"Facing up to hearing loss changed my life"
Welcome
Hearing is central to our social, family and work lives, our self-expression, confidence and, ultimately, our health. While vision puts the world in front of us, hearing places us in its centre. We make connections to the people and places around us through our ears. We need to look after them.
Love Your Ears is a nationwide campaign helping us all to care for ourselves and our hearing by raising awareness of:
The numbers
1 in 5 people in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss, including 40% of over 50s, and increasing numbers of younger adults in their 30s and 40s.
The causes
Lifestyle, ageing, illness and medical conditions can all cause deafness and hearing loss. Losing the ability to hear is not an inevitable part of getting older; it can be prevented.
The denial
People tend to ignore the signs of hearing loss for years before finally seeking help – on average, for 7–10 years. Often, it’s friends and family who notice a change in your hearing before you do.
The benefits
Research has found that people who take action on their hearing feel more empowered, are happier, have better relationships, increased self-esteem and a more active social life.
The stigma
We’re on a mission to normalise the wearing of hearing aids, so that wearing them is seen as normal as wearing a pair of glasses.
The risks
Research has linked untreated hearing loss to our risk of developing dementia, depression and social isolation, while young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits, including using headphones too loudly for too long.
How to Love Your Ears in 6 Simple Steps
1. Protect your ears from noise exposure.
2. Use noise-cancelling headphones.
3. Too much ear wax can build up and block the ears.
4. Pay attention to your hearing; if you notice a change, get it tested.
5. Have your ears tested at least every 2 years if you are over 55, and more often if you already have hearing loss.
6. If you’re already using hearing aids, make sure that you get them serviced regularly.
Read why it’s important for Lisa to love her ears!
Christine Wright
“I said, ‘Hello, I can hear you on the phone now’, and she promptly burst into tears.” Christine Wright, from Stockport, on speaking to her sister by phone for the first time in 30 years.
Alex Slight
“Better hearing has transformed my life. I’m more connected and I’m safer cycling as I can hear the traffic.” Alex Slight, South London, on feeling safer cycling to work every day.
Helen Mol
“My husband said I looked so much brighter, and I felt happier.” Helen Mol, an intensive care nurse from Surrey, on returning from a day’s work with new hearing aids.
Take care of your ears
Just answer the four questions below to see whether you should consider getting a hearing test.
Question 1 – Around the table
Do you have trouble following conversations when there are four or more people present?
Question 2 – Family and friends
Have your family or friends suggested that you get your hearing tested?
Question 3 – Understanding what others say
Do you ever struggle to understand what others are saying because you cannot hear them properly?
Question 4 – TV or radio
Do you find yourself turning up the TV or radio, even when the volume is loud enough for others?
Your Result:
You would benefit from a hearing test
Your answers indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. We strongly recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
Your Result:
It seems you’d benefit from a hearing test
Your answers indicate that you experience some symptoms of hearing loss. We recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
Your Result:
It cannot be determined whether you’d benefit from a hearing test
Your answers do not indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. However, if you experience trouble hearing, we recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
‘We need people to start talking about hearing loss at work. It’s a workplace taboo that needs addressing. Embarrassment and fear of a negative reaction cause far too many to stay silent, missing out on readily accessible help and basic support.”
Dr Hilary JonesGP & Medical Broadcaster