A MORI poll for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People has found that only 22 per cent of people aged 55 and over have had a hearing test in the past 10 years, compared with 87 per cent who had taken an eye test. RNID chief executive James Strachan said the result was 'truly shocking' when medical research showed that 48 per cent of over-55s had some degree of hearing loss.

It's Time for a Hearing Test: a report on hearing tests, ear health and public attitudes . From RNID helpline, 0870-6050123.£4 .