All ears for Great Big Hearing Check launch

New Boots Hearingcare charity campaign to inspire people in Plymouth to take action on their hearing

Boots Hearingcare has launched a new awareness campaign, The Great Big Hearing Check, to encourage members of the public to get their hearing checked as research shows 16% people in Plymouth are affected by hearing loss.

Running from August to September 2014, and supported by charity Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID), The Great Big Hearing Check highlights how a simple hearing check means people do not need to miss out on their favourite sounds.

With more people than ever affected by hearing loss2 – and research showing that, on average, two in five people affected remain untreated – 42,000 people living in Plymouth could benefit from having their hearing checked.1 The Great Big Hearing Check aims to reach people in Plymouth who may have noticed changes in their hearing and drive awareness of how a Boots hearing check is a free, quick and simple way to help detect hearing loss problems as early as possible.    

“For every person who experiences hearing loss there are many more who may not even know that there is more to hear than they think” says Mark Palmer-Cook, audiologist, Boots Hearingcare, Plymouth.  “We want everyone to get the most out of their hearing – whether that is something as practical as hearing the doorbell go or the microwave ping, or their enjoyment of a favourite piece of music. 

"Our free hearing check only takes 15 minutes, so it can be done during a lunch break or regular trip to the highstreet. The Great Big Hearing Check aims to remind people not to forget their ears - it is important to get your hearing checked every two years, just like with other health checks.  Our experts are on hand to help people manage their hearing so they can ensure that they’re not missing a thing.”

Lesley Holmes, who manages the charity’s community services in the area, says:  “Hearing loss can affect each and every one of us, so it is never too early to start looking after your hearing.  Are you already asking people to repeat themselves more than you used to, or struggling to hear in crowded places?  If so, a simple hearing check could offer you peace of mind and advice on what you can do to best help your hearing – either through Boots UK or the NHS. Our volunteers, many of whom have hearing loss themselves, will be in store as part of The Great Big Hearing Check, so come down for a chat and to find out about how you can make the most of your hearing for years to come.”

Research shows that by 2031, as many as one in five people will struggle with their hearing2. Whilst it is natural for everyone’s hearing levels to change over time, this does not mean that nothing can be done about it or that people have to accept it. For those who think their hearing is not as good as it used to be, the best advice is to book a hearing check.  There may be simple causes, such as blocked ear wax or an ear infection, preventing people from enjoying good hearing, but it may be that a hearing aid could help.  Hearing aids now come in all shapes and sizes and many are very discreet, meaning people can find something that’s just right for them.

Boots Hearingcare audiologist Mark Palmer-Cook, shares his tips for healthy hearing:

• If you have noticed that sounds appear to be muffled or dulled, it may be due to a build-up of wax.  A hearing check can reveal if wax is the cause and if it is you can speak to us about the options available and direct you to your pharmacist or GP about treatment as appropriate.
• Keep cotton buds away from ears – your ear canal is tiny and it is easy to perforate your ear drum with a bud so you may want to try a cleaning spray instead.
• Regular gig goers and concert fans may want to take a pair of ear plugs with them to limit any potential long term impact on their ears. Music at shows like this is usually played out at around 100 decibels – and anything over 85dB has the potential to affect hearing.  A pair of ear plugs will help to keep it protected, while still enabling you to hear the full set!
• Reduce the volume and/or time spent listening to personal music systems via headphones
• Extended time in the water can increase likeliness of an ear infection, so if you are a keen swimmer make sure you dry your ears thoroughly after your swim, or ask your Pharmacist about drops that can help keep infection at bay.
• Ensure you book a hearing check every two years to help stay on top of your hearing and to help make sure any problems are identified as early as possible”.

To book a free hearing check, visit www.bootshearingcare.com where you can also find your nearest store, or call 0333 920 6469