West Dunbartonshire councillor Marie McNair has backed a charity service urging people to get their hearing checked so they can benefit from using hearing aids and assistive equipment.

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland supports people who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus to live the life they choose by campaigning for equality, and access to developing technology and treatments.

The charity’s “hear to inform and connect” service aims to reach out via local community and social groups in West Dunbartonshire to encourage older residents to get their hearing checked while also offering a range of services and support to minimise the impact of hearing loss in everyday life.

McNair, (above left), councillor for Clydebank Waterfront, said: “Action on Hearing Loss Scotland tell me that people wait, on average, 10 years from the point that they first notice hearing difficulties before going for a hearing test.

“I’m pleased to back the charity’s call on older people to get their hearing tested as soon as they start struggling to follow conversations because the digital hearing aids and modern technology, such as amplified phones or personal listeners, these days can help many to hear more clearly and stay connected with family, friends and neighbours.”

Teri Devine, director of action at Hearing Loss Scotland, thanked Cllr McNair for her support, adding: “We would like to engage with as many local community and social groups as possible to reach older West Dunbartonshire residents and highlight how hearing aids can bring great benefits for people.”

For more information about the service, email: info.scotland@hearingloss.org.uk, or telephone/text: 07388 227407.