New survey sheds light on hearing loss in over-60s

A survey of 250 people aged over 60 in the UK, conducted by OutsideClinic, has uncovered a startling gap in hearing care. Despite 77% of respondents expressing worries about losing their hearing, nearly half have never had a hearing test.

According to the RNID, over half of the UK population aged 55 and above experience hearing loss, with this figure rising to 80% among those over 70. Experts warn that untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation and communication difficulties. So why are so many people delaying essential care?

The early warning signs you need to know

The survey revealed that the most common signs of hearing loss include:

• Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments
• Turning up the TV volume louder than usual
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves

While these symptoms might seem minor at first, they often signal the start of a more significant decline in hearing ability. Yet many people ignore these early warnings, either because they fear the stigma of hearing loss or because they don’t know where to turn for help.

If you've noticed these signs, consider booking a hearing test.

What’s holding people back?

The survey sheds light on why so few over-60s are addressing their hearing health. A lack of awareness about accessible care options and concerns about the process itself often prevent people from seeking help.

However, the study also reveals what people value most when choosing hearing care:

• Trust and accuracy in the testing process
• Experienced and accredited audiologists
• A convenient and comfortable experience

Tackling the challenge: Hearing tests at home

While OutsideClinic’s free home hearing tests have long been a cornerstone of their service, these survey results highlight just how vital such accessible care options are for over-60s.

Conducted by qualified audiologists, the home hearing tests are designed to remove the barriers that stop people from getting the care they need.

With a 4.8 Trustpilot score from over 13,000 reviews and advanced hearing aid technology, OutsideClinic continues to provide trusted and accessible hearing care for people across the UK.

Why people choose to act

The survey also highlighted why people do eventually seek hearing care.

For many, the biggest motivator is the ability to communicate better with family and friends. This desire to reconnect and stay engaged with loved ones often outweighs concerns about the process or the stigma of wearing hearing aids.

Facing common misconceptions

Hearing aids have transformed countless lives, as highlighted by some of the survey participants:

• “Enabled me to be more part of a group, the ability to hear clearly.”
• “They can do a lot more these days like listening to the radio and answering phone calls.”
• “They work and helped my hearing to vastly improve.”

Despite these advances, misconceptions about hearing aids persist.

Concerns about comfort, usability, and battery life are common, but OutsideClinic’s solutions are designed to tackle these issues head-on. Their hearing aids offer:

• Speech enhancement: Clearer conversations, even in noisy settings
• Discreet design: Sleek, virtually invisible devices
• Bluetooth connectivity: Integration with smartphones and other devices for added convenience
• Customised fittings: All-day comfort
• Rechargeable batteries: Hassle-free use
• Intuitive designs: Easy to handle and put in

What you can do today

The findings of this survey are a wake-up call for everyone over 60.

Hearing health should not be neglected, especially when accessible, professional care is available. OutsideClinic’s free home hearing tests provide an easy way to take control of your hearing without the stress of travelling to an appointment.

If you’ve noticed signs of hearing loss - or if you’ve never had a hearing test - now is the time to act. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back from enjoying life’s most meaningful moments.

Book your free home hearing test today and rediscover the sounds that matter most.