AN audiologist company is 'thrilled' to be bringing a state-of-the-art hearing clinic to Carlisle. 

Hidden Hearing will be opening up a new unit on Carlisle's newly refurbished Devonshire Street this autumn and will be offering free adult hearing tests.

The service, which was founded in 1968, aims to tackle the hearing loss issue, which is estimated to affect 1 in 3 residents, potentially impacting 36,767 individuals in Carlisle alone - many cases of which are undiagnosed. 

Laura Ewen, regional manager for Hidden Hearing, said: "We’re thrilled to bring Hidden Hearing to Carlisle. 

"The team can’t wait to serve the community and deliver better hearing for the town. 

"We know that half of residents over the age of 55 will be living with some form of hearing loss, many may be in denial or unaware that they can get their hearing tested for free.

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"We want to change that and will be encouraging anyone who has experienced a change in their hearing, and those aged over 55 who have never had a test to come and see us," she said.  

As well as free hearing tests, the firm will provide in-clinic trials of advanced hearing technology alongside a team of experienced audiologists who will supply guidance on hearing protection and offer a wax removal service. 

The plans for one of the UK's leading private hearing healthcare companies to move into the vacant unit, which was a former bank, was announced in May this year. 

The plan proposes three full-time employees. 

According to the design and access statement at the time, prepared by Bell Associates, the firm will lease the ground, basement, and first floor of the unit, with the second and third floors remaining in the landlord’s possession. 

The official opening date will be announced in due course.