A third of Brits have a loved one living in denial of hearing loss, study says

A third of Brits believe they have a loved one living in denial of their hearing loss, a study shows.

In a poll of 2,000 adults, 40% stated one of their parents has become hard of hearing – but are unwilling to admit there is a problem.

More than a quarter feel the same about a friend and 18% have a colleague who doesn't appear to recognise they have hearing difficulties.

The research also identified the symptoms most commonly associated with hearing loss.

These include a tendency to think others are mumbling, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, and struggling to hear conversations when there's background noise or they are in busy crowds.

Thomas Behrens, chief of audiology at hearing aid experts Oticon, said: “Admitting your hearing isn’t what it used to be is really hard for many people."

He added: “It can also be difficult to realise that there is even a problem. Hearing loss can happen gradually so you can get used to not being able to hear your own steps or the birds chirping.

“Sometimes, it isn’t until your partner or friends tell you that you keep saying ‘pardon’, that the TV is up really loud, or that you ask them to repeat everything, that you finally realise that there is a problem and need to seek support.”

The study also found more than seven in 10 adults who know someone they suspect to have hearing loss have attempted to tell that person of their concerns.

Almost half (47%) have told them outright they think they have hearing loss, and 41% regularly highlight to them when they display symptoms, while 37% give 'subtle hints'.

However, for many, the subject of hearing loss is taboo.

Almost a quarter of those who haven’t expressed their concerns or suspicions, have avoided doing so because they don’t feel comfortable.

While 42% think their friend or family member would ignore their attempts to help – disregarding anything they say.

But working, living, and socialising with someone who appears to be in denial of poor hearing can strain relationships, as more than a third feel either frustrated with not being heard or fed up with having to repeat themselves.

And 21% feel ‘embarrassed’ by the hearing loss symptoms their loved ones display – like asking others to repeat things, or not being able to follow conversations.

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A quarter also admitted they actively avoid having conversations with the person they suspect of having hearing difficulties – because it is 'easier'.

While one in four have had arguments with that individual over their apparent denial.

Thomas Behrens, at Oticon, added: “Living with hearing loss can have many hidden effects. The impact on relationships is certainly a concern.

“Tackling hearing loss as soon as possible can alleviate many of the negative consequent effects.

"And it is particularly important for reducing or avoiding the adverse impact on health and quality of life that living with hearing loss can have.”

The research also revealed fewer than 20% of adults realised untreated hearing loss can age the brain and change the way the brain functions.

While only half knew living with hearing loss can lead to social isolation and less than 50% knew hearing loss could increase the risk of depression.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, found more than a third of those who haven’t been professionally diagnosed with hearing loss claim to have problems hearing.

And most – 81% – haven’t even sought advice or treatment – 'willing' to wait until their hearing loss affects their quality of life or gets worse than it currently is.

Worryingly, more than half admitted they struggle to hear conversations in noisy environments, while nearly one in two find it hard to follow conversations if several people are speaking at once.

Thomas Behrens added: “Potentially, millions of Brits don’t realise they have hearing loss, or don’t want to admit it.

"But it is crucial to support a hearing problem as it could just help avoid the consequences for your health.

"If poor hearing is annoying loved ones, that is a clear sign it is time to take action.”

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