Up to 230,000 Scots are failing to seek treatment for hearing loss due to embarrassment and concerns over cost, new research has claimed.
The study found half of people with auditory impairment had not sought help from a doctor despite the condition affecting a tenth of the population.
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), which operates in Scotland and across the UK, said millions of Brits who could benefit from hearing aids don’t use them.
Franki Oliver, audiology manager at the charity, said: “There are lots of reasons why people might not have hearing aids, such as not knowing what support is available or how to access it, or concerns about how well hearing aids work and how they look.
“However, modern hearing aid technology has advanced dramatically. Hearing aids today are amazing devices, they can be set up to your individual needs and may even connect to your phone.
“It’s essential we leave negative attitudes behind and celebrate hearing aids for the transformative devices they are for millions.”
View 2 ImagesAudiology expert Franki Oliver said hearing aids can be ‘transformative'(Image: RNID)
The Eurotrak UK survey – carried out by European pollsters Anovum – spoke to 15,118 respondents and revealed many sufferers delay a professional consultation for years.
Hearing aids are available on the NHS if referred by a GP or specialist, but they don’t offer all types of modern devices, including some of the smaller, less visible models.
The findings also warn of significant consequences if sufferers ignore their condition, suggesting they are more likely to experience depression, fatigue, loneliness and job worries.
Most hearing aid users admit they waited 1-3 years after noticing problems before they took action, with seven in ten wishing they’d acted sooner and 96 per cent saying they’ve improved their quality of life.
Of those who don’t use aids, 32 per cent say they don’t admit their hearing loss in public and 30 per cent cite embarrassment about wearing the devices. And 35 per cent said they don’t believe they can afford a hearing aid.
But the data suggests fears about stigma may be misplaced, with 70 per cent of hearing aid users saying they are never mocked or rejected for wearing them.
Some 71 per cent of users say it has improved their social life and boosted their feelings of confidence, personal safety and overall mental wellbeing.
Hearing technology brand Ceretone, which manufactures aids for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, said more affordable and comfortable options could improve take-up.
Ben Yang, audiologist at Ceretone, said: “A lot of people put off dealing with hearing loss because it creeps up slowly.
“But by the time they notice it, it’s already affecting conversations, confidence and daily life.
“The reality is that treating hearing loss can be life changing. We see people regain confidence, reconnect socially and feel less exhausted once they start using hearing aids.
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“The earlier people act, the sooner they start to reap the benefits.”
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