Month: May 2025

Discussing hidden hearing loss at the European Parliament

matthew allsop european parliament

Twenty years ago, when I first entered the world of audiology, I could never have imagined that one day I’d be on the Eurostar to Brussels, heading to meet Members of European Parliament (MEPs), hearing aid users, cochlear implant advocates, and some of the most influential voices in global hearing healthcare.

But that’s exactly where I found myself. Taking part in one of the most important healthcare conversations of our time. This wasn’t just about hearing aids or audiograms; it was about recognising hearing loss as more than a health issue. It’s a demographic challenge, a growing societal and economic concern, and at last, Europe is beginning to pay attention.

The meeting that mattered

Hosted within the European Parliament, this event was chaired by Hungarian medic and MEP Dr András Kulja, in collaboration with the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA).

It was a pivotal gathering – because for the first time, the conversation centred not on hearing loss as an inevitable consequence of ageing, but as a major demographic challenge that is largely preventable, deeply impactful, and increasingly impossible to ignore.

It became clear from the outset that we weren’t just talking about hearing aids and hearing tests. We were talking about public health; about mental health. About economic sustainability, and perhaps most crucially, we were talking about dignity, connection, and inclusion.

hidden hearing loss at european parliament

The global and economic scale of hearing loss

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 430 million people worldwide experience some form of disabling hearing loss. In Europe alone, nearly 200 million people are affected in their daily lives. This isn’t just a health issue – it’s a societal one.

People with unmanaged hearing loss are more likely to experience depression, social withdrawal, cognitive decline and reduced work productivity. But if that weren’t enough to spur action, consider this: the economic impact of untreated hearing loss in Europe is estimated at €55 billion annually. That’s roughly the same as the entire GDP of Luxembourg.

If we want to speak the language of policymakers, we have to speak in terms of economics. And €55 billion per year is a figure that demands to be taken seriously.

The power of personal stories

Statistics can be compelling, but it’s often the personal stories that leave the deepest mark. One speaker, Véronique, was not a doctor or politician – she was a mother and a hearing aid user. Her story brought the room to a standstill.

She shared how, as a child with hearing loss, she endured bullying and isolation, and how it shaped her sense of identity. But she also spoke about the life-changing difference hearing aids made, and the support of audiologists. She now lives in a world where hearing aids are normalised. Where her young daughter can playfully try them on and giggle, “Mummy, Mummy, these are funny.”

That moment reminded everyone that hearing care is not just about technology. It’s about self-esteem, social belonging and human connection.

The hidden stigma – even among professionals

Another surprising and sobering moment came when Dr Zimmer revealed that nearly half (49%) of the professionals who prescribe hearing aids don’t wear them themselves – even when they have hearing loss. The reasons? Stigma, denial, cost and a lack of awareness.

This highlights a bigger issue: stigma around hearing loss persists, even in clinical environments. When this stigma deters people from seeking or using the solutions that could change their lives, it becomes a public health issue – one we can no longer afford to ignore.

Hearing aid fitting on a patient

The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline

Back in clinic, I’ve often found it challenging to raise the subject of cognitive decline with patients. It’s a sensitive topic, and one I approach with great care, but the science is becoming too compelling to keep silent.

According to neuroscientist Marlene Sotir, untreated hearing loss is the number one modifiable risk factor for developing dementia. New research shows that hearing aids can significantly slow the rate of cognitive decline. While they don’t reverse hearing loss, they can dramatically alter its trajectory, especially when fitted early. Every year of delay matters.

It’s time we feel confident having these conversations with our patients – not to frighten, but to empower them with knowledge and options.

Over-the-counter hearing aids: Promise or pitfall?

Towards the end of the event, I raised a question that had gone unspoken all day: what about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids?

In theory, they should solve many of the challenges we’ve discussed – access, affordability and stigma. But in reality, their rollout in the United States hasn’t scratched the surface of the issue. I asked the panel why.

After a brief pause, Marlene Sotir responded with what many of us suspected: cost and access are important, but they’re not enough. People still need support, fitting, follow-ups, and ongoing care. Technology without a human touch doesn’t change lives; guidance does.

And that’s the key message I brought home with me: culture changes stigma, not just innovation.

