Richmond Specsavers is calling on the public's help in a bid to break down stigmas associated with hearing loss.

Specsavers in Richmond is campaigning to raise awareness of World Hearing Day which takes place on March 3.

Gurleen Brar, who works in the Twickenham branch as a hearing aid dispenser, said: "Evidence shows people suffering with hearing loss can end up feeling isolated and lonely as they struggle to communicate and join in with others.

"Therefore, it is crucial that people are more aware of how to spot and manage hearing loss at the earliest opportunity - it should not be neglected.

"It is also important to remember that to communicate we heavily rely on both our hearing and sight.

"A lot of people with hearing difficulties use lip reading to clarify things they’re not sure about but, if you’re struggling to see too, then that also causes problems.

"Both senses are crucial in making sure you can communicate effectively."

It is all part of Specsavers' continued campaign to break down the stigma often associated with hearing loss.

Hearing loss is very common and affects people of all ages.

According to Specsavers - one in six people in the UK have some form of hearing loss.

A number of high-profile celebrities have also joined Specsavers to break down the stigmas associated with hearing loss and to encourage people to listen up for World Hearing Day.

Actress Sherrie Hewson has previously opened up about her own struggles saying: ‘You can miss out on a lot if you don’t hear, and often this makes you seem older than you are.

"People often associate hearing aids with age – I know I did – but technology is so good now that you can have something which fits in your ear and nobody would even know it’s there.

"It’s important for people at every age to consider their hearing and not to be frightened or intimidated by hearing aids.

"There’s nothing to be ashamed of and it helps you to get the most out of life."