The Elected Mayor of Watford went deaf for a day to experience what life is like for over 11 million people nationwide.

Visiting the Specsavers Audiology team, Peter Taylor’s ears were fitted with putty before being asked to order a coffee and have a conversation in a busy environment.

This may seem routine to many - but for millions in the UK with hearing loss, it can pose a significant challenge.

Mr Taylor said: “It certainly made me realise how much harder it is for people who suffer with hearing loss doing simple day to day things, like ordering a coffee in a loud café.

“Hearing loss is more and more common, particularly among younger people.

“If you are worried about losing your hearing, it is good to get checked early.”

A recent Hearing Matters report suggests that 900,000 people in the UK are severely or profoundly deaf.

Specsaver audiologist Kaneez Sham said: “Having hearing problems is not something many people are willing to admit but it is a very common problem, affecting around one in six people in the UK.”

She added: “Research shows that on average people wait around 10 years to seek help for hearing loss after first noticing a problem. This is a huge amount of time for someone to struggle with their hearing, especially when you consider that people with hearing loss are more likely to suffer with depression and develop dementia.”

The mayor has previously launched several initiatives to combat the effects of dementia, which can be related to hearing loss.

To book a hearing test, call Watford Specsavers at 01923 228 888 or visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/watford-hearing