Yasmin Qureshi Calls for Revolutionizing the Image of Hearing Aids
- Hearing loss affects more than 11 million individuals in the UK, with predictions indicating a potential increase to 15.6 million by 2035.
- Yasmin Qureshi has emphasized the need to change the perception of hearing aids at a Parliamentary event, advocating for increased accessibility to audiology services.
- Recognizing and addressing hearing loss early can significantly improve overall quality of life and mental well-being.
More than 11 million people in the UK experience hearing loss, representing one in six individuals, with numbers expected to rise to 15.6 million by 2035. Clinical audiologists emphasize that those suffering from hearing issues often wait years to seek help, resulting in a decline in quality of life and increased feelings of isolation. When confronted with background noise, conversations can become particularly challenging, leading to withdrawal from social interactions. Yasmin Qureshi, a Labour MP, highlighted the urgency of addressing these concerns at a recent Parliamentary event, advocating for campaigns to make hearing aids more attractive to the public to encourage usage. Additionally, she noted the lengthy waiting times for audiology appointments and called for a shift to primary care systems to improve accessibility. Audiologists like Sonam Sehemby are raising awareness about the importance of regular hearing tests and the correlation between hearing loss and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.