Former submariner Pete Baines, 74 of Thornlands went to Specsavers at Victoria Point to have his ears checked.
In so doing, he became the first customer to visit the store since it launched its new audiology services.
Mr Baines said he had been wearing a hearing aid for some time, but believed technology on the old aids had “run its course”.
“The current aids perform better. I needed to go somewhere and the prices at Specsavers are so competitive, I thought it was worth taking a look at,” he said.
Mr Baines blamed his hearing loss on working in the motor room of a submarine for five of his nine years in the navy.
“I am looking forward to a new hearing aid. I managed to muddle my way through commercial life, facing someone and talking one on one. But it’s conversations with family which are most affected. I get tired of asking what people are saying and for them to repeat themselves. When I’m in the car, I can’t hear anyone in the back seat,” Mr Baines said.
Specsavers Victoria Point Audiologist, Kelli Noguchi said Victoria Point locals who might have concerns about their hearing could book a free 15-minute hearing check.
“At the moment it takes most Australians seven to 10 years to acknowledge they have hearing loss before they do anything to help it – if they do anything at all. During these years, I have personally seen so many cases where hearing loss affects a person’s confidence and independence,” she said.
“The individual becomes embarrassed at having difficulty joining in on conversations, so they back away from social engagement and start to become isolated. As we all know, social isolation and a lack of independence can lead to a whole range of both mental and physical conditions, especially if the individual is older.” .
One in six Australians experience hearing loss, yet only one in three does anything about it. On top of this, new Specsavers research has shown that 57 per cent of Australians aged 18 years and over, have experienced moments where they felt concerned about their hearing.
Specsavers’ Executive Director of Audiology, Darrel Magna said the new service gave Australians a more accessible solution to hearing loss by providing low prices and expert service.
“By offering audiology to our customers, we’re hoping to normalise hearing tests and assist hearing loss earlier before it affects a person’s life. All customers at both of our Specsavers Victoria Point stores will now have a free five-minute hearing screen included as part of their overall health check in store,” he said.
