The NRS provides a phone service that is already used by thousands in the deaf community, but can also be used by older people who have a hearing or speech impairment.

Using specially trained relay officers, the NRS can be used for personal or business calls, whether it’s a family chat, or an inquiry about a bill.

The NRS already benefits many Australians who have found it harder and harder to hear and to communicate using the phone. However, usage of the service was found to be almost non-existent around Greater Western NSW.

To address this, the NRS will conduct briefings for seven different agencies involved with providing community aged care and health services over the course of next week. The sessions will provide the information to advise and support their clients who could benefit from using the NRS.

NRS Education and Information Officer David Closs will conduct the information sessions and said most people take their hearing for granted.

“So an impairment arising later in life either from some accident, a stroke, or just from gradual deterioration can be a very difficult challenge to overcome, affecting ones independence and self-confidence,” he said.

“Simple tasks, such as using the phone to ring a friend, contacting the bank or organising a plumber can become complicated and stressful.”

A 2006 Access Economics report reveals two-thirds of those over 60 have hearing difficulties, with the figure rising to almost 75 per cent for those over 70.

People who already use the NRS love it - all you need is a teletypewriter (TTY) rather than a normal handset, some free training, and you’re connected.

The TTY can generally be rented at the same cost as a regular phone. You can also use the NRS via the internet.

If you are experiencing difficulty using the phone, or know a friend or relative who is, you should get in touch with the National Relay Service on 1800 555 660 or at www.relayservice.com.au.

The service is available 24 hours a day and all calls are confidential by law.