Message on hearing worth a listen

South West residents are being encouraged to put their ear health first as Hearing Awareness Week approaches.

From August 21 to 27 people can have their hearing assessed with two locations in Bunbury offering free checks next week.

Dalyellup Pharmacy will offer checks on Wednesday, August 24, from 10am to 2pm and the Australian Hearing Bus will visit Paisley Centre in Bunbury on Friday, August 26, from 9am to 3.30pm.

Australian Hearing Bunbury manager Blanche Coyle said the Big Aussie Hearing Check aimed for every Australian, young and old, to have their hearing checked.

“Hearing is vital yet most Australians still wait on average eight years before taking action on hearing loss,” she said.

“A hearing check is a quick and easy way to measure the sounds you can and can’t hear. Our team will also be on hand to guide you through what next steps you may have to take in regards to your hearing.

“We want to promote prevention as well as diagnosis, informing people from 15 onwards about safe levels of noise exposure.”

She said over 60s were the most common age group to experience hearing difficulties with only 16 per cent actually doing something about it.