RESIDENTS across Barrhead are being urged to take advantage of a new hearing test. The new check has been developed by the charity Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, formerly RNID Scotland, and is supported by Community Pharmacy Scotland.

The check is designed to help identify hearing loss and suggest what action to take.

One in 6 people in Scotland - 850,000 - are deaf or hard of hearing.

However, research by Action on Hearing Loss revealed, on average; it can take 10 years before people acknowledge the problem, Pharmacies in the area will display posters over the next six weeks explaining how customers can take the five minute check.

Delia Henry, director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland said: "We are delighted that Community Pharmacy Scotland is supporting our hearing check in such a visible way and we would ask people in East Renfrewshire to take five minutes to take the check.

"The earlier people do something to address their hearing loss the better. It is a condition that can leave people feeling isolated and frustrated because they can't communicate with family, friends and colleagues, yet with the right support they can have their lives transformed so that they are leading a full and active life."

The hearing check is also free online at www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearingcheck or by phone on 0844 800 3838 charged at local rate.