​ Rick Astley and Specsavers re-record 'Never Gonna Give You Up' with wrong lyrics to get the nation talking about hearing loss​

By launching the Misheard Version of his greatest hit, Specsavers aims to highlight how hearing loss can often be ignored for years and encourage people to take action if they notice any changes.

This comes as Rick reveals he is living with some hearing loss and follows new research from Specsavers which found Rick’s smash hit is one of the nation’s top 10 most misheard songs.

Many people in Northern Ireland admit to singing the wrong words, with seven per cent thinking Astley was ‘Never Gonna Run Around with Dessert Spoons’.

The research also found that 18 per cent blame mishearing song lyrics on struggling to hear properly, despite over half confessing to never having their hearing tested. What’s more, three-quarters of people find conversations with background noise difficult and a quarter say they can’t hear the TV or radio properly, which are common early signs of hearing loss.

Rick said: “I had great fun re-recording the song with Specsavers and discovering the amusing ways people have misheard my song. It felt weird singing different lyrics but I’m pleased to be raising awareness of hearing loss, as there is still a stigma around this."

He added: “I’ve noticed my hearing changing over time so recently had a hearing test at Specsavers. It showed I have some hearing loss, which I was not fully aware of. It’s probably a result of playing the drums as a kid and working in the music industry, so they’ve given me my first hearing aids. It’s important to remember that everyone’s hearing is different. Some people lose high notes, others lose low frequency sounds.

“I’d encourage anyone to get their hearing tested if they notice any changes, so they don’t lose the sounds or music they love.”

Commenting on the findings, TV’s Dr Michael Mosley said: “Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, but often goes undiagnosed and untreated and that is a terrible shame because it often leads to social isolation. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t wait 10 years to get checked. Hearing change is completely normal and is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about.”

Alongside embarrassment, reasons given for not going for a hearing test include not feeling like it was needed, being too busy and because no one else they know gets their hearing checked..

Specsavers audiologist Gurleen Brar, who conducted Rick’s hearing test, said: “Specsavers understands that we all hear differently because we care for more ears across the UK than anyone else. We believe that everyone deserves to hear life in their own unique way and we are determined to help close the 10-year gap that exists currently.

“The quicker we understand the way that we hear, the quicker we can act when we notice changes which will help minimise any long-term impact.”

To watch Rick Astley re-recording The Misheard Version of Never Gonna Give You Up, visit Specsavers.co.uk/misheard-version