FREE BEER!* By HCC patient, Geoffrey Holdcroft

"Right now that I've got your attention, I want to discuss men and hearing loss.

Ask any medical professional and they will tell you that we men are very bad at seeking help when it comes to health issues. Hearing loss is just such an issue. Hearing loss is a problem which will creep up on you. Whereas the ladies will deal with the issue when they know they have a problem us men just ignore the problem and put off dealing with it. How do I know this? Well, I've lost count of the number of ladies who tell me their male partner has a hearing problem and refuses to deal with it!

Why does it matter, I hear you ask? The posh term the professionals use is “auditory deprivation”. Eh?? In a nutshell the mechanism of hearing is a complex system involving the ears and the brain. If you fail to deal with a hearing problem when you or your family notice you have a problem, the system gets into a vicious circle and you lose the ability to hear. Having a hearing test and getting the right aids for you will prevent the system “forgetting” how to hear and becoming a degenerative downward spiral. Modern hearing aids are a wonder of miniature high tech engineering. I wear hearing aids myself and I can tell you that the aids themselves and the connecting wires are so small, nobody notices them.

My own experience is quite interesting. I suspected I had a hearing problem so I went for a hearing test at HCC. Quite properly I was told, yes I did have hearing loss but I wasn't in need of aids immediately. I decided to go ahead anyway because I had come across an article giving pointers that socially I did need aids. For me the ones that resonated were:

1. Do people appear to be mumbling?       

 Yes especially female check-out assistants.

2. Do you find it difficult to hear when a lot of other people are talking?

Yes our family gatherings are nothing short of riotous!

3. Do you get a very bad headache after attending an event as described above?

Yes this is the killer reason I decided to get hearing aids. I was getting really bad headaches when I had been straining to hear in difficult conditions.

There are lot of other pointers which might apply to you. For example: Do you say pardon a lot? Does your family complain that you have the TV or radio far too loud? Everyone is an individual and there are lots of other pointers.

*Sorry, I'm not giving away free beer I lied - but I do urge anyone, especially the men amongst us to book a hearing test if you suspect you have a problem."

Geoffrey

The Emotional Stages of Hearing Loss

Experiencing a myriad of emotions from denial, sadness and fear to eventually acceptance, is normal and a natural part of the emotional stages of hearing loss.

Here are the stages that one with hearing loss goes through, as I see it...

STAGE ONE | DENIAL

When normal hearing begins to decline, a natural reaction is for the person to compensate by trying to alter their environment to suit their loss. They may turn up the volume on the TV or radio disregarding complaints from their family members. They may ask their partners to answer the phone thereby avoiding the embarrassment of not being able to understand whoever is on the other end. They may blame others instead of acknowledging their hearing loss  i.e. “If people didn’t mumble, I would be able to hear them!”

STAGE TWO | WITHDRAWL

Hearing loss causes a person psychological hurt and grief. Over time, it also causes intolerance to social interactions, and reduced stimulation to the auditory system can result in a rapid decline of speech recognition. A way to deal with this is to avoid embarrassing situations, such as social occasions where there are likely to be lots of people or background noise.

STAGE THREE | ANGER

A hearing loss left untreated can cause the person suffering to become bad-tempered and the family may say he/she has become difficult to live with.

The person becomes less tolerant of others because of the frustrations and comments focused upon them.

STAGE FOUR | DEPRESSION

All these factors can eventually lead to the person becoming depressed. Low self-esteem, the loss of social interaction, suspicion of others, the inability to do easily what used to be problem free, isolation and loneliness become a part of daily life that wears the person down. It’s really tiring!

STAGE FIVE | ACCEPTANCE

When a person finally reaches this stage, they can then make the transition to seeking treatment with hearing aids, and auditory rehabilitation. A visit to a qualified audiologist will be the first stage on the road to hearing well again and ‘getting their life back’. A thorough test will be performed and hearing instruments prescribed where suitable. It can take up to ten years for someone to reach this stage.

Does any of this sound familiar to you? Which stage are you or your loved one at? How long did the process take you? Please let me know your experiences by posting in the comments box below.

