To mark World Hearing Day (3 March), a Somerset Audiologist is warning that thousands of people across the county could be living with undiagnosed hearing loss.

World Hearing Day is led annually by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness of hearing loss and the importance of early intervention.

According to national figures, around one in three adults over 65 in the United Kingdom experiences some degree of hearing loss. With Somerset's population standing at approximately 1,000,000¹, and around 22% aged 65 and over, this suggests that tens of thousands of people locally could be affected.

Simon Swindells, Owner and Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care, 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," Simon explains. "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.

Simon, whose business has clinics in Street, Crewkerne, Somerton, and Westbury, is encouraging Somerset residents not to ignore early signs, such as turning up the television, difficulty hearing in background noise, or frequently asking others to repeat themselves.

"World Hearing Day is a reminder that hearing care is healthcare," he says. "The earlier we assess and support someone, the better the long-term outcome — and often the simpler the solution."

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South West Hearing offers a full range of audiology services, including hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, and professional earwax removal, all delivered by qualified Audiologists and hearing care clinicians in a comfortable, clinical setting.

For more information on hearing loss, visit www.swhearingcare.co.uk