Nicola Miller: Ear Care. Why is it important and why haven’t we heard much about it before?

Over the last decade personal wellbeing, mental health and general healthcare have rightly become a high priority for business leaders. There are many different services and solutions available to businesses to look after their staff and show they genuinely care. Amongst these additional offerings to employees however, one key area of healthcare remains largely untouched – Ear Care and Hearing Health.

Everyone is impacted by hearing and noise, no matter how loud (or quiet) our environments are, and yet Ear Care continues to fly under the radar of traditional health and wellbeing services.

It’s long been known that protecting ears and hearing is a vital requirement for those businesses whose employees work in noisy environments such as factories, plants or building sites. This is primarily because it’s a legal requirement under the Health and Safety Executive rules and statutes to monitor and protect your employees when they’re exposed to frequent loud noise.

For many, keeping on top of ear health and hearing health is not something they have ever thought about unless they have encountered a problem before; a sore ear, a sudden drop in hearing, the onset of persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or permanent hearing loss has been identified.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) conducted a survey in 2022 finding that only 6% of adults in the UK have had a hearing test in the last 5 years without the presence of diagnosed hearing loss. Despite this, 98% of individuals acknowledged the importance of their hearing, showing the ongoing need to normalise ear checks and hearing tests.

Why is ear care so important?

It may sound strange but our ears aren’t used solely for hearing. They play a vital part in maintaining physical balance and contribute to overall wellbeing. Hearing connects people to the world around them, enabling both communication and social interaction. Neglecting ear health can have a range of consequences, including hearing loss, balance disorders, and diminished quality of life. Like other aspects of our health, early detection of potential issues can prevent long-term damage and improve life quality.

With people working longer into their lives and the increased use of earphones and headsets, ear health is increasingly becoming a critical issue for everyone, both socially and at work. It’s well documented that prolonged exposure to loud sounds through earphones can lead to permanent hearing damage, so awareness of listening levels is vitally important.

Hearing health is also closely linked to mental health. Hearing loss can profoundly impact an individual’s quality of life, often leading to social isolation, depression, and decreased cognitive function, impacting both personal and professional life. Recognising the importance of ear health is the first step towards a healthier, happier life.

Why has ear care been neglected for so long?

Hearing has been a sense which seems to get forgotten. Why? In part this is because there seems to be an association that a hearing loss means a person is getting older. This way of thinking needs to start changing when it comes to ear health. Most of the time it’s not considered a problem to change a glasses prescription, get a dental checkup, or get the odd ache or pain checked by a doctor.

There is however still some stigma around ears and hearing. This is mainly because nobody tends to think about it until there’s a problem; it’s hard to understand the impact of a change in hearing until it’s experienced first-hand, and so nobody talks about their hearing.

One reason ear care is often not thought about is the lack of symptoms in the early stages of hearing loss or other ear related conditions. Unlike toothache or blurred vision – which prompt immediate action – hearing loss often progresses slowly, allowing individuals to adapt unconsciously.

Additionally, there is a widespread misconception that hearing loss is an inevitable part of ageing, leading many to believe that preventive measures are pointless. The RNID also reports that 38% of people who suspect they have hearing loss have not spoken to a professional about it. Yes, some changes in hearing are caused solely by ageing, but monitoring hearing through regular checks and tests should also become commonplace. This means social interaction and mental health can be maintained, support can be obtained where necessary, and the stigma removed.

The impact of living and working longer

Modern lifestyles have changed dramatically, with people living and working longer than previous generations. This shift means that maintaining good hearing health is more critical than ever.

These changes mean there is likely to be an increase in age-related hearing loss as this is statistically more common in older people.

From a business perspective, companies will begin to encounter more ear health related issues from their employees too. Providing regular hearing checks can help manage this issue effectively, ensuring that older employees remain engaged and productive.

The impact of using headsets and earphones

Technological advances, coupled with remote working and digital communication shifts have led to the widespread use of earphones and headsets. Although these developments bring convenience to everyday life, they also bring potential risks to ear health.

Listening to music or podcasts at high volumes for extended periods can cause permanent hearing damage. Despite warnings (everyone will have seen them at some point), many people continue to use these devices at unsafe levels.

Regular hearing tests can help monitor any adverse effects and encourage healthier listening habits. Employers can also help by educating their workforce about safe listening practices and habits.

What is a hearing test and what does it involve?

Due to the fact many people do not get regular hearing tests, there is a widespread lack of knowledge about what it involves and how it’s completed.

A hearing test is a simple, non-invasive procedure conducted by an Audiologist to assess hearing ability. It typically involves several steps:

1. History and Symptoms: The Audiologist will ask about any hearing issues, medical history, and exposure to loud noises – be that on personal devices or at work.
2. Physical Examination (Otoscopy): A visual inspection of the ears to check for obstructions or abnormalities. As people can’t see inside their own ears this is the equivalent of a dentist checking hard to reach areas of your mouth.
3. Hearing Tests:

• • Pure-tone Audiometry Testing: Wearing a set of headphones, the patient listens to a series of tones at different pitches and volumes across the human speech frequency range, and they are required to indicate when they hear each sound.

• • Speech Testing: Listening and repeating words and sentences at various volumes to assess ability to understand speech.

• • Tympanometry: Measuring the movement of the eardrum to check for fluid, earwax, or other blockages in the middle ear.

How often should a hearing test be taken?

The frequency of hearing tests depends on several factors, including age, occupation, and exposure to loud noises. Generally, adults should have their hearing tested every 5 years until age 50, and every three years thereafter. However, if a person works in a noisy environment or frequently uses earphones at loud volumes, more frequent testing is advisable.

What happens if ears and hearing are not checked regularly?

Neglecting regular hearing tests can lead to undiagnosed hearing loss, which can significantly impact quality of life and mental health. Untreated hearing loss can cause social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. It can also affect balance, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Early detection through regular hearing tests allows for timely intervention, such as hearing aids or other treatments, to mitigate these effects and maintain the highest possible quality of life.

How can Ear Care become more accessible

Ear care is an essential aspect of overall health that deserves more attention. Just as eye tests and dental checkups are commonplace, regular hearing tests should become a standard part of healthcare routines. By understanding the importance of ear health and taking proactive steps, better hearing and improved quality of life can be ensured.

Forward thinking and progressive employers can take strong action in the pursuit of employee health and wellbeing by incorporating ear care into their wellbeing services. Providing Ear Care on site allows employees to get the regular ear and hearing checks they need, at no personal cost, whilst the employer receives a host of benefits including increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and great employee loyalty.