Hearing is one of the five senses we rely on, but studies show that almost one in six people in Ireland experience hearing difficulties and delay seeking treatment for up to 15 years.
Hearing loss does not just affect the person who has it. It also affects spouses, family members, and friends. It can also be an indicator for the onset of illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
If you answer ‘Yes’ to the following questions, it may indicate that you need to have your hearing checked:
Do you often feel that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly?
Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a crowded room or restaurant?
Do you frequently ask people to speak up or repeat themselves?
Do you have difficulty hearing the telephone or the doorbell?
Do you have to turn the television or radio up loud to hear?
Martin Shanagher, hearing aid audiologist with Hidden Hearing Athlone, said: “Regular hearing checks should be part of everyone’s healthcare plan, and we would encourage people to take action on hearing loss as soon as you notice a problem, because the longer you delay, the worse the problem will become. Hidden Hearing has invested significantly to ensure that our clinics have the very latest technology available worldwide and the Hidden Hearing clinic in Athlone is equipped to deal with hearing loss of any kind.”
Hidden Hearing Athlone also offers free earwax removal for people 55 years and older.
Hidden Hearing marketing director, Dolores Madden, said: “We are delighted to be offering this service to our patients in Athlone as we see a lot of people in our clinics with ear wax build-up. In many cases, an aural issue will not be hearing-loss related, but simply a build-up of too much earwax. However, if left untreated, excessive earwax can cause hearing loss and interfere with a hearing test or the use of a hearing aid. Until now the options have been expensive costing up to €60, but now Hidden Hearing offers a free solution for the over 55s.”
For further information or to book a free hearing check-up or earwax removal in Hidden Hearing Athlone, 2A & 2B John Broderick Street, call (090 ) 6470590 or log onto www.hiddenhearing.ie
