WIMMERA residents have been urged to get their ears tested during national hearing awareness week.
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Australian Hearing Horsham community hearing adviser Bree Boag said the average time between people suspecting they had hearing difficulty and getting tests and treatment was six years.
“There’s a bit of a stigma around it,” she said.
“We’ve set up a stall in Horsham Plaza to remind people that they can get tested here but not many people have taken up the offer.
“You can see them have a look then walk around deciding whether to speak to us or not.”
As an incentive, Australian Hearing has offered a free coffee at Cafe 22 along with the free hearing tests.
The ear checks are available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm during hearing awareness week.
Ms Boag said the tests begin with an ear canal check to see if there is a build up of wax.
The tests also include listening to a variety of tones that get louder and signaling when they first become audible.