Almost half of people over the age of 50 have some form of hearing loss, rising to more than 70 per cent of people over the age of 70, according to research from the Office of National Statistics. The total figure comes in at approximately 11 million people in the UK suffering hearing difficulties - one in six of the country’s adult population.
While tinnitus affects one in 10 adults, also leading to balance difficulties, some 6.7 million people could benefit from hearing aids. But, only around two million use them, say Hearing Link Services.
Although some people might not know they could benefit from treatment, there are simple ways to check your hearing or that of your loved ones. Hearing loss is associated not only with mental health conditions, but also with a long list of physical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anaemia, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnoea, balance problems and an increased risk of falls.
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