New research conducted by Hidden Hearing, the high street hearing specialist, shows that half of UK residents play a musical instrument, with the most popular instrument overall (and for men) being the guitar. For females it’s the recorder, closely followed by the piano.
Listening habits also vary depending on age. As a nation, we spend on average 18 hours a week listening to music which equates to over a month (36 days) a year!
Despite the UK’s love of music, many are taking very little care when it comes to their hearing health. Over a third claim their hearing is “not what it used to be”, and over 50% of people have never had a hearing test.
Peter Sydserff, Audiologist at Hidden Hearing and President of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists’ explains: “Hearing loss affects 10 million people in the UK but this is predicted to reach 14.5 million by 20312. This increase is partly due to a rise in ageing population, but is also a sign that we aren’t taking enough care when it comes to our hearing. The study by Hidden Hearing found that 90% of people do not know how to look after their hearing, highlighting a need for more education around hearing protection.”
Hearing Awareness Month
This Month, high street hearing specialist Hidden Hearing is launching a new campaign, Music To Your Ears, to mark the fourth national Hearing Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of hearing loss and encourage anyone unsure of their hearing ability to seek help from their local high street hearing specialist. For more information and to arrange a free hearing test call Hidden Hearing on 0800 037 2060 or visit www.hiddenhearing.co.uk
