SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Hidden Hearing is giving away up to five private hearing aids every month as part of an initiative to encourage people over 55 to test their hearing.

Leading audiologists are currently promoting ‘The Campaign for Better Hearing’ across the UK in a bid to get more people over the age of 55 to stop ignoring their deteriorating hearing and to undergo proper assessments.

The free private hearing aids are being awarded to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them with 35 pairs having already been handed out. Some of the worthy winners came together to celebrate at a recent event in Maidstone.

All you need to do is nominate somebody you know with hearing loss, whether it’s a friend or family member.

And with Mother’s Day just around the corner, you could get mum a life-changing present.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR A HEARING ASSESSMENT AND THE CHANCE TO WIN A PRIVATE HEARING AID

Figures from a recent global survey shows that hearing loss in the UK is being ignored because people are not tackling difficult conversations with friends and family.

According to experts from Hidden Hearing, an eye-catching 90% of friends and family say they have noticed a loved one’s hearing loss.

Less than half of those surveyed (42%) said their hearing loss was pointed out by someone close to them, with 50% of those saying they didn’t feel comfortable bringing it up and 50% saying they didn’t think anything would be done about it, even if they did.

Results from the same survey also shows that nearly three-quarters (67%) said they believed their loved one was in denial while many others say they have been embarrassed about their hearing loss at some point.

If you or a loved one would like to take part, simply nominate yourself or somebody else by clicking here.

Apart from the ‘Test Your Ears at 55 Years’ drive, the campaign also aims to highlight the health concerns related to the lack of proper treatment for hearing loss.

“Problems with hearing may eventually lead to social isolation or depression, both of which have been linked to an increased risk of dementia,” warns GP and health broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones.

“Importantly, staying socially active may help lower the risk of dementia and treating hearing loss can help you stay connected to the people around you.”

“We believe it is time to smash stigma around hearing loss.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m supporting the Campaign for Better Hearing. I believe good hearing is a cornerstone to maintaining a happy, healthy life.”

Campaign for Better Hearing Ambassador Jennie Bond and her husband Jim had been living in denial as their hearing began to deteriorate, so much so that it began to impact on their relationship.

“We regarded it as a sign of ageing and we resisted acknowledging it, despite people telling us our hearing was deteriorating,” explained Jenny.

“Simple everyday things like watching TV with my husband became intolerable, as the volume would be so loud that I’d have to put ear plugs in. It would also drive our poor daughter, Emma, mad at times.

“Hearing is such an important sense and I regret not doing something about it sooner. I know now that this is a silly attitude because it’s an issue that can be so easily resolved.”

With over 290 locations across the UK, Hidden Hearing provides help and advice to over 300,000 people with hearing care needs and conducts over 105,000 hearing tests every year.

People living in Kent can find Hidden Hearing Centres in Ashford, Wadhurst, Canterbury, Rochester, Maidstone, Hawkhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Margate and Bexleyheath.

For more information about your hearing health or how you could help a loved one visit a hearing specialist, click here.