For more information on hearing loss please visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

Hear better than ever with Siemens binax hearing aids

Siemens is lifting binaural hearing systems to a new level. For the first time, hearing-impaired individuals can now hear better than those with normal hearing in particularly demanding listening situations*.

Despite their enormous computing power, the new Binax instruments are the most energy-efficient in their class.

Binax exchanges audio signals. Each binaural hearing aid can assess the acoustic environment not only on its own side, but also on the other. In the process, four microphones – two in each device – form a virtual eight-microphone network. New calculation methods work much like the human brain in leveraging the fact that voice signals don't reach both ears at the same speed or volume. Based on such differences, wearers can more accurately identify and focus on the sources of sound.

Binaural hearing aids also use this new technology in windy locations ideal for those golfers and outdoor patients. They automatically determine which side is receiving better signals and replicate them for the other device. These latest Siemens binaural hearing aids are capable of transmitting around a thousand times as much data per second as preceding models.

The new peak performance does not come at the expense of battery life and they can run on conventional hearing instrument batteries or, depending on the model, on rechargeable batteries.

Karen's comments: “We have had amazing success with the last Siemens technology platform called Micon and this new level is so exciting. My team and I can't wait to get started and see how this technology performs and improves peoples lives.”

If you would like to be amongst the first trialling these new instruments, please give our customer care team a call and book your appointment - Freephone 0800 096 2637.

FACT: These latest Siemens binaural hearing aids are capable of transmitting around a thousand times as much data per second as preceding models.

*Two clinical studies have shown that binax provides better than normal hearing in certain demanding environments (Northern Colorado University, 2014; Oldenburg Hörzentrum, 2013): Speech Reception Thresholds in cocktail-party situations improved up to 2.9dB for wearers with mild to moderate hearing loss using Carat binax or Pure binax hearing instruments with narrow directionality, compared to people with normal hearing.

It's important to accompany a loved one to their hearing test

Having to live with an untreated hearing loss can be very difficult and a lonely experience. On top of finding it hard to listen and communicate, those who are hearing impaired often have to deal with increasingly frustrated family members and friends who are tired of repeating themselves. Personal relationships are adversely affected by hearing loss. Hearing impaired couples are hardest hit, but relations with friends, family and colleagues suffer, as well.

A British study among 1,500 individuals, aged 55 years and older, with hearing loss seemed to confirm that the presence of hearing loss is likely to cause marital strain. Almost one in two said that relationships with their partner, friends or family had suffered because they could not hear properly. A third had lost touch with friends, and in some cases marriages fell apart as a direct result of a breakdown in communication.
If you have a loved one hearing loss, it is important for you to be positive, supportive and committed to helping them improve their hearing.

One simple way you can support a family member who has hearing difficulties is accompanying them to their hearing test (instead of just losing your patience and badgering them to book one!) Here are four reasons why it is better to tackle the first hearing appointment as a team.

1. Solidarity and comfort
Most hearing evaluations last around 60 minutes or longer. Although there is nothing painful about having the hearing test carried out, it can still be a nerve-wracking experience – especially anticipating the results. Having a loved one there can ease anxiety and help the person with hearing loss feel less alone.

2. Better understanding of the results
It can often be confusing to understand the results of medical tests and their implications – especially when you can’t hear well or have other things on your mind. That’s why it’s nice to have a trusted friend or family member along who can take notes and ask appropriate questions while the audiologist interprets the findings.

3. Another view point
It’s not uncommon for family members to notice hearing loss in a loved one before they notice it themselves. It is very possible that a person with untreated hearing loss does not even realise how much they are missing. Bringing a family member to the initial hearing test will give the hearing clinician access to a different point of view, helping them to formulate the most accurate result possible.

4. Shared responsibility
Sometimes it is hard to make an important medical decision by yourself. When it comes to investing in a pair of hearing aids it’s a good idea to tackle key decisions, such as what type to purchase, what features would compliment their lifestyle and how much to spend, together.

It is also important that a family member is at the first appointment so they can be informed of their importance to their loved one’s hearing rehabilitation process. Persistent encouragement, a positive attitude and the implementation of communication strategies by family members will ultimately result in greater satisfaction for everyone. It really requires a family effort to get the most out of hearing aids.

