BARCLAYS bank customers were able to not only top up their bank accounts yesterday but also have a free check up on their hearing as part of World Hearing Day.

The Outside Clinic, which is based above the Old Town bank, offered customers the free test to mark the global awareness day which aims to get people to think about their hearing.

Ian McKendrick, clinical lead at the company was on hand to help customers. He said: “People should be aware of their hearing especially they are over the age of 55.

“The difference with a loss of eye sight to hearing is that with your eyes, your vision will go blurry but with hearing, it goes over different stages and so a lot of people don’t immediately feel like they have a problem.

“Research shows that it can take seven to ten years before hearing problems first start to when people do anything about it and get help which is why we are here to offer a free test before it gets too bad.”

Scores of people took up the free test and were able to hear about the benefits and importance of regular hearing assessments.

This year The Outside Clinic celebrates its 30th anniversary and provides a vital community hearing and eyecare service for those patients who are housebound and unable to access a high street provider.

For more information about the services The Outside Clinic provide, visit www.outsideclinic.co.uk.