A fifth of Brits think their hearing is poor - but a third have never had a hearing test

dailystar.co.uk:

One in three Brits have never had a hearing test, according to research – despite 22% being concerned that their hearing is poor.Nearly three-quarters of adults (seven in ten) have simply put up with their hearing issues for as long as they can remember – with 81% having completely missed their phone ringing.And they get most frustrated when they have to ask others to repeat themselves, when they struggle to hear someone talking on the phone – and when people tell them to turn the TV down.But eight in ten fear it is too late to do anything about the deterioration – with the average hearing test taking place just every three-and-a-half years, according to the poll of 2,000 adults.Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, which commissioned the research, said: “The figures clearly show how a decline in your hearing can have a serious impact on your life.“Often hearing can decline over a long period of time, so it can creep up on people without them really noticing, until there’s an obvious problem.“That’s not to say they shouldn’t seek help, as there are many ways to help improve your hearing.“But it seems as though there may be a lack of understanding on how to protect yourself from the damaging long-term effects of loud noise, and how to improve your situation if you are struggling.”It also emerged 82% of those with hearing difficulties believe their issues have impacted their quality of life.And according to 39%, the deterioration has been a very gradual process.But 79% admit they often feel left out because of their difficulties.It also emerged 45% of all adults fear a hearing decline – yet 32% of those with children don’t encourage their children to look after theirs while they are young.Of the 44% that do,.