Hearing loss can strike at any age

EXETER hearing experts are reminding people not to take their hearing for granted – no matter how old you are.

To mark World Hearing Day (March 3), the team at Specsavers Exeter invited customers to find out about the different ways to protect their hearing, depending on their lifestyle.

An eye-catching balloon arch was installed outside the locally owned and run High Street store, with customers able to learn about ear protection for swimming, workplace noise, and music or live events.

The store’s team wore special ‘Check Your Hearing’ t-shirts to spark conversations and raise awareness. Customers were also invited to check their hearing with the free in-store screener, which identifies if a full hearing check with an audiologist is recommended.

This awareness-raising event came as Specsavers research shows that there's been an 181% increase in customers who’ve started to wear hearing devices during the past decade.

Emma Denham, a director at Specsavers Exeter, says: ‘It was great to celebrate World Hearing Day with so many people and raise awareness about the importance of looking after our hearing.

‘Hearing loss is often thought of as something that mostly affects the elderly, but it’s far more common than you may think. Age-related hearing changes can start manifesting from your early 40s, with many of the symptoms creeping in without realisation.

‘Hearing checks are often put off, but when hearing loss is left untreated, it can affect confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing.

‘For anyone who’s struggling to follow conversations or is feeling more disconnected, having a hearing test can make a real difference to their quality of life.

‘And nowadays, people don’t always need to see their GP first – hearing care professionals are easily accessible on the high street. They can carry out simple checks and talk you through the options available straightaway.’

The Specsavers Exeter store is open seven days a week, or customers can call 01392 210604.