Listen up Inverness: Get hearing tested
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IT might be apples which keep the doctor away but staff at an Inverness hearing care specialist enlisted oranges to bring home their own health message.
Staff from the Inverness branch of Hidden Hearing visited Tesco’s Inshes branch to hand out oranges – when not racking up the miles on an exercise bike or giving free hearing screenings.
It was all in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Campaign for Better Hearing.
Oranges were chosen because they weigh approximately the same as the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s – around 140g less than a healthy one.
Hearing loss can lead to social isolation or depression, both of which have been linked to an increased risk of dementia, so Hidden Hearing is spreading the message that a hearing test could be the first step in tackling dementia.
Neil Bradford, audiologist at Hidden Hearing’s Margaret Street branch, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this campaign, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK and talking about the links between hearing loss and health within the community.
“The message is simple, regular hearing checks are important and we want to encourage everyone to test their ears at 55 years old.
“Four in 10 people over the age of 50 have hearing loss and many don’t realise it. And even if they do, they may wait for up to seven years to have their hearing tested.
“At Hidden Hearing, we want to smash taboos and make having your ears tested just as regular an occurrence as having your eyes tested.”
