IF you constantly find people just don’t speak clearly enough these days, and you struggle to hear people during noisy parties you’re not alone. But the problem may lie at your door . . . it could be your hearing letting you down. Around nine million people suffer from hearing loss, yet most consider even simple household DIY problems more important to tackle before getting help, according to new research. Few have hearing tests — less than 10per cent had a test in the last year — while only one in three who could benefit from a hearing aid have one. The national neglect of one of our key senses may leave many people unnecessarily leading isolated, difficult lives and prone to associated symptoms like depression says audiologist Heather Pitchford of David Ormerod Hearing Centres. Yet the company’s research to mark Hearing Clearer Awareness Month this month found people are seven times more likely to check their teeth than their hearing. Pitchford says: “It’s staggering, but because hearing loss can be gradual over years, an enormous number of people are completely unaware they have a problem. “There will be signs if it’s severe. They may start to limit their life to exclude social activities that make them feel uncomfortable or even depressed because they can’t hear properly . . . like going to the cinema, playing sport or even give up at work.” Another significant proportion refuse to admit or face hearing loss, viewing it as an unwelcome sign of ageing. “Some people are too embarrassed, or sometimes frightened to face the fact that they can’t hear properly. They’ll make excuses . . . saying that other people mumble, or that too much noise around them makes it difficult for them to hear,” she adds. “It’s often a partner or friend that pushes someone to do something about their hearing problem, because they are being driven mad by the person continually saying ‘pardon’ or asking them to repeat things.” Over half of all people aged over 60 are hard of hearing or deaf, and it is the most common chronic condition in older people after arthritis and blood pressure. The problem costs the UK £13.5bn in lost earnings each year. Dr Mark Downs, executive director of technology and enterprise for the RNID — The Royal National Institute for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People — is calling for increased funding for vital research to prevent or treat hearing loss. He believes that: “The cost to people’s quality of life from hearing loss is immeasurable. And with an ageing population and high levels of social noise, the problem is set to increase.” There are many causes of hearing loss, resulting from damage or disruption to any part of the hearing system. These range from wax blocking the ear canal, causing a temporary problem, to age-related changes to the sensory cells of the cochlea (presbyacusis), otosclerosis, a condition in which the ossicles of the middle ear harden and become less mobile. Certain drugs, such as some powerful antibiotics, can cause permanent hearing loss. At high doses, aspirin is thought to cause temporary tinnitus . . . a persistent ringing in the ears. Treatment depends on the cause. Infections or blockages of the ear can be treated and cleared, eardrums can be repaired surgically, and ossicles affected by otosclerosis can be replaced. If there is no cure, a hearing aid can be the answer. | 
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