In a poll of 2,768 members of the public, we found that more than one in three people (34%) would try to hide hearing aids if they needed them.
Stigma around hearing aids
Hearing aids can bring life-changing benefits for millions of people with hearing loss. But our new research reveals the depth of stigma that surrounds them in UK society. Nearly half (47%) said hearing aids haven’t been accepted by society in the way that glasses have, and 11% said they would even prefer to live with hearing loss than wear hearing aids.
Almost one fifth of people surveyed by the charity said they wouldn’t want to wear hearing aids because it might make them look old (19%), with 18% concerned that people might make fun of them if they wore hearing aids.
The benefits of hearing aids
RNID wants to challenge these damaging public perceptions, and highlight the advanced technology of modern hearing aids and the incredible benefits they bring to people with hearing loss.
Hearing aids in the UK – whether accessed through the NHS or bought privately – are all digital. They contain advanced technology to make listening easier, allowing you to enjoy everyday sounds such as birdsong, stream phone calls or podcasts directly to your ears through Bluetooth, and help you keep up with conversations. Many hearing aids can be controlled through your phone, and some can even be used as wellness trackers, tracking your heart rate, physical activity and brain activity.
How hearing aids protect your health
If you experience signs of hearing loss, it’s important to take action quickly. There is growing evidence that acting on hearing loss earlier may delay cognitive decline. Addressing hearing loss can also improve your ability to listen and communicate with friends, family and at work, which can have a positive effect on your wellbeing.
Franki Oliver, Audiology Manager at RNID, said:
Many people have outdated perceptions of hearing aids being big, clunky things stuck on the side of your head, but modern technology has advanced dramatically and it’s time that our attitudes caught up.
“Today, hearing aids are incredibly sophisticated tech which benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. They make quiet sounds louder, muffle background noise, and even allow you to stream your favourite music or podcasts directly to your ears. Hearing aids come in a variety of colours: you can choose a shade to match your skin tone, show them off with a bright colour or accessorise them with hearing aid jewellery.
“Research shows that hearing aids bring massive benefits to your health and wellbeing – including potentially reducing the risk of dementia in later life. It’s essential that we leave negative attitudes behind and celebrate hearing aids for the amazing, life changing devices they are for millions of people in the UK.”
Shakib’s experience of hearing aids
Shakib Rahman, 41, from South West London, got a hearing aid in his left ear in 2023. After experiencing the benefits, he wants to encourage others to check their hearing and take action. He said:
“I work in an office and there is always lots of chat and banter and before I got my hearing aid I missed most of what was being said. When I was on the phone speaking to clients I couldn’t hear what anyone around me was saying.
“The day I went to have my hearing aid fitted I felt okay and to be honest was not expecting much in terms of what I’d be able to hear in my left ear, but my hearing went from 20/30% to 60/70% which is a huge difference. I walked outside and could hear things that I hadn’t really heard in my left ear before like birds and planes in the sky.
“Having a hearing aid has made me more confident at home, at work and in social settings. When I am at work I can now be on the phone and pick up conversations that are going on around me. At home I can have my kids on either side of me when we are having a conversation or watching TV. When we are in the car, I can hear whoever is in the passenger seat or the back, which is huge because I’ve never been able to do that before.”
Read Shakib’s story of his experience before and after using a hearing aid.
Check your hearing
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