Looking after your hearing aid this summer

Summer appears to be finally here. Many people look forward to this time of year because it gives them the opportunity to indulge in activities requiring warm, sunny days, like swimming, walking, cycling, and travelling.

Wearing hearing aids shouldn’t keep you from enjoying yourself, but it is important to remember exposure to high heat can damage their outer casings and interior components. Therefore, whether you plan to spend your days basking in the sun by the beach or pool, or visiting exotic destinations, you should prepare to keep your hearing aids safe and functioning.

Avoid extreme temperature changes. The plastic outer shells of hearing aids can melt if exposed directly to intense sunlight for long periods or in extreme heat, such as inside a car parked in a sweltering outdoor lot. Conversely, your hearing aids’ inner workings are more at risk from significant changes in temperature rather than heat or sun exposure specifically. This is because moisture condenses within the hearing aid as you go from a cool, air-conditioned environment into the hot outdoors, especially if you go back and forth repeatedly. As for hearing aid batteries, they are likely to fail if exposed to high heat for more than a short amount of time.

Here are two “dont’s” and one “do” for protecting your hearing aids from excessive heat:

• Don’t leave hearing aids lying out in direct sunlight
• Don’t leave hearing aids locked in a glove box or sitting on the dashboard
• Do store hearing aid batteries in a cool, dry place

Sun cream: good for you, not so much for your hearing aids. While it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, you could inadvertently damage your hearing aids by doing so. Sun creams and sprays can clog vents and damage other components. It is advisable to put on sunscreen before you put in your hearing aids.

The difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistance” matters. You may have water-resistant hearing aids but understand this does not mean they can be submerged in the ocean or a pool. Water-resistant hearing aids help if you’re perspiring in the summer sun. However, if you jump into a lake wearing them, water will get inside through the microphone or other vents and they will be ruined.

Keep in mind:

• Don’t wear non-waterproof hearing aids if you’re going swimming, or anywhere else where it is likely they will get drenched
• Do make sure you know whether your hearing aids are waterproof or water-resistant
• Do invest in a dehumidifier pot to remove moisture from your hearing aids [link takes you to an external website]

This summer enjoy listening to the sound of the BBQ sizzling, children playing in the garden, and the birds singing in the trees. Just follow these simple do’s and dont’s to make sure your hearing aids keep up with your summertime lifestyle.

 

 

World's First 'Made for iPhone' Hearing Aid

I am very excited as I write this post because the world of hearing aids is about to be given a shake up. For some time hearing aids have had an negative image attached to them, but a new technology advancement is about to make hearing aids very cool indeed!

Danish hearing aid manufacturer, GN ReSound, has just launched its latest product 'LiNX' over in the United States and is due for release here in the UK later this year.

This new hearing instrument connects directly to iPhones and other iOS devices, allowing wearers to talk on the phone or listen to music, without any intermediary devices, and is the first of it's kind.

Launching alongside the LiNX is a new iOS app that works as a remote for the hearing aid, allowing wearers to adjust volume levels, equalisers, and switch between preset environments for the hearing aid, allowing the device to optimise to the user's environment.

Hearing aids can have several different modes, adjusting to the acoustics of each environment -- the app even uses geofencing to automatically change sound profiles based on the location of the wearer, changing for work, home, or a favorite restaurant. There is also a "Find My Hearing Aid" function to help users find their device if it's lost.

Previously, hearing aid wearers would need to carry a pendant or other wireless device in order to make changes to settings on a tiny hearing aid -- adjusting volume or switching between profiles -- now, users can make those changes directly on the iPhone, a device that many are carrying anyway in a significant quality of life improvement.

It also allows users to listen directly to games, calls, FaceTime conversations, music, and any other audio directly from the iOS device, without a handheld dongle or other intermediary devices.The technology will be available in hearing aids from both GN ReSound and its sister-brand Beltone.

Who said that hearing aids couldn't be cool?
 

 

New Technology Advancement For Profound Hearing Losses

World renowned hearing aid manufacturer, Siemens, has just released a new hearing aid for people whose hearing is severely impaired. The hearing aid is so thin that it can fit behind the ear of a hearing-impaired baby.

The new device, known as 'Nitro', is one-third narrower than its predecessor, and reason being because that it is equipped with high-performance microchips.

