On 3rd March, the world united for World Hearing Day, a special event dedicated to promoting ear and hearing health. This occasion sparked lively discussions across news platforms and social media. You may have seen Dr Xand van Tulleken on BBC Morning Live or Dr Hilary Jones on BBC Breakfast passionately urging people to embrace hearing aids and prioritise ear health. Interestingly, the date wasn’t random—organisers chose “3.3” because the numbers resemble two ears, making it the perfect symbol for the day!
The UK and Hearing Loss: A Wake-Up Call
In the UK, around 18 million adults grapple with hearing loss or tinnitus. Among these, 1.2 million are profoundly deaf, while 6.7 million could benefit from hearing aids. Shockingly, only 2 million people use hearing aids, leaving a large gap fuelled by stigma, a lack of awareness, and reluctance to accept aging. Many avoid seeking GP referrals or visiting audiologists due to denial of age-related hearing decline.
Some of the Impacts of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can stem from multiple causes like age, loud noise exposure, genetics, certain medications, trauma, or medical conditions. The effects reach beyond physical isolation—it often leads to poor mental health and loneliness. Alarmingly, studies suggest links between hearing loss and dementia, potentially tied to reduced cognitive stimulation or the brain’s overexertion to process sounds.
Adding to the challenge, hearing loss can cause stress, which ironically worsens the condition. This April is Stress Awareness Month—an excellent time to assess your stress levels and their possible effects on hearing.
Growing Awareness of Inclusion
Thankfully, attention is turning toward inclusion for the Deaf community. Deaf celebrities – like Rose Ayling-Ellis fronting a BBC documentary on teaching people in a retirement village how to communicate with British Sign Language; and Tasha Stones (Bake Off’s first Deaf contestant), and comedian John Bishop with his son Joe, who became deaf in his teens – are highlighting the importance of connection and accessibility. Even today David Tennant released an Instagram post signing his name. On a practical level, retailers like Marks and Spencer are installing hearing loops at payment aisles, easing communication for those with hearing aids.
Despite this progress, daily environments such as cafés, restaurants, and workspaces remain challenging for people with hearing loss. A shared effort to adapt communication methods at home, socially, and at work can enhance independence and reduce isolation.
A Connected Society
With 30% of the adult population experiencing some level of hearing loss, it’s quite likely that someone in your life is affected. Those with moderate to severe hearing loss often rely on their hearing friends, family, and colleagues to support them in daily activities. But by making the effort to adapt our ways of communication at home, socially, or at work, we can relate better together and involve each other more, reducing loneliness and empowering those affected to be more independent.
I’ve been hard of hearing all my life, and I’m passionate about this movement towards a connected society where people with hearing loss can be easily included in a hearing world. Join me!
#Connect #Include #Empower
