‘Tis the season to think about our hearing health, Hidden Hearing advised this week, at the launch of their Gift of Hearing Christmas campaign.
Winter can make hearing that bit harder, physically, the experts say, as lower temperatures can cause tinnitus and earwax problems. Darker evenings and bad weather also mean we need a good hearing to alert us to danger.
“Pedestrians need to be sure they can hear traffic approach. At work, when gardening, or just out-and-about, missing a warning call can mean injury or worse”, Dolores Madden, Hidden Hearing audiologist & Marketing Director, warns.
Radio presenter Harry Lee, from Dundalk in County Louth, fronts much of Hidden Hearing’s TV advertising. He again stars in the brand’s new festive campaign, sharing the joy of music and a live Christmas choir.
“There is no bigger gift than the gift of hearing. I wish I had looked after my hearing sooner. For those like me, who want the most out of life, a free hearing check-up would be an ideal present for yourself this Christmas”, the popular radio DJ says.
Recent research among people with hearing loss indicates that 72% of them wish their hearing was better to enjoy the festive season and special gatherings*.
Hidden Hearing is giving away €50,000 of the most advanced hearing aids this Christmas, completely free, to complement its festive marketing. People can nominate themselves or a loved one, family member, or friend for the #GiftOfHearing this Christmas, on https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/
Festivities Worth Hearing!
Christmas banter, the shopping buzz, family gatherings, carols, and concerts are all worth hearing, audiologist Dolores Madden says. She believes a lot of people struggle to hear and either don’t realise it or ignore their problem.
“In Ireland, about two-thirds of hearing loss goes untreated, for various reasons. Around 100,000 people risk their safety and wellbeing, as well as potential knock-on impacts of hearing loss, which can include isolation, depression, dementia and poorer heart health”.
“Conversation, socialising, listening and learning all rely on the ability to hear clearly. We lose out on a lot if we don’t make a point of looking after our hearing early in life”, the audiologist believes.
Age-related hearing loss is by far the most common, and a Hidden Hearing survey earlier this year showed 12% had noticed their hearing was worse over the past 18 months.
Mask-wearing and screens showed many people how their hearing had deteriorated, it seems. Unknowingly, many were probably relying more on lip-reading beforehand, experts say.
Dolores Madden explains; “The pandemic taught us the value of staying in touch, but, for some, hearing loss became more apparent and took away the pleasure of chatting with others. It is isolating when you literally cannot be part of the conversation or enjoy everyday sounds.”
A global survey for World Hearing Day by Hidden Hearing last year revealed a poor track record for the Irish when it comes to looking after their hearing health. Only 50% with hearing loss had been tested in the previous three years, 22% waited five years or more before seeking help, and 35% with hearing loss did not have any treatment at all.
Encouraging people to nominate themselves or someone else for the ‘Gift of Hearing’ giveaway this Christmas, Dolores Madden said our hearing is crucial to both physical and mental wellbeing.
“Think of the many ways that different sounds enrich our lives! At this time of year, whether we’re listening out for the Herald Angels singing, or the sleigh bells ringing, the festive atmosphere would be nothing without a good hearing.”
People can nominate themselves or a loved one, family member, or friend for the #GiftOfHearing this Christmas, on https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/
Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s longest-established exclusive hearing care specialist, with over 30 years of experience and over 80 locations countrywide. The healthcare providers’ mission is to help people hear better, transforming lives with expertise, care, and support.
Good hearing is important to feel connected, to communicate with family and friends, and to give an overall sense of health and wellbeing.
Free hearing tests, free sample hearing aids, and ear wax consultations are available at Hidden Hearing clinics, where health and safety are the foremost considerations. Employees have had extensive training on COVID safety procedures and can ensure a safe and comfortable visit. Book a free hearing test online today at www.hiddenhearing.ie or freephone 1800 370 000.
