A man wearing a hearing aid. Photo: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

Many older people with hearing problems are “suffering in silence”, believing nothing could be done, or not wanting to wear a hearing aid, according to a new report.

A study by older people’s charity in the UK, Royal Voluntary Service found that a third of those whose hearing had worsened had not told anyone.

The research of 400 people aged over 75 also revealed that one in six did not want to wear a hearing aid because they did not like the look of them, while some feared being treated differently.

David McCullough, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “This research proves how vital it is that we normalise hearing loss and hearing aids so older people seek the help they need.

“There is a worryingly high level of under-diagnosis and as we are living in an ageing society this is a problem that is only going to grow.

“We believe that the voluntary sector has a role to play in ensuring older people with hearing loss are linked up to services in the community so that no older person is left lonely and isolated.”