Gift of sound: Ewa Lanckcki, senior audiologist at the Lilydale Australian Hearing Centre, performs a hearing screening on Kim Carr.
SINCE opening its doors last October, more than 1000 people have been seen at the Australian Hearing Centre in Lilydale.
Centre manager Nella Gallo said that after a mobile unit visited the area, it proved extremely popular and continual feedback was that a permanent centre was wanted.
"Hence the birth of our little centre," she said. "So far the response from the community has been great. It's very encouraging."
The centre had its official launch late last month with Minister for Human Services Kim Carr attending.
Lilydale resident Albert Grulke was a guest speaker and told of the difference a hearing aid had made to his life.
"Many people don't recognise when hearing loss is developing," he said. "On top of that, people they meet may have no idea there is a hearing problem, which can cause obvious communication problems. So it's great to have this centre right here in our backyard to help."
Australia Hearing Lilydale offers free hearing checks to eligible adults.
Terry White Chemist in Chirnside Park is also offering free hearing checks from 9am to 3pm this Thursday and next Thursday.
The Lilydale Australian Hearing Centre is in Castella Street. Details: 9738 7027.
A service also operates in Main Street, Croydon. Details: 9724 9144.
Details: hearing.com.au.