People missing the sound of laughter

It’s just under a week to World Hearing Day. Taking place on 3 March, it’s a day to raise awareness around how to prevent and address hearing loss.

A recent study by Hidden Hearing showed laughing with friends (96 per cent) and catching up with family (93 per cent) are the two sounds that almost all Irish adults are looking forward to hearing after lockdown.

After a year which has felt muted for most people, 88 per cent have missed the sound of catch ups with friends in a café during the Covid-19 lockdown period, nearly seven in ten (68 per cent) have missed the sound of a busy pub full of conversation and over one in three (32 per cent) Irish adults said they have missed the sound of music playing in a theatre.

“It has been a tough year for everyone, but the end is in sight and we are all thinking about what we are going to experience when the restrictions lift. We are encouraging those who are worried about their hearing to book in for a free test now to be ready for the world when it reopens,” says Dolores Madden, Audiologist and Marketing Director at Hidden Hearing.

The company has just announced the launch of Oticon More in Ireland, the world’s first hearing aid which gives the brain full perspective with access to all relevant sounds. To celebrate World Hearing Day, Hidden Hearing will be offering 15 per cent off the cost of a pair of hearing devices for a limited time.

Hidden Hearing clinics are open countrywide and are an essential service which will run during lockdown. Those enquiring about an urgent appointment now, or who wish to book a consultation, can call 1800-66 7711 for general patient enquiries.