Millions of workers’ hearing is so bad they struggle to work – but most do nothing about it, study reveals

MILLIONS OF workers admit hearing loss is affecting their ability to do their job – but 64 per cent still haven’t had a check to address the situation.

A study of 2,000 UK working adults found 35 per cent experience difficulties with their hearing while at work.

This has led to 37 per cent of these regularly asking colleagues to repeat what they’ve said, and 22 per cent making mistakes.   

And has also left 15 per cent feeling as though their ability to do their job properly has been impacted.

What’s more, 72 per cent have never discussed their hearing issues with their employer, despite 84 per cent saying that being able to hear clearly is crucial for their job.

The study was commissioned by Specsavers which is launching the ‘It’s Time to Talk About Hearing’ report – discussing the impact hearing loss has and is calling on the Government to make NHS hearing care more widely available for everyone.

Latest figures from the NHS suggest there are more than 120,000 people currently on waiting lists for audiology services in England – with an average wait time of 18 weeks for hospital-based hearing services.

Yasmin Qureshi MP, who experiences hearing loss and will be present at a parliamentary reception this week to help launch the report, said: “I know through my own first-hand experience that the impact of unaddressed hearing loss is profound.

“It impacts employment, complicates communication and social interactions – often leading to social isolation and loneliness.

“It is vital that we address the postcode lottery that prevents some people from easily accessing hearing care.”

The study also found of the 20 per cent who have spoken to their employer about hearing issues, 17 per cent feared discrimination beforehand.

While a quarter claimed they expressed concern about their job performance after they did, according to the OnePoll.com data.

And 19 per cent experienced a change in the way they were treated, with 17 per cent even excluded from meetings or discussions.

This has left 22 per cent feeling frustrated, and it even made 18 per cent consider changing jobs or leaving their current role.

Separate research from RNID (formerly known as Action on Hearing Loss) reinforces these findings, with 40 per cent of those who had retired early citing hearing loss as a factor.

Despite this, 26 per cent of those affected don’t think having their hearing checked is necessary, and 25 per cent don’t consider their hearing issues severe enough.

GP and TV doctor Dr Zoe Williams, who is also involved in the report launch, said: “Now is the time to talk about hearing and address the serious impact hearing loss has on working individuals and those who feel forced to take early retirement.

“Most people don’t need to let hearing loss disrupt their careers or result in them leaving their jobs.

“Many could benefit significantly from having a hearing check and other audiology services made more widely available on the high street.”

Carina Hummel, managing director for audiology at Specsavers, which claims action from the Government could free up 500,000 GP appointments per year and enable patients to be seen within three weeks, said: “As experts in eye and hearing care, we are ready and able to support the NHS to do this.

“Our hearing experts, with their clinical skills and accessible locations, are perfectly placed to deliver these services, easing the load on the NHS.

“This move will help improve patient outcomes, and support access for patients.”