Final reflections: The cost of silence

As I left Brussels, one thought stayed with me: untreated hearing loss is neither inevitable nor harmless. It’s no longer invisible. And now is Europe’s moment to lead the way in hearing health policy and cultural transformation.

At Harley Street Hearing, we’re more committed than ever to being part of that movement. We believe in evidence-based care, human-centred solutions, and pushing for a future where no one is left behind because of hearing loss.

And perhaps most importantly, we believe the conversation must continue – at every level, from Parliament to clinic rooms, from homes to social media feeds.

If this has struck a chord with you, and you feel you’ve been experiencing hearing loss and want to visit an audiologist for a hearing test, you can book to see one of our trusted professionals. Simply click here to learn more about hearing tests and book an appointment.

They Invited Me to Parliament to Discuss the Hidden Hearing Loss Crisis! Video

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and Europe’s biggest hearing technology Youtuber for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video where he visits European Parliament below.

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Broken hearing aid? Repairs & troubleshooting tips

Oticon Own Sirius Hearing Aids 2025

For those of us who rely on hearing aids every day, they aren’t just a nice gadget to have – they’re a lifeline. When they stop working, it’s more than a slight inconvenience – it’s frustrating, upsetting and can even be isolating.

Being without your hearing aids can have a knock-on effect to your confidence, independence, and day-to-day life. However, all is not lost as the good news is that most hearing aid problems can be fixed.

It’s likely that whatever hearing aid trouble you’re experiencing, you’re not alone and you’re not the first to have experienced it. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common hearing aid problems and how they can be fixed – whether at home or by your audiologist.

resound nexia hearing aid

Signs your hearing aid needs attention

Hearing aids are incredibly powerful devices that should function consistently, providing you have had them fitted by a professional audiologist and fine-tuned to suit your needs.

However, hearing aids, like many things, are vulnerable to wear and tear over time. Too much wear and tear can begin to impact their effectiveness and therefore the quality of your hearing.

So, some of the telltale signs that your hearing aid needs attention include:

1. Sound is weak, muffled, distorted, or cutting out

If your hearing aid has started to sound quieter than usual, the sound seems muffled or it cuts in and out, this could point to a number of different issues.

The root cause could be anything from a clogged microphone or receiver to a problem with the internal circuit. Either way, this shouldn’t be ignored as what starts out as a small annoyance could grow into a full-blown malfunction.

2. Whistling or feedback noises

Hearing aids are susceptible to feedback from time to time but if you’re consistently dealing with this type of high-pitched whistling sound, it might signal any of the following:

  • The device isn’t sitting properly in your ear
  • A blockage or build-up of ear wax
  • A component has come loose

3. Hearing aid powers itself off

Your hearing aid randomly turning itself off is not only highly inconvenient but could be a sign of a serious power issue. If this happens regularly and you’re sure it isn’t just down to a low battery, it’s best to get it checked out.

4. Buttons or controls aren’t working

The physical controls on your hearing aid are essential for making quick adjustments, so if they start to stick, become unresponsive or behave unpredictably, this can make your hearing aids frustrating to use.

This could be due to anything from dirt or debris inside the buttons, or some type of internal damage.

5. Battery drains faster than normal

All hearing aids will come with a rough estimate as to how long a full charge/battery should last. If your hearing aid batteries aren’t lasting as long as they used to, this could point to a malfunction within the hearing aid, or it may just be that the battery contacts on both the hearing aid and charger need cleaning with a soft brush.

6. Physical damage i.e. cracks

Any small cracks in your hearing aids might not seem like a big deal at first – but even minor physical damage can lead to letting in moisture or dust, which can lead to more serious internal problems.

7. Moisture or condensation inside the device

Many of today’s hearing aids are designed to be water-resistant, not waterproof. Hearing aids and excessive moisture don’t mix well so if you spot any signs of condensation inside your device or if it feels damp, it needs looking at.

Even small amounts of trapped moisture can corrode internal components and cause permanent damage if left untreated.

Troubleshooting hearing aids at home

Many hearing aid problems can easily be resolved at home without the need for professional help or special equipment.

Here are a few things you can try at home to get your hearing aids working smoothly again.

