It’s best to get help if you notice any changes (Image: Doucefleur via Getty Images)
Difficulty hearing everyday sounds, such as leaves rustling through trees and rainfall, could indicate undiagnosed hearing loss, an expert has cautioned. This follows RNID, the charity supporting those who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, encouraging people to prioritise their hearing health and complete their free online assessment.
Research commissioned by RNID surveyed 1,810 individuals who had never received a hearing loss diagnosis. The findings revealed nearly half (47%) would struggle to hear leaves rustling in trees on a windy day, someone calling their name from another room (46%) and the sound of rainfall nearby (43%).
Approximately four in 10 stated they would be unable to hear cyclists ringing their bell (42%), someone knocking at their door (40%), or a phone ringing in a nearby room (39%) very clearly.
Crystal Rolfe, audiologist and director of health at RNID, said: « Struggling to hear certain sounds and frequencies in your daily life could be an indication of hearing loss. Hearing loss can happen at any time in life because there are many causes. You may also lose your hearing gradually over time due to age.
« Hearing loss can also be caused by exposure to loud noise levels, injury or an infection – and these are all things that can affect the clarity of everyday sounds.
Audiologists can help (Image: DuxX via Getty Images)
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« The sooner you recognise the signs and take action, the better. Getting support can bring huge benefits to people’s lives, so being aware of the sounds you might be missing is vital. »
Adam Felman, 36, from Worthing in West Sussex, received a diagnosis of moderate to severe high-frequency hearing loss and was provided with hearing aids. He arranged a hearing assessment after penning an article about hearing loss in his late 20s and recognising he displayed numerous symptoms.
The musician and freelance writer explained: « I was missing all sorts of sounds before getting my hearing aids. The ticking of the oven timer, the ‘beep’ when I turned on a PlayStation controller, the crackle of our speakers when they are switched on, but the TV isn’t.
« Birdsong was also a big one for me – it’s so three-dimensional and layered, and I was missing most of it. Some of these are tiny things, but they add up to a really frustrating and muted daily life. »
Ms Rolfe noted RNID’s complimentary online hearing assessment requires approximately three minutes, with outcomes provided instantly.
« There are huge benefits to taking action on undiagnosed hearing loss, » she continued.
« People are suddenly able to communicate more easily and reconnect with friends, family and colleagues. A whole world of sounds you’d forgotten can suddenly open up. People are often amazed at what they’ve been missing. »
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