RESIDENTS across the south-west will get the chance to test their hearing next week.
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The Australian Hearing Bus is touring the country offering free hearing tests and Warrnambool, Crossley and Timboon have been included on the route.
Manager at Australian Hearing’s Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton centres Chelsea Scott said the bus will not only deliver hearing tests but also hopes to raise hearing health awareness.
“Because age-related hearing loss develops gradually over time, it is common for people be unaware their hearing is diminishing,” Ms Scott said.
“Hearing loss is a prevalent issue in the community, with around 60 per cent of Australians over 60 suffering from some form of hearing loss.
“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.”
She said as well as having a hearing check, visitors to the bus can find information on a range of common hearing issues.
They can also view a display of easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home.
These includes headsets for watching television and alert systems for doorbells.
“Not everyone who is experiencing problems hearing needs a hearing aid,” Ms Scott said.
“Sometimes it’s just hearing the television at normal volumes, hearing your doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem.”
No appointment is necessary for those wishing to access the hearing bus while it is in the south-west.
The bus will be in Warrnambool on Tuesday June 27 at Gateway Plaza from 9am to 3.30pm and at Middle Island Medical Clinic on Wednesday from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
It will then move to the Crossley Men’s Shed on the Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4.30pm.
On Thursday, it will set up at the IGA supermarket in Timboon 9.30am to 2.30pm.
For those who don’t get to access the bus next week, the Australian Hearing Centre in Timor Street is opened five days a week.
The centre has three audiologists on staff and members of the public are able to come in to get their hearing tested at any time.
There are also centres opened five days a week in Portland and Hamilton.
Hearing Australia, which is a federal government agency, also visits smaller towns across the regions on a part-time basis.
