To help combat hearing loss, a condition that is on the rise in Australia with experts predicting one in every four Australians to be affected by 2050, Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores, together with Australian Hearing, is running free hearing clinics in over 100 of its stores from January to March.
With hearing loss most common amongst the elderly with one in two people aged over 60 suffering from the condition, Discount Drug Stores is aiming to raise awareness of the problem and the need for Australians to have their hearing regularly tested.
Professional Services Manager at Discount Drug Stores Casey Clark states that due to hearing loss occurring gradually, many Australians are often unaware that there is an issue until the condition has progressed to affecting their quality of life.
“Regular testing is vital to ensuring hearing problems are picked up and treated before permanent damage is done,” she said. “If caught early, those affected may only need to make small lifestyle changes in order to prevent further loss, such as turning down their iPod, wearing ear plugs at concerts or implementing additional safety practices in industrial work environments. However, if people wait until significant damage has occurred then often only the more invasive and expensive treatment options are available such as requiring a hearing aid or a cochlear implant.”
The social and psychological impacts of severe hearing loss can also be significant, with sufferers experiencing depression, social isolation, impaired memory and poor job performance as a result of not being able to hear properly.
Ms Clark states that these factors combined with the physical impairment are why it’s so important that Australians have their hearing tested regularly.
“It’s predicted that people take on average seven years to get their hearing tested and even then, it is because they’re being prompted by their friends or family to take action,” she explained. “Often by the time they’ve sought help, their condition has already significantly impacted their quality of life. This is what our clinics aim to address by giving customers a greater understanding of hearing loss and of the physical, social and psychological side effects that come from waiting too long to get tested.”
Ms Clark continues stating family intervention is still imperative though in getting sufferers to seek help and encourages family members to bring their loved ones who may have a hearing loss, to the clinics.
“Family members are uniquely positioned to notice the signs that their loved one might be struggling with a hearing impairment,” she said. “It’s important that if they are noticing any of the symptoms that they speak up and encourage them to seek help.”
During the clinics customers will be able to discuss their hearing concerns with an Australian Hearing Health Promotions Officer and will have their hearing tested using an audiometer, which involves participants listening for sounds while wearing light-weight headphones.
The Hearing Health Promotions Officer will then explain the outcome of the test and advise customers on what to do next or refer them to seek further medical advice if required.
Customers can also visit their local Discount Drug Store throughout the year to get general advice on ear care or to discuss their concerns regarding their hearing such as impairments caused by wax blockages and infections.
With Australia’s ageing population meaning hearing loss only looks to rise over the next decade, Ms Clark says she hopes the free clinics encourage more Australians to seek help early.
“Hearing loss is unfortunately not being taken as seriously as it should be,” she said. “We want to change this and to promote the importance of Australians getting a hearing test as regularly as they go to the dentist or visit the optometrist.”
For more information on Discount Drug Stores’ free hearing clinics, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
