Hearing problems are common in people over 55
Publication Date:20/11/2007
More than one in 10 people aged over 55 have a hearing problem that disrupts their life, according to a new study. If you notice you're having trouble hearing things, you should see your GP. A hearing aid can get rid of the frustrations that are common if you can't hear things clearly.
What do we know already?
Many people have problems hearing, especially when there's a lot of background noise, such as in a shop or cafe, or when a few people are talking at once.
However, many people who have problems hearing often wait for years or more before they go to their doctor about it. And the older a person is when they do get a hearing aid, the harder they find it to get used to. Poor hearing can make people depressed and withdrawn.
Researchers did the present study to find it out if it's a good idea to offer hearing tests to all older people, to see if people are happy to have the test and whether those people with a hearing problem are helped by having a hearing device fitted.
At the moment, all babies in the UK have their hearing tested in the first few hours or days after they are born. But adults are not routinely tested for poor hearing.
What did the study find?
The study found that 12 in 100 people between 55 and 74 years old had a hearing problem that caused moderate or severe worry, upset or annoyance. But only 3 in 100 had a hearing aid.
Of the people who needed a hearing aid, 7 in 10 were fitted with one. A third of the people who were fitted with a hearing aid said they noticed a big improvement in their ability to hear in a noisy environment.
The researchers conclude that a lot of older people would benefit from a routine test for poor hearing and that it would be good value for money. A bigger study is needed to confirm these findings and find the best type of hearing aids.
Where does the study come from?
The study was done by researchers from the Medical Research Council's Hearing and Communications Group, which is based at the University of Manchester. It was published in a journal called Health Technology Assessment.
What does this mean for me?
If you have problems hearing, especially when you're in a noisy place, then this study is important for you. It shows that many people over 55 years old have hearing problems and that having a hearing aid fitted can improve your day-to-day life.
What should I do now?
If you find you have to ask people to repeat what they say to you, or people say that you have your TV on very loud, then you should think about seeing you GP. Your doctor will look in your ears to see if there is a problem that could be making it difficult for you to hear (such as wax in your ear). Your doctor may be able to do a hearing test, but usually you will be referred to the audiology department in your hospital for tests to see if a hearing aid might help you.
There are many different types of hearing aids. They all work in a similar way, by amplifying the sound that reaches your ear. The more modern aids, called digital hearing aids, contain a small computer which means you can tailor the aid to suit your hearing loss. You can get these prescribed on the NHS.
You may need to wear a hearing aid in only one of your ears, or in both. If you get a hissing or buzzing noise in your ears (tinnitus) then wearing a hearing aid may make the sounds less annoying.
Some types of hearing aid, such as those are fitted inside your ear, are not available on the NHS. Staff at the hospital where you have the test should be able to tell you about all the devices and where you can get them.
The report warns that hearing services in the UK are currently under a lot of pressure and you may have to wait some months to be seen for a hearing test.
From:
Davis A, Smith P, Ferguson M, et al. Acceptability, benefit and costs of early screening for hearing disability: a study of potential screening tests and models. Health Technology Assessment. 2007; 11.
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© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