The new device offers an unprecedented sound volume even at the high amplification required for severely hearing-impaired users.

An important feature of hearing aids is that they sufficiently amplify speech to make it easily audible, but at the same time offer a sound experience that is as comfortable and balanced as possible.

The hearing aid receives sound waves through two microphones. The microchips split the sound waves into individual frequency ranges, on the basis of which they create a finely tuned sound no matter what the acoustic situation. The system automatically offsets audio feedback that creates an annoying whistling sound.

Although hearing aids generally have trouble dealing with a babble of voices such as occurs at parties, the new system can also handle such situations by making background discussions quieter so that the wearer can concentrate better on what his or her interlocutor is saying.

The technology within the hearing aid enables it to process a broader range of frequencies and split sounds into as many as 48 individually optimised channels.

Although this results in a huge number of calculations, it does not cause any noticeable sound delays, because the system processes 250 million commands per second. This makes listening with a hearing aid much less strenuous than was previously the case.

The signals from the two directional microphones are individually processed in parallel, enabling the system to more quickly eliminate audio feedback and identify sound sources so that irritating background noises can be filtered out.

Siemens engineers enabled left-ear and right-ear hearing aids to exchange data for the first time in 2004. This allows users to recognise differences in the signals received at each ear so that they can localise a sound source, for example.

I hope I have not bamboozled you with all of my technology speak. Suffice to say, this hearing aid is a fantastic advancement in helping those who have a profound hearing loss. The latest microphone technology in this device reduces listening fatigue substantially and right now no other hearing device for profoundly hearing impaired people can offer a comparable performance.

The key features to take from this new hearing aid are:

• A third thinner than its predecessor
• Very high sound volume and high amplification
• Comfortable and balanced sound experience
• Twin directional microphones: giving you more balanced hearing
• Feedback management to filter out unwanted sounds
• Wireless connectivity: compatible with a range of accessories allowing sound from audio sources directly to your ears

 

 

Treating me differently is no laughing matter

For our Now Hear This series, we feature another of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about how people treated him differently initially when he had hearing concerns. 

Michael from Stutton, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

Busy supermarkets with all the background noise can be tough

I’ve been with The Hearing Care Centre since October 2012. Previously to that I had National Health hearing aids for five years which to be honest weren’t really adequate. The hospital told me there was nothing more they could do for me so that’s when I turned to Karen and The Hearing Care Centre. She explained that my prescribed NHS aids were very basic and there was so much more choice to consider. We chose mid range aids to improve the quality of sound which are fully automatic so they greatly increase not only the volume but the quality of that sound coming into your ears. They are also extremely comfortable to wear compared to what I had before. I was becoming tired of the way people treat you when you have a hearing problem. I remember being at a supermarket checkout and having to say pardon to the cashier and she replied with ‘Are you thick or something?’ Even friends who mean well think its ok to poke fun at me because of my lack of hearing; its ok perhaps the first couple of times but NOT when they continually refer to it. When you think that the everyday things you take for granted are the things I struggle with, for example using a phone without my hearing aid would be impossible.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Once you reach say 55 I believe you need to regularly have your hearing checked, I mean you do for your eyes and think nothing of it. I got my father-in-law who couldn’t hear at all on the phone to go and see Karen and he’s very happy with his new hearing aids from The Hearing Care Centre. People say to me, yes but if I go privately I’ll have to pay -  trust me it’s worth it! If you go along when they are doing a free hearing test you have nothing to lose and they even let you try them out before you make a final decision.  You will be amazed at what you can hear again. I can now hear my grandchildren and walk safely with a pet or a child again as I can hear the traffic coming behind me. The biggest difference probably for my wife, is that the TV is now back to a normal and comfortable level for us both, although occasionally I have to tell her to turn it down!!

If any of Michael's or our other patients stories on this blog have struck a chord with you, we are here to help. Having a hearing test doesn't necessarily mean you'll need our help but at least you will know either way. 

May I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Until my next blog in 2014, regards Karen. 

Feeling isolated in a room full of people?

Here’s another story from one of our kind patients in our Now Hear This series, taking about why she chose The Hearing Care Centre.

