Average adult 'puts up' with health problems for five months before seeking help, study finds

'It’s worrying to not only see how long people are leaving things before they seek help from a professional, but also that conditions such as hearing loss are on this list'

Almost half admit avoiding check-ups because of fears they may be wasting professional time (Shutterstock)

The average adult "puts up" with worrying or annoying health symptoms for more than five months before seeking help, a new poll has found.

The survey of 2,000 adults found many are burying their head in the sand when it comes to their physical well-being – living with issues such as back pain or hearing problems for months or even years, before they finally get them checked out.

More than one in 20 admitted to waiting at least a year before approaching a professional for advice.

Three quarters of Britons are currently putting up with a health concern they have ignored – with back ache the most common complaint.

Commissioned ahead of World Hearing Day on 3 March, the study by Hidden Hearing, found many also ignore poor eyesight, headaches, hearing loss and digestive problems.

“It’s worrying to not only see how long people are leaving things before they seek help from a professional, but also that conditions such as hearing loss are on this list," said GP and broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones. “This symptom now has strong links to other serious health conditions such as dementia, depression, heart health and diabetes.

“It’s important to get anything which is causing you concern checked out at the earliest opportunity.”

Emerging research has linked hearing loss with an increased risk of dementia, depression, heart health and diabetes – a relationship 57 per cent of Britons are unaware of, while two in five admitted to never having had a hearing test, despite worrying they could have a problem.

Almost half of those surveyed have held off on getting a check-up because they did not want to waste the health professional’s time, while 42 per cent confessed to being in denial about issues when they arise.

But, more than four in 10 admitted that not dealing with a symptom as soon as it arose has led to the condition worsening before they finally got it treated, while more than one in five said their reluctance to get things checked out has led to arguments with a loved one.

Dr Laura Phipps from Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “We know that the brain plays a vital role in good hearing and difficulties with hearing may be to linked to different types of dementia.

“The reasons behind this link are still being explored, but given the large number of people affected by hearing problems, it’s an important area of research.

“Alzheimer’s Research UK is funding a study to understand more about the link between hearing loss and dementia and to understand whether supporting people in wearing their hearing aids could have wider benefits beyond just hearing.”

In response to the research, Hidden Hearing is supporting The Campaign for Better Hearing, which aims to encourage the public to take care of their hearing – just as they would look after their blood pressure, cholesterol or eye sight. It also hopes to highlight the link hearing problems has with serious health issues such as dementia, heart health, depression and diabetes.

For more information on hearing loss or to book a free hearing test near you, visit the International Campaign for Better Hearing.

Top 10 health issues people are currently putting up with:

1. Back pain

2. Poor eyesight

3. Lack of energy/lethargy

4. Muscle aches

5. Headaches

6. Toothache

7. Stomach pain

8. Digestion issues

9. Hearing problems

10. Acne/bad skin

SWNS