Our work for high street hearing care specialists Hidden Hearing has continued this year, starting with press coverage for their LoveYourEars hearing loss awareness and anti-stigma campaign, in support of World Hearing Day, organised today by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO is warning that 1 in 10 people will have ‘disabling’ hearing loss by 2050, including 1 billion young adults who are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
53-year-old DJ, record label owner and founder of global dance music phenomenon Hedkandi, Mark Doyle, put off getting his hearing checked for years. He is now sharing his hearing loss story to thousands of online followers through a series of self-made videos on social media. He hopes they will help to raise awareness of the importance of acting on the signs of hearing loss early, whilst dispelling any fears about what a hearing test involves.
“I procrastinated and didn’t want to admit I had a problem. Any loss I was suffering was ‘solved’ by turning up the TV or music, or just repeatedly saying ‘pardon’ and asking people to speak up,” Mark explains. “It affected my life, my work and my general mental health. It also affected how I interacted with people, including close friends and family.”
You can hear Mark talking about the difference finally getting tested and treated has made to his life in this interview with BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
He is now getting used to wearing hearing aids and says the benefits have been significant:
“I’m not overstating it when I say in the few months I’ve had these hearing aids, they’ve totally changed my life. I’m feeling less anxious and far happier.”
Mark is urging people to try Hidden Hearing’s free 5-minute online hearing test and to speak to someone if it indicates a potential problem. Visit www.hiddenhearing.co.uk to find your nearest clinic and book a free appointment.
