Millions of people aged 50 or over in the UK have undiagnosed sight or hearing problems, according to research that has prompted calls for more regular checkups in that age group. Doctors involved in the study described the findings as 'deeply concerning' and warned that those affected face increased risks of falls, mental ill-health, and social isolation.
The pilot stage of the UK national eye health and hearing study found that one in four people aged 50 and over – 6.7 million individuals – cannot see clearly out of one or both eyes. Additionally, three in four older Britons – 20.3 million people – suffer from some form of hearing loss in one or both ears. The research uncovered 'widespread hidden sensory loss', with many of those affected unaware of their condition.
Professor Rupert Bourne, an ophthalmologist at Anglia Ruskin University and the study's principal investigator, said: 'These figures are deeply concerning. They show that sensory health is being overlooked, even among high-risk groups. We are missing critical opportunities to prevent avoidable sight and hearing loss.' The findings are based on examinations of more than 500 people aged 50 or over living in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, then extrapolated for the UK population.
The study highlighted a significant 'unmet need' for help with sight and hearing health. Many participants rated their hearing as better than tests indicated. Dr Jameel Muzaffar, an ear, nose and throat consultant at University Hospital Birmingham NHS trust and co-author, said: 'We know from the study that lots of people have problems with hearing that they're just not aware of.' The researchers noted that untreated sight and hearing problems are linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to the Lancet medical journal's commission on dementia prevention.
Sight loss is estimated to cost the UK £58bn annually in lost productivity and burden on the NHS and care system. Michael Bowen, director of knowledge and research at the College of Optometrists, said: 'The study's findings highlight how many people are not attending for regular eye tests, where these eye conditions would be picked up, even though the over-60s are eligible for free NHS eye tests.' The study authors recommend wider use of mobile diagnostic tests in non-hospital settings, such as health clinics and care homes, to identify and treat sensory impairment.
