A new study has revealed that up to 230,000 Scots are failing to seek treatment for hearing loss due to embarrassment and concerns over cost. The research, conducted by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), found that half of people with auditory impairment had not consulted a doctor, despite the condition affecting one-tenth of the population.
Modern Hearing Aids Are Transformative
Franki Oliver, audiology manager at RNID, 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." She added: "It's essential we leave negative attitudes behind and celebrate hearing aids for the transformative devices they are for millions."
Survey Highlights Delay in Seeking Help
The Eurotrak UK survey, carried out by European pollsters Anovum, spoke to 15,118 respondents and revealed that many sufferers delay a professional consultation for years. Hearing aids are available on the NHS if referred by a GP or specialist, but they do not offer all types of modern devices, including some smaller, less visible models.
Consequences of Ignoring Hearing Loss
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 admitted they waited one to three years after noticing problems before taking action, with seven in ten wishing they had acted sooner, and 96 percent saying the devices improved their quality of life.
Barriers to Treatment
Of those who do not use aids, 32 percent said they do not admit their hearing loss in public, and 30 percent cited embarrassment about wearing the devices. Additionally, 35 percent said they do not believe they can afford a hearing aid. However, the data suggests fears about stigma may be misplaced, with 70 percent of hearing aid users saying they are never mocked or rejected for wearing them.
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Some 71 percent of users reported that hearing aids improved their social life and boosted their feelings of confidence, personal safety, and overall mental wellbeing. Ben Yang, audiologist at Ceretone, a hearing technology brand, 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. The earlier people act, the sooner they start to reap the benefits."
