Hearing Australia is urging Bundaberg residents to be proactive about their hearing health, with a free 15-minute check for adults marking World Hearing Day.
The community is invited to attend Pharmacy Central Bargara on Thursday 27 March at 9 am for the free check up.
Newly released research from Hearing Australia has revealed that while more than half of Australians know hearing loss can occur with ageing, many don’t get help when they should due to a range of misconceptions – including self-inflicted ageism, and the affordability of hearing aids.
The theme of this year’s World Hearing Day on 3 March is Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!.
Only one in four Australians over 25 have had a hearing check at a hearing clinic in the last year, compared to three in four having a blood test and dental check-up.
Hearing loss signs include asking others to repeat themselves, loud TV volume, ringing in ears, hearing strain in noisy places and missing out on everyday sounds.
For those experiencing these symptoms, Hearing Australia encourages starting with their free online hearing check, which takes less than five minutes and uses interactive real-world scenarios.
Research shows over half of Australians viewed sudden hearing loss as being the biggest catalyst to act, followed closely by not being able to hear all sounds clearly (50%) and family members telling them they have a problem with hearing (43%)2.
Kim Terrell, Hearing Australia’s Managing Director backed this up from his own experience.
“Hearing loss can be devastating and it’s not something you just ‘have to live with’ as you get older,” he said.
“I know from my own personal experience that getting help and using hearing aids makes life much easier at home, in the workplace and in social settings.
“Having to ask people to repeat themselves, your family complaining the TV volume is too loud or ringing in your ears (tinnitus), are some of the warning signs of hearing loss.
“They indicate it’s time to get a quick check of your hearing.
And there are many simple and affordable options so if you have any signs of hearing impairment, I urge you to act.”
For more information on World Hearing Day events in your local area and to book a free 15- minute hearing check call Hearing Australia on 134 HEAR or visit hearing.com.au.
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