SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Are you doing enough to look after your hearing?

Did you know that you are more likely to develop mental health issues including Dementia by not treating hearing loss?

Latest research suggests that a mild to significant hearing loss can increase your risk of dementia by up to five times.

Hearing loss is often referred to as a ‘hidden’ disability and has been linked to problems such as short-term memory loss and even diabetes, all of which can increase the need for health care.

Hearing problems have also been linked to many people slipping into depression after not being able to hear properly and engage with others during social gatherings with friends or family.

In an attempt to make people more aware of the importance of treating hearing loss, World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated March 3 as World Hearing Day and to mark this year’s occasion in Kent, Hidden Hearing will be once again sponsoring its Campaign for Better Hearing.

The Campaign for Better Hearing highlights the importance of looking after your hearing and will take place on Sunday, March 3 in Maidstone.

The initiative also aims to encourage people over the age of 55 to have regular hearing tests.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER HEARING

Those looking to take part in this year’s event will certainly not be let down.

A 10-minute free hearing screening and healthcheck (include BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol assessments) will be on offer at the event with those needing to be booked in for a full hearing test to be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a pair of state-of-the-art hearing aids.

And there’s more.

The event will also include Champagne Afternoon Tea as well as Tea Dance with Mr Wonderful Dancing.

Those in attendance will also get the chance to listen in on and even meet GP and Health Broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones to learn more about hearing loss and how it ties in with your overall health.

“Hearing is intrinsically linked to so many areas of life and our health,” commented Dr Hilary.

“Making sure you are able to take part fully in certain situations - like family gatherings - can literally be as simple as going to get your hearing tested.”

Figures from UK charity Action on Hearing Loss state that there are 11 million people (one in six people) with hearing problems across the UK while experts estimate that figure will climb to 15.6 million by 2035 (one in five people).

“The latest research shows that by ignoring a potential hearing problem, we not only risk missing out on life’s important moments, we also increase the risk of other illnesses - both mental and physical,” added Dr Hilary.

“It’s important to take early action and a regular hearing check is key to ensure good hearing health.”

The Campaign for Better Hearing - an initiative which is part of Hidden Hearing’s commitment to helping everyone in the UK hear their best and live a happy, healthy life - will take place between 2pm and 5pm at the Hilton Hotel.

As part of this year’s campaign, Hidden Hearing will also be providing free hearing aids to people across the UK - one pair for every 1,000 tests conducted.

The awards will be made to those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them through a Give Back Programme, which will run concurrently with the prize draw of the event.

To reserve a place at The Campaign for Better Hearing event on Sunday, March 3 in Maidstone, call 0808 166 0622 or email events@hiddenhearing.co.uk.

For more information about The Campaign For Better Hearing, visit the official website by clicking here.