Hear here: Bellbird Hearing
March is World Hearing Awareness Month under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This is an annual global advocacy event for raising awareness regarding hearing loss, for promoting ear and hearing care, and calling for action to address hearing loss and related issues. This year’s theme is Changing Mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, says “Hearing loss has often been referred to as an ‘invisible disability’, not just because of the lack of visible symptoms, but because it has long been stigmatised in communities and ignored by policy-makers.”
Our hearing is so vital for us to talk to each other, enjoy TV and movies, and do everything we need to in our daily lives. Unfortunately, one in every six of us in this country may have communication difficulties as a result of hearing loss, according to research by the New Zealand Hearing Industry Association. A 2021 report by the WHO says this number is expected to rise to one in four by 2050. That’s a large and alarming statistic.
Bellbird Hearing in Ilam is playing its part in World Hearing Awareness Month, encouraging people to put aside misperceptions around ear and hearing problems. “Although there are still some societal misperceptions and stigmatising around hearing, accessibility and improvements in technology are helping to combat these,” says MNZAS-qualified audiologist Caroline Smales. “This
World Hearing Month, take a moment to check your hearing and ensure you never miss out on life’s symphony.” Caroline says hearing loss is increasingly being identified as a risk for a range of long-term impacts, from social isolation and depression to the onset of dementia, and can go unnoticed because it is often a gradual decline. “This means the brain is often under a lot of pressure trying to understand conversation, causing exhaustion, frustration, and isolation. Healthy ageing is something we should all strive for, and we know that early intervention with hearing loss can help us live our lives to the fullest.”
Bellbird Hearing is a fully independent and locally owned hearing clinic offering wax removal, hearing assessment, hearing aid fitting, and hearing aid repairs. This means they can offer truly personalised care taking time with each individual to find the device solution that best fits their need—not merely a suitable solution, but a great one from a wide range of the latest hearing aid technology. They certainly aim to make “ear and hearing care a reality for all”. 
If you or someone you care about is having hearing problems, call Bellbird Hearing on 03 351 1172 to book a hearing appointment. Visit the friendly team at 240 Ilam Road, there’s plenty of off-street parking.