Fixing your hearing aid’s sound 

If your hearing aid doesn’t sound quite like it used to, try the below quick fixes:

  • Check for blockages: There may be wax or debris in the microphone or receiver, which you can use a soft brush or hearing aid cleaning tool to gently remove.
  • Replace the wax guard or filter: These small components can easily clog over time and affect sound quality, which can be resolved by replacing them.
  • Change the battery: Even rechargeable hearing aids can sometimes benefit from a reset or a full recharge cycle.

Reducing hearing aid feedback

Feedback can happen when sound escapes your ear and gets picked up again by the microphone. This may be solved by:

  • Ensuring the correct fit: Your hearing aid may need slightly repositioning in your ear, making sure it’s fully secure.
  • Cleaning the ear mould or dome: Any dirt or debris build-up can cause caps that create sound leakage.
  • Checking for earwax buildup: If your hearing aid is in full working order, your ears may need cleaning of excessive wax.

hearing aid fitting demonstration

Increasing hearing aid volume

If your hearing aid has started sounding a bit too quiet, there are a few ways this may be resolved:

  • Use the volume control: Depending on your model, you may have manual controls or be able to adjust the volume using an app.
  • Check for auto volume settings: Some hearing aids automatically adjust based on your environment – make sure this isn’t working against you.
  • Make sure the microphone isn’t blocked: Even a small blockage can reduce the level of volume you hear.
  • Check your hearing: If your hearing aid still seems too quiet, there is a chance your hearing may have deteriorated, and you may be due another hearing test.

Solving Bluetooth connectivity issues

Issues with connecting hearing aids to other devices via Bluetooth are common but usually easy to fix:

  • Restart both devices: Turn your hearing aid and your phone or tablet off and on again.
  • Unpair and re-pair: Forget the hearing aid in your device’s Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
  • Check for software updates: Ensure both your hearing aid app and your phone’s operating system are up to date.
  • Keep devices close: Make sure nothing is interfering with the signal (like thick walls or other wireless devices).

For more help on pairing your hearing aids with your iPhone, check out Matthew Allsop’s how-to videos covering Phonak Lumity, Oticon Real, Resound Omnia, and Starkey Genesis AI.

Can hearing aids be repaired?

If your hearing aid issue seems a little more complex than those above or you’re simply struggling to fix it at home, don’t worry as repairs are still often an option in many cases.

Depending on the type of damage and the device itself, many common repairs include:

  • Replacing worn or broken parts
  • Fixing sound issues caused by clogged microphones, receivers, or wax guards
  • Repairing battery contacts if your device isn’t powering on
  • Correcting software glitches
  • Re-securing loose components that may be causing feedback

In most cases, simple fixes like cleaning, replacing parts, or adjusting settings can often be handled at your audiology clinic. At Harley Street Hearing, I am a dedicated Hearing Care Assistant who offers an ‘on-demand’ technical support service.

All of our hearing aid patients benefit from this support for their hearing aids and accessories, including resolving any issues pairing with external devices and performing expert level repairs in-house. We’re also happy to assist anyone experiencing hearing aid issues, regardless of where the device was purchased. To find out more about this service, get in touch with us.

For more serious hearing aid issues, such as internal damage or water exposure, we may need to send the hearing aid back to the manufacturer, which we can do on your behalf.

hearing aid cleaning

How to prevent hearing aid problems

It goes without saying that preventing hearing aid issues is often easier, and cheaper, than fixing them. We recommend all of our patients to keep up with small daily habits that keep their devices working their best and avoid any unexpected breakdowns.

Some quick and easy tips you can follow include:

  • Clean them daily (and gently) to remove ear wax, moisture, and debris
  • Keep them dry – avoid water and store in a watertight case when not in use
  • Handle with care to prevent drops or physical damage
  • Replace wax guards and clean openings regularly
  • Charge or replace batteries before they run low
  • Schedule routine check-ups for deep cleaning and adjustments

For any further help with your hearing aids, please get in touch with Harley Street Hearing. Alongside our Hearing Aid Repairs & Adjustments service, our highly qualified clinical audiologists will ensure that you are wearing the most suitable device for your hearing needs.

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