ACTOR William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in Coronation Street

ACTOR William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in Coronation Street, 78, admits he has secretly been battling serious hearing difficulties throughout the past 50 years.

He has a profound hearing loss in high frequencies and finds normal conversation and speech extremely difficult to understand.

Until recently he has coped by relying on visual prompts when playing Ken Barlow on the set of Coronation Street.

Mr Roache said: “Living with hearing difficulties is a challenge, I know as I have suffered for over 50 years.

“My hearing has become much worse over the past few years and I have found myself becoming more and more isolated as a result.

“Like many I have simply suffered in silence, putting up with mishearing conversations and feeling left out.”

If you have any questions about hearing loss contact Hidden Hearing  Online or call 1800 370 000.