Going to the dentist for a regular check-up forms an unquestioned part of most people’s health regime and even heading to the opticians on an annual basis is second nature to most people. Hearing tests however are somewhat ironically, less heard of. Neglecting your eyes can cost you your sight, eye health and even the financial cost of glasses and lenses. It follows that not paying proper attention to your aural health can also cost you dearly.

Last week (June 15th) Celebrity Come Dancing favourite Anne Widdecombe launched a campaign for the charity Action on Hearing Loss, urging people to make the effort to go and get a regular hearing test. A survey released to coincide with the campaign revealed that a staggering 43 per cent of us believe our hearing is getting worse, yet the same percentage of those polled had never undergone testing on their hearing. A worrying one in ten people surveyed admitted that they hadn’t sought testing because they were too embarrassed and perhaps even more worryingly, almost a third of people polled said that even if they were found to have hearing problems they would suffer in silence due to the stigma attached to wearing things like hearing aids.

In truth testing is the best way to discover problems early, meaning you can perhaps treat problems before they become serious – minimising the cost to your hearing as well as your pocket. Speaking to specialists will allow you to pursue the right course of action and find discreet products that can help you continue to enjoy your everyday life, such as the hearing aids available in the Amplifon range.

Ann Widdecombe said: “I’m delighted to support the Action for Hearing Loss campaign. My career has depended upon hearing everything that’s being said, so I urge everyone to get their hearing checked. It’s especially important to get your hearing tested if you know you’ve got a problem. Don’t bury your head in the sand. It’s better to take action now, as there is support available.”