A NEW free support service has been launched to coincide with this week's Hearing Awareness Week (August 21-27).
Comprising a website and helpline, Hearing Help, is designed to help Australians impacted by hearing loss and finding it difficult to seek impartial advice and support.
Hearing loss is often referred to an ‘invisible disability’ due to there being no obvious early signs or symptoms.
Research by Australian Hearing indicates people are sometimes unsure when it comes to accessing guidance on hearing support and this may contribute to people waiting on average eight years to take action for their own, or their loved one’s hearing loss.
Hearing Help reduces the need to physically visit a GP, or Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for initial hearing advice by allowing easy and direct access to a hearing specialist from the comfort of home, free of charge.
Whilst there are general medical helplines available in Australia, Hearing Help is the first that is purely dedicated to hearing, putting people directly in touch with a fully qualified hearing specialist, either over the phone or via live web chat, incurring no out-of-pocket expenses.
Gina Mavrias, Australian Hearing Chief Operating Officer, said the new service has been created to address the barriers that face many Australians with hearing loss.
“Hearing Help is about making hearing advice convenient and easily accessible - whether that's browsing the website for resources, asking for help through online chat, or picking up the phone to chat directly with a hearing specialist. This way, we're not asking people to physically travel to a hearing centre.
“We can help with all manner of hearing associated questions. We can help people wanting information on hearing related conditions, such as tinnitus.
We can share knowledge on the most technological advances on hearing devices, or help someone wanting to know how to get a hearing check. We’re also a convenient option for those living in rural or remote areas where there might be less access to a GP.”
But it’s not just people with a hearing loss that are set to benefit from Hearing Help.
Studies show that untreated hearing loss negatively impacts a person’s relationships, especially those closest to them.
“Good hearing is essential to communication, but when it starts to decline, frustration can creep in. That’s one of the many reasons why we created Hearing Help; as a valuable support line for the entire family,” said Ms Mavrias.
“We can help time-poor parents who appreciate instant access to information for their child. We can also help loved ones wanting to know how they can help their partner communicate again,”
In addition to the free phone and web chat support, Hearing Help is backed by a new resource hub, which also includes a free hearing test.
Australians can call a fully qualified hearing specialist on Freecall 1800 740 301 or visit hearinghelp.com.au.