SIR, Residents in Monmouth are being urged to have their hearing checked during National Deaf Awareness Week running until Sunday 10th May. Expert research shows at least four million people who don't have hearing aids would benefit from using them. There are currently more than 10 million people in the UK with some form of hearing loss, the equivalent to one in six of the population. Of the total number of people affected, 3.7 million are aged between 16 and 64 and hearing problems range from noise-induced hearing damage to age-related hearing loss. With the majority of people taking up to 10 years to address their hearing issues, Specsavers in Monmouth is highlighting the importance of regular hearing tests this National Deaf Awareness Week. Hearing tests can accurately assess your hearing, as well as identify conditions such as tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, and wax build-ups. The test can also spot further, more serious conditions such as inner ear tumours, known as cholesteatoma. Tim Smith, hearcare spokesperson of Specsavers Hearing Centre Monmouth, said: "Deafness and other associated hearing problems can affect us at any age; our dedicated audiologists are available in store to help correct hearing loss and help our customers adjust to everyday life. "The alarming number of people that would benefit from having a hearing aid shows the importance of having your hearing tested, just as you would with your eyesight. Specsavers hopes to bring ear health to the forefront during National Deaf Awareness Week and welcomes Monmouth residents to book a free hearing screening at their local store." Some of the common symptoms of hearing loss or damage can include frequently turning the volume up for television or radio, difficulty listening to telephone conversations and following a conversation in groups of people. For further information on booking a free hearing screening, visit Specsavers at Monnow Street, Monmouth, call 01600 772 828 or visit http://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/monmouth-hearing">www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/monmouth-hearing. Hannah Jones (Specsavers)