Lockdown has led to more hearing appreciation...sounds good?

Research by Specsavers has revealed just how important our hearing is in helping us to stay connected day-to-day, especially when socially isolated.

Almost two thirds (63%) also agree that hearing is an important part of communication and the same number of people say they would miss the sounds of everyday life if they couldn’t hear.

More than two thirds of those surveyed locally (67%) say that they value their hearing more as it has helped them chat to family and friends on the phone, while almost half (46%) have been thankful that they’ve been able to communicate with their colleagues from afar.

Almost half (46%) have also been grateful that their hearing has helped them stay up to date by listening to the news, while others have been glad to enjoy their favourite sounds (29%) and take pleasure in broadcast media and music, such as listening to music (67%) television (58%), radio (38%) and podcasts (21%).

Joanne Torrens, audiology director at Specsavers in Coleraine, said: “Our hearing is something so many for us often take for granted but it is so important in allowing us to do all the things that we love.

“It isn’t until we stop and take notice that we actually realise what an integral role it plays in our daily lives.

“Unfortunately for some, they only appreciate just how important their hearing is when it has started to deteriorate, which is why it is so important to have regular hearing checks or to book yourself an audiology appointment if you notice any changes.

“While hearing loss cannot be reversed it can be successfully managed and we can try to help prevent it from getting any worse so that you can enjoy listening to all the sounds you love for many years to come.”

For more information or to request an appointment at your local store, visit www.specsavers.co.uk.

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