Look after your senses this Deafblind Awareness Week
A TEAM of audiologists and opticians from Specsavers in Alfreton is championing the importance of caring for our senses to mark Deafblind Awareness Week (25 June to 1 July).
The charity, Deaf Blind UK estimates that combined sight and hearing loss affects nearly 394,000 people in the UK[1]. Nearly six million people live with sight-threatening conditions[2] and one in six people have hearing problems[3].
In Derbyshire, an estimated 149,500[4] people suffer with hearing loss and 6,740[5] are visually impaired.
Despite these alarming statistics, many of us are not making our hearing and vision health a priority. Eager to change this is Eugene Grant, store director from Specsavers in Alfreton, who wants locals to make that all-important step this week and seek advice about their, or close family member’s, sensory health.
Eugene says: ‘A quarter of people are still not having an eye test every two years, as recommended by the College of Optometrists. The same percentage are ignoring the first signs of sight loss, despite not being able to see as well in the distance or close up as they used to. The extent of the problem means it is highly likely that every family in Alfreton is touched by sight problems in some way.’
‘When it comes to our hearing, research shows that, on average, people wait around 10 years to seek help for hearing loss after first noticing a problem[1]. This is a huge amount of time for someone to struggle with their hearing, especially when you consider that people with hearing loss are more likely to suffer with depression and develop dementia.’
Eugene wants to send out a clear message this Deafblind Awareness Week that people do not need to feel isolated from the world around them. He says: ‘By simply stepping inside a Specsavers store, you will have access to our hearing and optical advisors who can answer any questions you may have and talk through your options.’
He says: ‘Our hearing checks are free, as is the Specsavers Hearing Check App that is available to download on the App and Play store. It works on iOS or Android devices, and will advise whether a full check in store is recommended. When it comes to our hearing devices, today’s digital hearing aids work more effectively than ever before and they are much more discreet. Some are so small that people can’t even tell you are wearing them.
‘The great news is, these services that were only available through a GP or a hospital a few years ago are now available on the high street in a Specsavers store. Everyone should be taking full advantage of this. We recommend that everyone should have an eye test every two years and over 55s a hearing check every two years.
‘Our senses are precious, so let’s give them the TLC they deserve.’
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