Tom Arthur MSP is backing a charity’s service urging people to get their hearing checked and start benefiting from using hearing aids and assistive equipment.
The MSP found out about Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s Hear to Inform and Connect service, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, which wants to reach out via local community and social groups to encourage older people in Renfrewshire South to get their hearing checked and use a range of support to minimise the impact of hearing loss in everyday life.
Tom Arthur MSP said:
“Action on Hearing Loss Scotland tell me that people wait, on average, 10 years from the point that they first notice hearing difficulties before going for a hearing test.
“I’m pleased to back the charity’s call on older people to get their hearing tested as soon as they start struggling to follow conversations because the digital hearing aids and modern technology, such as amplified phones or personal listeners, these days can help many to hear more clearly and stay connected with family, friends and neighbours.
“I encourage community and social groups throughout Renfrewshire South to contact Action on Hearing Loss Scotland for free information talks to help raise awareness about the signs of hearing loss, how hearing aids and assistive equipment can help and the best ways to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.”
Teri Devine, Director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, said:
“We appreciate Tom Arthur MSP’s support for our Hear to Inform and Connect service.
“We would like to engage with as many local community and social groups as possible to reach older Renfrewshire South residents and provide reassurance that getting your hearing checked really is a straight forward process and highlight how hearing aids can bring great benefits for people who have their deafness diagnosed as early as possible.”
For more information about the service, email: info.scotland@hearingloss.org.uk, or telephone/text: 07388 227407.