A majority of adults put up with symptoms of illness for an average of at least five months before seeking help, the results of a new survey have shown.

According to the findings, many people live with health issues such as back pain, headaches, hearing loss and poor eyesight for months before getting professional help.

At least one in 20 people admitted to waiting at least one year before seeking help.

The survey of 2,000 adults was carried out on behalf of hearing specialists, Hidden Hearing, and the results tally with a separate survey it carried out, which found that 86% of hearing loss in Ireland is left untreated for various reasons.

Emerging research indicates that hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of a number of conditions, such as dementia and depression. However, around 40% of adults have never had a hearing test despite worrying that they have a problem.

"Hearing loss has strong links to other serious health conditions such as dementia, depression, heart problems and diabetes, and it is important to get a hearing test, especially over the age of 50, and to check out any medical concern at the earliest opportunity," commented Hidden Hearing audiologist, Dolores Madden.

The new survey found that almost half of those who held off getting a check-up did so because they did not want to waste the health professional's time. A similar percentage admitted that they were in denial about the health issue.

At least 40% noted that not dealing with the health issue had led to a worsening of the condition before it was finally treated.

Meanwhile, at least 20% said their reluctance to get checked out had led to an argument with a loved one.

When it comes to daily hearing problems, around 30% admitted to having to ask people to continually repeat themselves during conversations, while around 20% said that they have pretended to follow a conversation because they were too embarrassed to ask people to repeat themselves.

Over half of people aged between 60 and 80 are likely to have measurable hearing loss.

"Hearing loss is a simple fact of life as we age. But, our hearing facilitates communication and social interaction, allowing us to forge relationships, take part in daily activities, be alerted to danger, and experience life fully, so it is very important to take care of it," Ms Madden said.

Hidden Hearing is supporting 'The Campaign for Better Hearing', which aims to encourage the public to take care of their hearing, just as they would look after their teeth, blood pressure, cholesterol or eye sight.

The campaign is fronted by Daniel and Majella O'Donnell and offers every one over the age of 50 a free hearing test.

For more information on the campaign or to book a free hearing test, click here

*Pictured at the launch of the campaign in February are Daniel and Majella O'Donnell.