A staggering 51% of participants in a pilot project carried out recently said that they had experienced hearing problems, a government statement said.

The research was carried out by the Inclusion and Quality of Life Ministry with Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba. It was carried out in June and 383 persons took part.

The findings were presented today by Dr Andrew Sciberras on behalf of the Association of Maltese Audiologists.

The research covered localities including Safi, Dingli, Kirkop, Qrendi, Zurrieq, Mtarfa and Rabat.

Sciberras said that while 27% have minor to moderate problems, 17% have moderate problems, 6% have moderate to severe problems and 1% have severe problems.

The study found that 36% of those who experience problems work in a noisy environment and do not use any protection like noise cancelling headphones.

Another 35% have problems because of ear wax and these were offered the opportunity to receive treatment, while another 5% had other conditions that also required treatment.

Thirty-five per cent of the participants were aged between 60 and 70, with 51% of all participants being women.