MATURE Alcester residents are being urged to have get their hearing checked for free at their local health centre.

Alcester Health Centre is offering the free five minute tests in partnership with hearing care company, Scrivens, for all patients over 55s.

Signs that you may be hard of hearing include being told that the television is turned up too loud, group and telephone conversations being difficult to follow, having to ask people to repeat themselves and that hearing may be difficult when there is a lot of background noise.

A health centre spokesman said: "As we get older, our ability to hear begins to change. This change in hearing is a gradual process and it takes time for people to become aware of the impact it has on their lives and their loved ones. It is often the case that someone may struggle to hear certain sounds, but still be able to hear others perfectly well.

"If the results of this screening indicate that this is the case, you will be referred to your usual GP to discuss the results of the screening. Should your GP decide that hearing aids would help you, they will refer you for a full hearing assessment with a hearing aid audiologist.

"Coming to terms with these changes in your hearing can be a daunting experience, but with the correct help and advice, better hearing is something many people can enjoy."

For more information about receiving a free hearing test visit Alcester Health Centre or go to alcesterhealthcentre.co.uk.