Hearing checks for good communication
24 August 2009
If you’ve been putting off having a hearing test for fear you may be pressured into buying a hearing aid, you can call into the Tamworth Community Health Centre on Tuesday or Wednesday this week for a free hearing test.
Tamworth Clinical Nurse Consultant Audiometrist Kathy Challinor said the community should know this week is Hearing Awareness Week (23 to 29 August).
“One in six Australians have a hearing loss – which represents a larger number of people in the Australian community affected by this condition than people affected by cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, diabetes and mental health problems in our community,” Ms Challinor said.
“However, very few do something about it until the hearing loss becomes embarrassing for both that person and their family.
“Many people believe that you have to be old to have a hearing problem, but hearing loss can affect people of any age. There are many contributing factors, including family history, exposure to noise, age and some medical conditions can affect a persons hearing.”
Ms Challinor said it was important for people to understand what is happening with their hearing and learn ways to improve their communication.
“Sometimes this may involve using a hearing aid or some other device to assist with communication and sometimes it is simple communication courtesy such as facing a person when speaking to them,” Ms Challinor said.
“Because nurse audiometrists do not fit or sell hearing aids, we are able to provide clients with information about their hearing so that they can then make an informed decision about what to do next.
“What is most important is that a person understands their hearing results, understands how having good hearing can improve their communication as well as the range of options available to them”.
The free testing days will be held between 9am and 3.30pm on Tuesday 25 August and Wednesday 26 August at Tamworth Community Health Centre Johnston House in the grounds of Tamworth Hospital.
“There is no need to book, just turn up,” Ms Challinor said.
For more information contact the Tamworth Community Health Centre on 6767 8100.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767