Bluebirds boss speaks of battle with hearing loss
CARDIFF City manager Neil Warnock has spoken for the first time about his battle with hearing loss, which knocked his confidence and left him “very frustrated”.
The Bluebirds boss, who last year celebrated half a century in football, has been wearing hearing aids for the past 12 months after being diagnosed with high-frequency hearing loss – an age-related condition affecting a person’s hearing in busy environments.
He admitted that he struggled to pick up vowel sounds in conversations but initially did nothing to rectify it.
“I started to notice that something wasn’t quite right with my hearing when I was out in group situations, and kept saying ‘pardon?,’ and having to ask the people I was with to repeat themselves,” said the 69-year-old.
“It became very frustrating, not only for myself but also for people around me, when I couldn’t hear things properly and I got fed up of asking.
“After some encouragement from my wife and children, I decided to get it checked out – and I’m glad that I did.”
Warnock visited Specsavers on Queen Street in Cardiff, where he worked with the audiology team to select the most appropriate hearing aids for his needs.
“Not only is it a big year for the club and a huge privilege for the entire team to be back out on the pitch in the Premier League, but I’m also turning 70 and I need my hearing to be the best it can be,” he added.
“Previously I struggled to pick up vowels in conversations, but with my hearing aids, my daily life is easier and I’m able to be more efficient with the clarity they’ve given me.
“They’ve also given me a massive confidence boost now that I’m hearing things loud and clear.”
The Bluebirds manager, who is hoping to steer the club to Premier League safety, added: “They work so well I can’t wear them on matchdays because the noise is so loud – but once you get the knack for them, they make a big difference.”
According to the charity Action for Hearing Loss, 11 million British people suffer with hearing loss – equating to one in six people.
Statistics also show more than 40% of people over 50 years old suffer with hearing loss, which rises to more than 70% for those aged 70 and above.
“I think people are often embarrassed to talk about hearing loss, to take the plunge and seek help, but they needn’t be,” Warnock added.
“It’s made a massive difference to my life.”
Frank Moloney, Specsavers Queen Street director, said: “Hearing care is incredibly important and Neil is leading by example by speaking out about his hearing loss and encouraging others to take care of their ear and eye health.”