Now with a 12-strong fleet of blue and white buses, the mobile hearing service has provided more than 94,000 free hearing checks in communities across Australia since the first bus was launched in 2009.

The bus will visit three sites in January. On Monday January 9 it will be located at Bunnings Taree from 9am to 3pm, on Thursday January 11 it will be at Club Taree from 9am to 3pm and on Friday, January 19 is will be located at Mentges Master Meats, on the corner of Bushland and Kanangra Drive, Taree from 9am to 3pm.

Australian Hearing Forster manager Jason Potter said that because age-related hearing loss developed gradually over time, it was common for people be unaware their hearing was diminishing.

Hearing loss is a prevalent issue in the community, with about 60 per cent of Australians over 60 experiencing some form of hearing loss.

“A hearing check is a quick and easy way to measure the sounds you can and can’t hear. Our team will also be on hand to guide you through what next steps you may have to take in regards to your hearing,” Mr Potter said.

As well as having a hearing check, visitors to the bus can find information on a range of common hearing issues and view a display of easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home. This includes headsets for watching the TV and alert systems for doorbells.

“Not everyone who is experiencing problems hearing needs a hearing aid. Sometimes it’s just hearing the TV at normal volumes, hearing your doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem.”

No appointment is necessary. Australian Hearing will provide hearing checks to any interested adults over 18 who visit the bus on the day. 

Australian Hearing provides subsidised hearing care for eligible people, including pensioners and most veterans. For more information call 131 797 or visit www.hearing.com.au