Official opening of Hidden Hearing's new Mayo clinic on World Hearing Day

THE new flagship Hidden Hearing clinic in the west of Ireland marks its official opening on Friday, March 1 (from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), reflecting World Hearing Day, which is celebrated globally on March 3.

With larger more accessible facilities, the latest cutting-edge technology, and additional customer care staff, the new clinic in Castlebar is one of the largest dedicated audiology service providers in the country.

Located on Hopkins Road in the town, the state-of-the-art Hidden Hearing clinic occupies the large ground floor space of the former Elverys Sports store, in Castlebar’s main retail district, opposite Tesco and Dunnes Stores.

Heart health problems, dementia, diabetes and other illness has been linked to untreated hearing loss by medical experts. Treatment, including using a hearing device, has been shown to protect against the progression of diseases like these, particularly in older adults.

Medical research is building the case that hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, and that wearing hearing aids, if needed, mitigates risk of impaired cognitive functioning, according to neuroscientist Dr. Sabina Brennan, who will attend the new Castlebar clinic opening on March 1.

Other guests and speakers include Mayo sportsperson Keith Higgins, local Mayo audiologist Karen McComiskey and Duncan Graham, sales director at Hidden Hearing.

Around 15% of the Irish population suffer some degree of hearing loss, with men likely to lose their hearing earlier than women. Some 35% of people aged over 64 have a significant hearing loss and, in the over 75s, 50% will have age-related hearing loss.

Hidden Hearing countrywide has embarked on a five-year investment and development plan, covering clinic refurbishment, new larger premises, recruitment, and sales and marketing to educate consumers and medical professionals, like GPs, on the latest hearing healthcare advice.

Compacted earwax affects hearing and to celebrate World Hearing Day, the Irish audiology brand are offering free ear wax removal to those over the age of 55 during the month of March. Wax irrigation and micro suction services will be available by appointment at the Hidden Hearing clinic in Castlebar, and can be made by calling (094) 907 3333, or on the website, https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/ear-wax-removal-service.