Audiology business Amplify Hearing has launched a new hearing test app for Amazon’s Alexa.
The Lancashire-based firm’s ‘Hearing Screener’ is a free app that can be accessed via Amazon’s Alexa App Store and offers a free hearing health check.
It was launched by Amplify after recognising a pattern in undetected hearing loss amongst the over 50s.
Users simply ask Alexa to “launch hearing screener” to start the app and they are then asked a series of questions with a variance of background noises and pitch tones to test how precise their hearing is.
Once the test is complete, the application will give an indication of the user’s hearing and may give them the option to book an appointment with their local audiologist.
The hearing assessment tool aims to draw attention to undetected hearing loss and encourage those who may be suffering to book an appointment at their local hearing care centre.
Amplify have partnered with several local opticians across the nation who offer hearing tests and solutions in-house to help try and put an end to hearing loss that often goes unnoticed.
Christina Porter, audiology partner at Amplify Hearing said: “Early identification of changes in hearing and/or ear health, can lead to improved outcomes with hearing technology further down the line.
"We can also vastly improve relationships, social inclusion and general well-being when we look after our hearing properly.”
She added: “A new study has concluded that people who wear a hearing aid for age-related hearing problems maintain better brain function over time than those who do not.
"The findings provide early evidence that encouraging people to wear an effective hearing aid may help to protect their brains and reduce their risk of dementia.”
Dave Murphy, managing director at Amplify Hearing said: “The Alexa Hearing Screener App encapsulates the forward thinking at Amplify.
"Awareness and innovation are at the heart of our WHY, helping the patient enhance their full potential to enjoy the environments they love.”
