TODAY (March 3) is World Hearing Day – and a Somerset audiologist is warning how thousands of people across the county could be living with undiagnosed hearing loss.

Led by the World Health Organisation, the annual day aims 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 UK experiences some degree of hearing loss.

With Somerset’s population standing at around 1 million people, with around 22% aged 65 and over, tens of thousands of people could be affected.

Simon Swindells, owner and lead audiologist at South West Hearing Care, which has clinics in Street, Crewkerne and Somerton, said many people wait years before seeking help.

“Most hearing loss develops gradually, which means people often adapt without realising how much they’re missing,” he said.

“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, with research also showing links between unmanaged hearing loss and wider health concerns, including cognitive decline.

Now, Simon is encouraging 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 said.

“The earlier we assess and support someone, the better the long-term outcome — and often the simpler the solution.”

For more information on South West Hearing Care, visit swhearingcare.co.uk.

READ MORE: Health & Wellbeing news from your Somerset Leveller