WHY HEARING HEALTH MATTERS?
Good ear and hearing health is important to people of all ages and helps us to get the most out of life. When our ability to hear deteriorates it requires more energy for us to listen and participate in daily life, which can lead to becoming socially isolated as people find it harder to engage with loved ones.
Whilst it is common for certain people to attend routine health check-ups such as eye and teeth procedures on a regular basis, our ears are often left forgotten. This should not be the case. Hearing loss has huge social implications on our quality of life. Hearing loss, if left untreated, can lead to increased risk of falls, social isolation, and is also known to be the single largest modifiable risk factor for the prevention of dementia.
Not only that we are often unaware of what we cannot hear, that’s why regular ear and hearing health check-ups are essential.
Signs to look out for:
There are a range of signs to watch out for which could indicate you have an ear or hearing problem:
• Loss of hearing
• Earache
• Discomfort
• Discharge
• Ears feeling full
• Ringing
• Itching
• Loss of balance
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Turning up the volume
• Moving closer to those talking •
Asking people to repeat themselves
• Concentrating harder than normal to listen.
These can be signs that a change has occurred in your ears and you should get them checked.
Key Stats:
Earwax
“In the UK, it is estimated that 2.3 million people each year have problems with earwax sufficient to need intervention.” (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)
Hearing Loss
“1 in 5 adults in the UK alone are affected by hearing loss.” (Royal National Institute for Deaf People)
Wax Removal
“In 2018, 435,500 microsuction wax removal procedures took place, costing on average £140 per patient,” (NHS Digital 2018/HES data).
Dementia
“Hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for age related dementia – responsible for over 8% of cases of dementia among older adults.” (WHO, World Report on Hearing, 2021).
Procedures
“Out of 96 million outpatient procedures performed in the NHS during 2019/20, Ear, Nose and Throat procedures were in the top 10.” (Hospital Episode Statistic Data 2020)
Wax Removal
“In 2018, 435,500 microsuction wax removal procedures took place, costing on average £140 per patient,” (NHS Digital 2018/HES data).
