Boots Hearingcare has launched its own awareness month – The Great Big Hearing Test – as one in six Brits with hearing loss reveal it took them over 10 years to get their hearing tested, after first noticing issues with their ears.
Introduced for the first time in January 2025, The Great Big Hearing Test aims to encourage people across the UK that are experiencing signs of hearing loss to act sooner, so they don’t have to spend years struggling in silence.
Alongside the new year being a popular time for resolutions, with many Brits often turning their attention to their health, new research1 by Boots Hearingcare has revealed that more than six in ten (62%) people with hearing loss said family gatherings, such as Christmas, acted as a driver for them to finally seek out help.
How to get involved
As a starting point, it’s important to know the signals to look out for. Hannah Samuels, audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, explains: “When spending prolonged periods with family members over the festive season, the extra time together can make it easier to spot signs of hearing loss.
“These signs can be particularly present when in group settings, for example during a christmas dinner or when playing games, as those struggling with their hearing can become particularly overwhelmed in these situations. Withdrawing from the group, being quieter than usual, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, or having difficulty following conversations are all signs that could indicate hearing loss.”
Hannah adds: “Another common sign to look out for includes turning up the volume on the TV or radio to a level that is uncomfortable to most people. While hearing loss doesn’t necessarily indicate someone has dementia, it is a risk factor that if gone untreated could become an issue over time. If you are worried that you or someone you love is suffering with their hearing, the best thing you can do is book a free hearing test.”
For any adults that think they might be experiencing issues related to their ear health, Boots Hearingcare is encouraging them to book a free hearing test in January at a time that best suits them.
All you need to do is:
Head to Boots Hearingcare and book a free hearing test
Select and time and date that best suits your availability in January
Educate others on the symptoms and side effects of hearing loss
Talk about the benefits of getting tested to help break the stigma. Get involved in the conversation using #TheGreatBigHearingTest across social media
Lisa Cooper, Senior Director, Marketing and Commercial, at Boots Hearingcare, comments: “Helping the nation to hear better is at the core of what we do and this campaign is no different. Christmas often acts as a big shift for people to eventually get their hearing tested, with the start of the year being our busiest time for bookings, and therefore we felt there was no better month than January to encourage everyone who may be considering it to get booked in, whilst it’s already front of mind.
“The research speaks for itself with how many people have reported struggling at this time of year, and there really is no better way to start 2025 than with greater confidence in your hearing. Tests are free, painless, and typically take 15 minutes with one of our expert audiologists, who will do everything they can to put you at ease.”
