On Saturday October 29, in recognition of October as National Audiology Month, dozens of runners will come out to central Winnipeg to promote hearing health and raise awareness for hearing loss.
The 42.2km community run begins at 8:00am by the Legislative Building. The runners will proceed to the HearingLife Canada clinic on 2727 Portage Avenue, then to the St. Vital Hearing Centre on 1510 St. Mary’s Road before circling back to the Legislative Building.
In partnership with the National Campaign for Better Hearing, local Audiologist Andrea Richardson-Lipon will host The Marathon for Better Hearing. Richardson-Lipon is an active member of her community whose past activisms include running a marathon for brain injury awareness and raising money for mental health awareness. In 2015, Richardson-Lipon ran for the Federal Liberal Party for Elmwood-Transcona in Winnipeg.
“I use the community events I participate in to promote hearing health awareness,” says Richardson-Lipon. “It is something I feel very passionate about and I believe there needs to be more awareness.”
Hearing Loss strikes one in five Canadians and 47% of Canadians over the age of 60. Early detection of hearing loss can reduce its negative impact on one’s quality of life, but many Canadians fail to address their hearing loss until their everyday lives are severely compromised. For issues such as social isolation, depression and dementia, hearing loss is a major symptom. Chief Audiologist of ListenUP! Canada, HearingLife Canada and National Affiliated Partners, Jill Price, encourages people to get involved with the hearing health of their loved ones.
“If you notice a loved one may be exhibiting some of these signs, don’t be afraid to suggest a free hearing test or even offer to go with them and both have your hearing checked together,” says Price. “I encourage everyone to get a baseline audiogram. Just like an eye exam is recommended for all, so should an ear exam.”
The Campaign for Better Hearing encourages everyone to “test their ears at 60 years.” For every hearing test taken at HearingLife Canada or St. Vital Hearing Centre, the campaign sponsors donate $4.00 towards the purchase of hearing aids for those who need them. Award recipients are nominated by their hearing professionals and are featured on the Campaign for Better Hearing’s website.
At both the HearingLife and St. Vital clinics along the marathon route, “aid stations” will be set up to provide runners with refreshments and information pamphlets related to the Campaign for Better Hearing. The public is encouraged to come out and support, and participate in the marathon.
You can schedule a free appointment at the HearingLife or St. Vital clinics by calling 1-877-445-1795.
Are you ready to start your journey to better hearing? If you are a Canadian over the age of 18 who may have hearing loss, book a free hearing test with us today!
