Workshops aid hearing loss

Audiologist Raquel Fernandez said their mission was to increase awareness to improve people's quality of life.

Ms Fernandez said hearing loss not only affected the person with the loss, but also their loved ones who then struggle communicating, which could lead to a breakdown in relationships.

"Every year for Hearing Awareness Week, Clarity Hearing Clinic hosts a campaign to increase community awareness about hearing loss," she said.

"Free hearing checks are quick and easy, providing community members with a hassle-free way to find out whether they have hearing loss.

"We also know that the sooner you identify a hearing loss, the easier it is to overcome it, before the brain loses vital connections. Ignoring a hearing loss for too long can make it difficult for the brain to adapt to hearing aids in the future."

Ms Fernandez said hearing loss affected one in six Australians and this increased to one in two over the age of 60.

"Research shows that while many people suffer from hearing loss, issues such as denial, costs and cosmetics delay people from taking action to improve their hearing," she said.

"Community awareness needs to be raised, as many of these barriers to improving hearing have been overcome.

"Hearing aids are basically invisible and there are a range of hearing aids to suit every budget and lifestyle."

She said Clarity Hearing Clinic was also accredited to provide free services and free hearing aids to pensioners and that latest research had shown links between hearing loss and dementia.

The Overcome Hearing Loss workshops are free, run by their audiologists to equip people with strategies to improve their communication. They will be held on August 24 and 26 at the Duncraig clinic and family and friends are encouraged to attend. The free hearing checks are from August 24-29. Call 9474 6644 to book.