Why it matters: Around one in three adults over 65 in the UK experiences some degree of hearing loss. With approximately a quarter of Suffolk's 760,000 population aged 65 and over, local audiologists say the number of people affected could run into the tens of thousands.
The details: Karen Finch, lead audiologist and co-director at All About Hearing, says many people wait years before seeking help.
"Most hearing loss develops gradually, which means people often adapt without realising how much they're missing," she said.
We regularly see patients who say they thought everyone else was mumbling, or that it was just part of getting older. By the time they come to us, they've often been struggling for quite some time.
Untreated hearing loss can impact confidence, relationships and social engagement. Research has also shown links between unmanaged hearing loss and wider health concerns, including cognitive decline.
What to look out for: Karen is encouraging Suffolk residents not to ignore early signs, including turning up the television, difficulty hearing in background noise, or frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
The bottom line: "World Hearing Day is a reminder that hearing care is healthcare," Karen said. "The earlier we assess and support someone, the better the long-term outcome."
