Man's mental health improves after hearing test

An 80-year-old man said getting his hearing checked has allowed him to volunteer for his community.

Howard Bartlett from Cheltenham is encouraging people to get their hearing checked, as a new study suggests 35% of people in the south west never have.

The research by TympaHealth also showed 55% of people in the area avoid social situations due to hearing difficulties.

Mr Bartlett said: "When you start losing your hearing, it makes you a bit disorientated, it's a bit disconcerting. It really helps making sure that you can hear properly."

"A couple of years ago I felt my hearing was suffering a bit. Much to my surprise, they said I had wax in my ears," he said.

After getting his ears checked, Mr Bartlett is now receiving regular treatments, which have enabled him to volunteer as a ticket inspector at the local steam railway.

"My wife and I, three times a year, volunteer for the local Cheltenham festivals, literature, science and jazz," Mr Bartlett added.

He said he would not have been able to lead "such a busy life", were he still suffering from hearing loss.

"I think having your ears tested should be just as much an annual check up as it is for the dentist or the eye test," Mr Bartlett said.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 adults, showed that in the south west, embarrassment is the main reason people do not check their ears.

About 37% of people in the south west expressed concerns about potentially having to wear hearing aids.

Adrian Davis, technical advisor for the World Health Organisation (WHO), said the findings "underscore the urgent need" to destigmatise hearing health.

"This new research serves as a critical wake-up call, emphasising the importance of early hearing protection and timely early interventions," he said.

"By prioritising the psychological and social barriers, NHS and healthcare providers can help adults maintain their ear and hearing health and quality of life."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.