If you constantly find people just don't speak clearly enough these days, and you struggle to hear people during noisy parties you're not alone.

But the problem may lie at your door; it could be your hearing letting you down.

Around nine million people suffer from hearing loss, yet most consider even simple household DIY problems more important to tackle before getting help, according to new research.

Few have hearing tests - less than 10 per cent had a test in the last year - while only one in three who could benefit from a hearing aid have one.

The national neglect of one of our key senses may leave many people unnecessarily leading isolated, difficult lives and prone to associated symptoms like depression says audiologist Heather Pitchford, of David Ormerod Hearing Centres.

Yet the company's research to mark Hearing Clearer Awareness Month in January found people are seven times more likely to check their teeth than their hearing, and would give priority to sorting out a faulty television or leaky tap rather than arranging a hearing test.

Pitchford says: "It's staggering, but because hearing loss can be gradual over years, an enormous number of people are completely unaware they have a problem. They've simply bcvcome used to impaired hearing.

"There will be signs if it's severe. They may start to limit their life to exclude social activities that make them feel uncomfortable or even depressed because they can't hear properly, like going to the cinema, playing sport or even give up at work. But many won't consciously put those life-limiting decisions down to their hearing problems."

Another significant proportion refuse to admit or face hearing loss, viewing it as an unwelcome sign of ageing.

"Some people are too embarrassed, or sometimes frightened to face the fact that they can't hear properly. They'll make excuses, saying that other people mumble or don't talk clearly, or that too much noise around them makes it difficult for them to hear," she adds.

"It's often a partner or friend that pushes someone to do something about their hearing problem, because they are being driven mad by the person continually saying 'pardon' or asking them to repeat things."

Over half of all people aged over 60 are hard of hearing or deaf, and it is the most common chronic condition in older people after arthritis and blood pressure. The problem costs the UK £13.5 billion in lost earnings each year.

Dr Mark Downs, executive director of technology and enterprise for the RNID (The Royal National Institute for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People), is calling for increased funding for vital research to prevent or treat hearing loss.

He believes that: "The cost to people's quality of life from hearing loss is immeasurable. And with an ageing population and high levels of social noise, the problem is set to increase."

There are many causes of hearing loss, resulting from damage or disruption to any part of the hearing system. These range from wax blocking the ear canal, causing a temporary problem, to age-related changes to the sensory cells of the cochlea (presbyacusis), otosclerosis, a condition in which the ossicles of the middle ear harden and become less mobile, through to head injury or brain damage.

Certain drugs, such as some powerful antibiotics, can cause permanent hearing loss. At high doses, aspirin is thought to cause temporary tinnitus, or a persistent ringing in the ears.

Treatment depends on the cause. Infections or blockages of the ear can be treated and cleared, eardrums can be repaired surgically, and ossicles affected by otosclerosis can be replaced with artificial bones.

If there is no cure for the hearing loss, as with age related loss, a hearing aid can be the answer. It should help you hear everyday sounds like the telephone and make it easier to follow conversations with other people. If you have tinnitus, you may hear it less with a hearing aid and if your hearing loss is similar in both ears you might benefit from two.

Pitchford says: "Hearing aids nowadays are a world away from the bulky, unsightly aids of yesteryear. Now they are cosmetically acceptable and discreet and with digital technology are improving all the time."

In the UK hearing aids are free from the National Health Service or can be bought privately from a registered hearing aid dispenser.

The RNID is campaigning to reduce the waiting time for NHS hearing aids to 18 weeks. Recent research found that 39 per cent of new patients in England wait more than a year to get their aids.

What did you say?

Have you got a hearing problem? If you answer yes to any of these questions you might benefit from a hearing assessment:

1. Are you constantly asking people to repeat themselves?

2. Do others complain you have the volume turned up too high on the TV?

3. Do people always seem to be mumbling when they talk to you?

4. Do you have trouble hearing the doorbell or telephone?

5. Do you find it easier to follow a conversation if you are looking directly at the person speaking to you?

6. Do you find it hard to follow a conversation in a group?

What can I do?

Audiologist Heather Pitchford says: "I'd suggest that those over 50 routinely have their hearing checked every two years, but should go more frequently if worried or advised by an audiologist.

"The sooner people have problems detected, the better the outcome. After living with impaired hearing for years it is much harder to retrain the brain to recognise normal sound levels and clarity.

"Those under 50 should have their hearing tested around every five years, but seek advice if they have problems."

:A free hearing test can be organised with a GP.

:RNID's telephone hearing check allows people to take a confidential, five-minute check on their hearing. Make the call in a quiet place at home or work: 0845 600 5555 / www.breakingthesoundbarrier.org.uk : David Ormerod Hearing Centres, which operate in Boots stores, offer a free five-minute hearing assessment for anyone worried about their hearing or a free essential information pack. Call 0845 270 3916 / www.hearingclearer.co.uk