In Ireland, one in twelve people experience hearing loss—a figure that rises to 50% for those over 70. Despite this, most people haven’t had their hearing checked since their school days…
This World Hearing Day, Monday, March 3rd, Hidden Hearing is calling on individuals to prioritise their hearing health and break the stigma surrounding hearing loss. Lending their voices, and ears, to the campaign are Hidden Hearing ambassadors, 17-year-old Wexford harpist Úna Walsh and Irish rugby legend Tony Ward. Both have first-hand experience with hearing loss and are eager to inspire others to take action.
Gifted musician Úna, who wowed audiences with her performance on the Late Late Toy Show in 2021, was ten when she was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. Úna’s journey with hearing loss has been transformative, especially when she reflects on her time at school when she felt isolated as she tried to hear, lipread, learn and write, all at the same time. She used a neck loop system to hear the teacher, and although it helped her, it often left her feeling self-conscious in class.
Wexford native Úna wants to encourage everyone to put hearing health on their agenda:
“I didn’t realise when I was younger that I was missing out on so much of the world around me. It wasn’t just the sounds I missed out on – it was the connections, the experiences, and from that, the memories.
Prioritising my hearing health transformed my life. On World Hearing Day I want everyone to know that taking care of your hearing is taking care of yourself. Make it part of your self-care routine – you deserve to hear every moment,” she told Wexford Weekly.
Úna was recently fitted with Oticon Intent AI, the best hearing aid in the world, which is Bluetooth- enabled, allowing her to experience the world in a whole new way. For the first time ever, Úna was able to have phone conversations with her mammy and her friends, a simple yet life-changing moment that many overlook. This breakthrough has made a huge difference in Úna’s and her family’s lives, nurturing that sense of connection and independence that is so important, especially for someone her age.
For rugby legend Tony, who has over 70% hearing loss, hearing aids have been a game-changer, so he is urging people to act sooner rather than later when it comes to having their hearing assessed:
“Shake off any inhibitions – improving your hearing will transform your quality of life. I delayed addressing my hearing loss, telling myself, ‘I’ll be fine.’ But in reality, I was in denial. I wasn’t just missing words; I was missing the point. If only I had known then what I know now; how a visit to Hidden Hearing would change my life. Suddenly, I had clarity of hearing that I hadn’t experienced in years.”
Encouraging individuals to recognise the importance of ear and hearing health, Hidden Hearing aims to inspire people to change behaviour to protect their hearing. “Our hearing is invaluable; it connects us to our loved ones and the world around us,” explains Sarah Sheehan, Chief Audiologist at Hidden Hearing.
“Many cases of hearing loss can be prevented with good hearing care habits. Simple steps, like lowering headphone volume, wearing ear protection in loud environments, and scheduling regular hearing tests, make a world of difference.
“Annual hearing check-ups are simple but essential, playing a crucial role in early prevention and long-term protection. By taking proactive steps today, you can preserve the sounds you love for years to come.”
With over 35 years of experience in Ireland, Hidden Hearing operates a nationwide network of 85+ clinics, offering more than 60,000 free hearing tests annually. This March, to celebrate World Hearing Day, Hidden Hearing is also offering 20% off all hearing aids purchased throughout the month.
To book a free, no obligation hearing test with same day results, visit www.hiddenhearing.ie.
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.
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