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.