properly – or even saying yes to things we didn’t mean to.
According to new research from Specsavers, 43% of Irish people have never had their hearing tested. This is despite more than half (51%) admitting they can’t hear conversations in busy areas and more than a quarter (27%) confessing they have to ask people to speak louder or repeat themselves.
The survey also highlights the impact hearing loss is having on people’s day to day lives. Worryingly, 46% said they often miss someone’s name when being introduced to them and 15% have avoided social situations because of not being able to hear properly.
52% of Irish people said music would be the hardest sound to lose if they suffered with hearing loss, while 29% said it’s nature sounds, like birdsong. More than half (55%) said the fear of losing the ability to hear music forever would be enough to encourage them to get a hearing test.
Exploring the other factors that prompt people to get their hearing tested & checked including the cost factor, consumers opting for free or cheaper identified as the most persuasive (61%). Nearly half of those polled (48%) said their family and friends persuading them to seek help.
Letterkenny audiologist Martina McNulty, who is Specsavers Ireland Audiology Chairperson, said: “Part of the stigma around hearing loss is the fear of having to wear a hearing aid, but this shouldn’t be the case anymore. There have been so many advances in hearing aids – there is some much technology in these tiny devices. Ensuring hearing issues are identified early is key. As well as improving quality of life, early detection can also help prevent other conditions such as early-onset dementia.
“In our poll, 61% of Irish people said that they would be encouraged to get a hearing test if they were free. At Specsavers, hearing tests are free. It’s also a misconception that hearing loss is just sounds getting quieter. Everyone’s hearing is different. Some people lose high notes, others lose low-frequency sounds. If you are experiencing changes, do book a free hearing test as there is lots that can be done to help and the sooner you take action, the more likely you are to minimise hearing loss.”
It comes as eighties music legend Rick Astley recently discovered he had some hearing loss after a hearing test at Specsavers and now has hearing aids.
To raise awareness of the common symptoms associated with hearing loss, Rick partnered with Specsavers to re-record his biggest hit, ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ with the lyrics people have misheard for years, including “Then I’m Gonna Run Around with Dessert Spoons”, “you wouldn’t catch nits from any other guy” and “your aunt’s been naked”.
Rick has since spoken publicly about his hearing loss to help remove some of the stigma attached to the condition.
Watch here:
To find out more or to book a free hearing test, visit www.specsavers.ie/hearing
Expert top tips for hearing health:
Worried about hearing loss? Specsavers Ireland Audiology Chairperson Martina McNulty gave her advice:
– Firstly, don’t panic. We know it can be frightening to experience changes in your hearing, but avoiding the issue can lead to greater problems and reduced quality of life down the line. Don’t ignore any changes in the hope they will simply go away. Hearing changes can be very subtle at first and therefore can take time to notice. The sooner you speak to an expert about it, the better. A staggering 43% of Irish people say they have never had their hearing tested, which means nearly half of the country could have hearing loss that they simply haven’t noticed yet.
– Do certain sounds seem louder than usual? Does the volume on the TV or radio seem to change by itself? What most people won’t know is that hearing changes don’t always begin with sounds getting quieter. If you are noticing any kind of distortion or strange sounds in your ears, it could be time to get your hearing checked.
– Have you noticed a friend or loved one struggling to hear, or do they seem distracted? Gently mentioning it to them can be the catalyst someone needs to seek support or open up that they are struggling.
– Do you find yourself avoiding crowded areas or social situations because you find it hard to hear what is happening? This can also be a sign that your hearing may require some attention. In research carried out by Specsavers, 26% of people say they frequently can’t hear conversations with background noise such as in restaurants or bars. This is a common early sign of hearing loss.
Worried about the stigma? Sadly, for some, the thought of hearing aids feels frightening, but times have changed!
Hearing aid technology and designs are not how many would imagine. Years ago, they were often bulky and uncomfortable, but like other electronics they have dramatically changed – yet many people aren’t aware of amazing technology in these tiny devices. Modern hearing aids are small, discreet, and feature the latest tech, including Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable options, and noise reduction technology to help reduce background noise. They also come in a range of fittings and styles.
To find out more information, request an appointment, or to speak to an expert, please call your local Specsavers team or visit https://www.specsavers.ie/stores/donegaltown / https://www.specsavers.ie/stores/letterkenny
