New Liffey Valley Hearing Healthcare Clinic

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The ‘hear and now’ is coming to Clondalkin this week with the opening of a state-of-the-art new Hidden Hearing audiology clinic at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

Appointments can be made on 01 620 1992 for free hearing tests with audiologist, Joseph Hobson, in the handy new clinic which opened on Monday, July 12.

Located alongside Tesco Extra, Hidden Hearing Liffey Valley also provides hearing aid advice and sample hearing aids to try.

Recent improvements to the Government’s Treatment Benefit Scheme mean two free hearing aids are now available with PRSI benefits, for employed, self-employed, or retired people.

Free aftercare services include a lifetime of free batteries and a 90-day money back guarantee.

Tesco Clubcard members can also get 10% off at the new Liffey Valley Hidden Hearing outlet, until September, and specialist ear wax removal is available at a discounted price of €50 for the summer.

Impacted wax is a common cause of hearing loss that is frustrating but easily fixed, Joseph Hobson says, cautioning against putting anything in ears.

“Apart from damaging the sensitive inner ear, using cotton buds or hairgrips just makes the wax more compacted. In fact, ear wax congestion is now common in people who regularly use earbuds for their music or phones.”

The advice is to soften the wax with olive-oil based eardrops, and make an appointment with Hidden Hearing or your GP, the audiologist says.

Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s longest established exclusive hearing care experts, with the latest digital technology to promptly diagnose and treat hearing problems. Safety protocols are in place at all clinics for the utmost patient care, so people can attend the new Liffey Valley outlet in safety and confidence.

One third over 64 have significant hearing loss:

Around 15% of the Irish population suffer some degree of hearing loss, with men likely to lose their hearing earlier than women.

35% of people aged over 64 have a significant hearing loss and, in the over 75s, 50% will have age-related hearing loss.

Recent research shows that many Irish people are failing to acknowledge and treat hearing loss, which could have other serious health implications.

Shocking findings include the fact that 35% with hearing loss here do not have treatment at all, and 22% wait five years or more before seeking help.

Ignoring hearing loss has implications for our health and safety, and that of others, according to audiologist Mr Hobson.

Difficulty hearing is a simple fact of aging, like worsening eyesight, the audiology expert says, explaining that modern hearing aids instantly fix the problem and are barely noticeable by anyone other than the wearer.

“Not being able to hear clearly can put people in dangerous situations.  They may not hear an oncoming car or work equipment starting up, or they may miss a warning call,” he says.

Medical research shows that not remedying hearing loss also has knock-on effects like isolation and depression, and is associated with heart problems, diabetes and dementia.

“It is difficult to be part of a conversation, especially in a group, if your hearing is impaired. Social interaction, enjoying the TV or radio, and staying in touch is hugely important for good mental health and relies on being able to hear properly, Mr Hobson says.

Hidden Hearing offers free tests to everyone and encourages anyone worried about their hearing to make an appointment on www.hiddenhearing.ie or call 01 620 1992.