New study aims to detect hearing loss earlier

When it comes to diagnosing hearing loss, as well as a number of other conditions, the chances of reducing its impact are often more likely if it is spotted early.

It's clear that for most problems, the quicker you realise you have a problem and get it sorted out, the higher the chances are that you'll be able to deal with it better.

In terms of hearing, the sooner you book in for a free hearing test, the quicker our expert audiologists can cast their eye over the problem and prescribe the solution, be it the use of digital hearing aids or something else.

Going along with the spirit of early diagnosis, a new study has been announced that will look into how good screening is in all areas of the country and whether it can be improved.

Looking into the issue is Dr Heather Fortnum from Nottingham University's School of Clinical Sciences, in partnership with experts from the University of Exeter Medical School.

It will compare screening programmes to establish whether or not a unified, nationwide approach would prove any more successful in picking up early loss among children between the ages of four and six.

Dr Fortnum told the Nottingham Post: "While the majority of children starting primary school in the UK are given a test to pick up any potential hearing problems, there is by no means nationwide provision.

"Where it is in place there is no standardised approach and results can vary dependent on the equipment used and the criteria against which hearing loss is measured."

Ms Fortnum also said that if the research goes well then it could have a major impact on future generations.

"We hope our research will be successful in establishing which approach is most effective at spotting hearing problems in young children," she said.

If you're suddenly finding that you are having to strain to hear things, or you're asking people to repeat things a lot, then you may be suffering from hearing loss.

The important thing is not to worry, you can simply pop in for a test, or arrange a free home hearing test, and we'll take things from there.