11 million Brits need hearing aids: you should see a doctor when you notice these signs

Approximately half of the UK’s population over the age of 50 have one form of hearing loss or the other, data from the Office of National Statistics show. The ONS also estimates that 70% of people above the age of 70 have some form of hearing loss, bringing the total number to 11 million. There are multiple signs of hearing loss. Read on to learn how to spot some of these symptoms for early treatment or management.

Signs of hearing loss

Although it hearing loss is quite common especially as you get older, it is not always easy to tell if you’re losing your hearing, the NHS says. However, the health service lists a number of signs that could indicate a problem with hearing. These include:

• Finding it difficult to hear other people particularly in noisy environments.
• More often than not, you keep asking people to repeat themselves
• listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
• Trouble hearing consonants
• finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
• feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening

Causes of hearing loss

There are lots of possible causes of hearing loss. It may be caused by something treatable, or it may be permanent. Your symptoms may give you an idea what could be causing it. But do not self-diagnose, see a GP for advice, NHS advices. According to Mayo Clinic, you should,

Talk to your doctor if difficulty hearing is interfering with your daily life. Age-related hearing loss occurs gradually, so you may not notice it at first.

Sources used:

Manchester Evening News: Six simple signs of hearing problems you need to look for as millions discover they have an issue

Mayo Clinic: Hearing loss

NHS: Hearing loss

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