1000s of Brits Miss Out on Dream Holidays Due to Hearing Problems

LONDON, June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

• Two fifths avoid noisy destinations 
• Nearly a quarter say they are less adventurous 
• A third admit they are anxious about travelling 

Thousands of Brits are missing out on their dream holidays because their hearing problems are making them more cautious travellers.

Nearly a quarter of respondents who took part in a survey conducted by hearing health specialist Amplifon said they had become less adventurous as a result of their impairment.

Two fifths said they avoided noisy destinations, and over a third said hearing loss had made them more anxious about travelling.

Despite the limiting impact on their lives, a quarter of people admitted they waited five years or more to seek professional help, and 13% said they had suffered in silence for more than 10 years.

There are thought to be 6.7 million people in the UK who would benefit from a hearing aid but do not currently have one, according to the charity Action On Hearing Loss.

Research suggests there is also a strong link between hearing loss and depression, with people becoming more isolated and withdrawn as a result of their impairment.

Barry Downes, Professional Services Manager for Amplifon, a leading provider of hearing care in the UK, said: "The results show that the world becomes a smaller place for people with hearing loss if they don't take steps to deal with their problems, with many admitting they become less adventurous when choosing a holiday, not just in terms of the destinations they pick but also the types of activities they take part in.

"A third of those surveyed also said their hearing loss made them more anxious about travelling, which is understandable given that they may have problems picking up important information such as flight announcements or details of planned excursions.

"Yet, despite the fact hearing loss can be isolating and debilitating, it can still take years for people to address their problems, which is time they could have spent enjoying a better quality of life."

About Amplifon 

With over 65 years' experience and a network of approximately 3,400 points of sale, 3,400 service centres and 1,700 affiliates in 22 countries, Amplifon is a hearing health specialist. Their UK and Ireland network of 134 branches offers tailored hearing care delivered by professionally qualified hearing aid audiologists, regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).