More than a million Londoners are living with hearing loss, with outer London boroughs among the hardest hit.
According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), over 18 million adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Those over 55 are particularly affected, with almost 80% of over-70s affected.
Foxholes Care Home analysed the NHS Hearing Loss Data tool and found that more than a million Londoners live with hearing loss.
The City of London topped the capital, with 18.6% of residents experiencing hearing loss.
Havering ranked second with 17.9%, meaning one in six people experience hearing difficulties.
Bromley ranked third with 17.1%.
| Local Authority Area | Total population (ONS 2014) | Estimated with hearing loss | % with hearing loss |
| City of London | 8,072 | 1,500 | 18.60% |
| Havering | 245,974 | 44,000 | 17.90% |
| Bromley | 321,278 | 55,000 | 17.10% |
| Bexley | 239,865 | 39,500 | 16.50% |
| Sutton | 198,134 | 30,500 | 15.40% |
| Harrow | 246,011 | 37,500 | 15.20% |
| Richmond upon Thames | 193,585 | 29,500 | 15.20% |
| Barnet | 374,915 | 54,000 | 14.40% |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 156,190 | 22,500 | 14.40% |
| Kingston upon Thames | 169,958 | 24,000 | 14.10% |
Hackney has 9.3% of residents who experience hearing issues, followed by Newham with 9.1%, while Tower Hamlets sits at the bottom of the table with 8.1%.
| Local Authority Area | Total population (ONS 2014) | Estimated with hearing loss | % with hearing loss |
| Hackney | 263,150 | 24,500 | 9.30% |
| Newham | 324,322 | 29,500 | 9.10% |
| Tower Hamlets | 284,015 | 23,000 | 8.10% |
Neil Gandecha from Foxholes Care Home explains, “Hearing loss is often thought of as a minor issue, but for many people it has a profound impact on daily life. When someone begins to struggle with their hearing, simple moments, such as conversations with family, social gatherings, or even watching television, become increasingly difficult.”
Repeating themselves
“If you find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves, this is an early sign of hearing loss.”
Noisy TV or devices
“Turning up the TV or radio louder than usual is an early indicator that hearing may be declining.”
Struggling to socialise in loud places
“Many hard-of-hearing people struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments, such as restaurants or family gatherings. This is a warning sign.”
Difficulty hearing on the phone
“Trouble hearing on the phone signals that hearing health needs attention.”
Social withdrawal
“Withdrawal from social situations occurs when someone struggles to keep up with conversations. This should not be ignored.”
Constant ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
“Ringing or buzzing in the ears frequently accompanies hearing loss and should be checked by a healthcare professional.”
Frequent misunderstandings
“Frequently misunderstanding words or giving the wrong response can signal that hearing loss is affecting comprehension.”
Leaning in or cupping ears
“Leaning in, straining, or cupping your ear to hear better are subtle signs that should not be overlooked.”
Friends and family are concerned
“Friends and family notice changes in hearing before the person does, so pay attention to their observations too.”
Neil concludes, “Because hearing loss usually develops gradually, many people don’t realise how much it’s affecting them until it begins to impact their confidence and independence. Raising awareness is vital so that people recognise the early signs and feel encouraged to seek support.”
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