A team of opticians in Rotherham say younger people are at risk of losing their hearing earlier than ever before, as they launch a new hearing care service.
Independent practice Staples Opticians in Wath upon Dearne say younger people must prioritise their hearing in the same way as their eyes and teeth, as modern lifestyles pose an increasing risk to hearing.
The High Street practice now has an expert audiologist on hand to conduct free hearing tests, with staff keen to dispel the notion that it is only older people who need to have their hearing checked.
Use of headphones for music and gaming, along with live music events, means that hearing issues are on the increase among young people who are often exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound for long periods of time.
Last year, the hearing loss charity RNID published research showing that more than half of Gen-Z (those aged 18 to 28) have experienced hearing loss, tinnitus or both after listening to music. Over time, these effects risk becoming permanent.
Other research from the World Health Organization has shown that gamers are at risk of permanent hearing loss because so many exceed safe volume limits for prolonged periods of time.
Staples Opticians has now partnered with Amplify Hearing to provide expert hearing care at the practice, and will officially rebrand to be Staples Opticians as part of a relaunch event on Monday, 17 August.
The event will showcase the practice’s refurbishment and exclusive discounts will be available on the day. Patients will also be able to book an hour-long appointment that includes a thorough examination of the patient’s ears and ear canals and an advanced hearing test using the latest equipment.
Audiologist Avner Brodie said: “There is a lot of research that has been published recently which shows the younger generations are facing an unprecedented risk of hearing loss, because modern life is now much louder than ever before.
“Many young people are using headphones at unsafe levels for music, while gaming and loud music venues can also be damaging to hearing. These problems can range from a persistent ringing in the ears to more significant hearing loss in the longer term.
“We always recommend hearing tests for those aged over 60 as that is when hearing ability can start to reduce but it’s becoming more and more evident that we need to be focussing on younger patients too, so that hearing issues are picked up earlier.
“For younger people, hearing loss can be particularly detrimental as it can be socially isolating and can impact mental health. It can even put them at a disadvantage in their professional lives too, if it is left untreated.”
As hearing loss can happen gradually and is often undiagnosed, the team at Staples say people should be aware of the signs, which include misunderstanding what other people say, especially in noisy places; having to ask people to repeat themselves; listening to music or watching television with the volume higher than other people need; or feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening.
Staples director Faheem Sarfraz added: “Everyone recognises how important their hearing is to them, yet not enough people get their hearing checked on a regular basis. We recommend a hearing test once every two years or more frequently if you’re experiencing problems.
“We know that for younger people in particular, there may be some stigma or embarrassment around hearing aids but our team is on hand to demonstrate the modern, small devices that are now available, which also feature Bluetooth connectivity for calls, music and television.
“We’re proud to now offer an almost 360-degree service when it comes to key health checks, including eye and hearing exams, that could make all the difference to patients’ general health.”
For more details about Staples Opticians & Hearing Care visit www.staplesopticians.com.
