NATIONALLY, one in seven people has a hearing loss and may or may not benefit from wearing a hearing aid.

Many people who lose some hearing also lose a degree of self-confidence. This may be due to lack of understanding of either their hearing problem and/or their hearing aid. They may also be suffering from tinnitus for the first time as well.

There is also a common myth that loss of hearing affects intelligence. It is not realised that it takes time to make sense of any information heard and this can lead to an incorrect or delayed answer.

Other people become impatient, often leading to loss of enjoyment in family occasions and loss of confidence in themselves, together with feelings of isolation and frustration.

To promote greater understanding of hearing loss, Blackburn College is running free weekly lip reading classes. They are on Tuesdays in Darwen Access Centre, 1-3pm and on Thursdays in Blackburn Fielding Street Centre, from 6.30-8.30pm. They offer information on a wide range of related topics and are friendly and informal.

For more information contact Liz Gracey at Blackburn College, or ring the tutor on 01254 397264.

BETTY NEWSHAM, Stanhill Lane, Oswaldtwistle.

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