Margo Weir can hear well once more.
Last week, the Bradford resident was the recipient of a free set of hearing aids from the HearingLife Bradford clinic — a gift valued at $10,000.
HearingLife representatives note that, while their hearing tests are free, the company’s head office commits $2 for every exam performed at its more than 200 participating Canadian clinics. The money then goes into a pot that covers hearing aids for clients facing financial hardship.
Client services administrator Sara Finlay said the clinic is “just so grateful to be able to offer such a great program with such great benefits to someone who financially needed the help and really appreciates it.”
Over the last six years, the clinic has given out seven free pairs of hearing aids through the program.
Hearing loss affects 20 per cent of Canadians; that number jumps to 47 per cent for people 60 years of age or older, the clinic says.
HearingLife and its national affiliated partners provide a free baseline hearing assessment to any adult 18 or older, with no referrals required. The appointment can be completed in one hour.
The company says hearing loss could occur for reasons ranging from aging, genetics or wax buildup to injury, viral infections or excessive noise exposure.
Signs of early hearing loss may include difficulty following conversations, having to ask people to repeat themselves because they seem to be mumbling, problems locating sound, friends and family noting the loud volume on your television, and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears), the clinic says.
HearingLife is located at 61 Holland St. W. For more information, or to book a hearing test, visit hearinglife.ca.
