KEIGHLEY people are being advised about the importance of having a regular hearing test.

Professor Chris Raine – a Bradford-based ear, nose and throat consultant – issued the message ahead of World Hearing Day, which is held annually to raise awareness around preventing deafness and hearing loss.

This year’s theme is Don’t Let Hearing Loss Limit You, highlighting how timely and effective interventions can ensure that people with hearing loss are able to achieve their full potential.

Globally, 466 million people – equating to five per cent of the population – are estimated to be living with hearing loss.

But more than 80 per cent of those ‘in need’ of hearing aids do not use one.

Prof Raine – who is part of the team at the Listening for Life Centre, home to the Ear Trust-funded Yorkshire Auditory Implants Service – said: “At all stages in life, communication and good hearing health connect us to each other, our communities and the world.

“For those who have hearing loss, appropriate and timely interventions can make the world of difference – enabling them to have improved access to education, employment and communication.

“Hearing loss is recognised to be associated with more ill health and dementia.

“Early intervention should be made available as soon as possible through a variety of health systems.”

He said hearing tests were available free on the NHS, or a GP may refer a patient to an audiologist who can carry out the test. Large pharmacies and high street opticians also offer tests.

Prof Raine added: “While there’s no substitute for a check-up with a hearing professional, interactive hearing tests are available online too.”