Jill from Hadleigh, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

It was about 13 years ago now, I had two small children at the time and I realised they would be chatting away to me on the way to school and I couldn’t hear them properly. What was much more worrying was that I couldn’t hear the oncoming traffic as we stood waiting to cross the road. I was also a teacher at the time and teaching those with high pitched voices in a group, well to be honest it was becoming a nightmare. Saying that I did manage and the children didn’t seem to notice but I would be so tired by the end of each day from the sheer concentration needed. When I went to Karen she suggested also learning to lip read, I would never have given that a thought had it not been for her. The trouble is with hearing loss, people forget that you have a problem as it’s not obvious so they mumble or turn their heads away or worse – put their hands in front of their mouths when speaking! There are times therefore when you can feel very isolated in a room full of people; even just driving in the car, with friends all chatting away.

Hearing loss can make you feel isolated in a car full of people

I literally can’t hear - it’s just a noise which you can’t decipher. Oddly though it’s your own family who forget the most, they will ask me a question or continue a conversation whilst they have their head in the fridge or when the kettle is boiling!

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Go! I initially went to my GP as I knew I was struggling, he suggested I go to see The Hearing Care Centre for a test and to be honest I just sat on his advice for a whole year before I did anything. It was a massive shock when I finally did have it checked but Karen helped me to get over it. The NHS analogue hearing aids are completely useless for me as my low frequencies which they pick up are actually quite good it’s my high frequencies I can’t catch and they don’t help.  I’m very lucky in that my husband has also been very supportive and is a good communicator. Sadly most people are not and you find you are constantly asking them to slow down. I’m lucky in that my hearing loss is moderate and I have a job, it does worry me though that if that job were to end I would struggle in a normal interview situation, especially if they wanted me to answer the phone for them as I need a specially adapted one. Its situations like these people don’t think about when their hearing starts to deteriorate.That’s why it’s so important to get someone like The Hearing Care Centre to look after it. If everyone did as much as Karen and The Hearing Care Centre team do to help with peoples hearing loss, the world would be a much better place.

A hearing test at our offices around Suffolk is simple and comfortable, don't be left in the dark the sooner you come and see us the more we can help.

Until next time

Regards

Karen

Christmas and Hearing Loss

Christmas isn't always a time of harmony

You will be forgiven for wondering what hearing loss has to do with Christmas, but in fact untreated hearing loss has a lot to do with it. I always associate the festive season with family get-togethers and while on the surface that’s supposed to mean happiness and joy, it creates serious challenges for those with hearing loss. When you are unable to hear as clearly as everyone else in the family, this time can often bring great frustration, misunderstandings and tension.

Take this scenario for example: Grandma sits staring blankly during Christmas dinner, not joining in the conversation and not responding when she’s spoken to. Could it be she has a hearing loss? Grandma cannot understand all of what is being said, so she shuts herself off from the conversation! A hearing problem can cause a person to appear unsociable, when they wish to interact but instead feel isolated. 

Someone who experiences hearing loss may not even be aware of it, or may not admit to it for fear of embarrassment. It’s worth keeping an eye out for some tell-tale signs. 
Does the person;

• Complain that people mumble?

• Ask for words to be repeated?

• Do they have difficulty hearing someone calling from behind or from another room?

• Ask for the TV to be turned up louder than others? 

• Not join in the conversation?

• Seem quiet and reserved?

In the UK, hearing impairment affects over 10 million people and it is estimated that three quarters of adults with a hearing loss never obtain a hearing aid and those who eventually do put up with declining hearing for approximately 15 years before seeking help.

As an audiologist I urge those with hearing loss to seek help. If you have a loved one that is struggling to hear, don’t be afraid to discuss this them, as Christmas is a time which should be enjoyed by all. 

A huge range of hearing aids are available to suit all budgets, so book a hearing test today and improve your or your loved one’s hearing.

For more information or to book an appointment please visit our website or Freephone 0800 096 2637.

See no evil, hear no evil?

Here is another in our Now Hear This series, featuring one of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about why he chose The Hearing Care Centre.

Robert from Ipswich, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

I work for Barclays and came to see Karen years ago and straight away she spotted something wrong with my hearing. At the time I didn’t want to hear it if you pardon the pun and so I ignored her advice and left!  I struggled on for five or so years, and then I came back to The Hearing Care Centre about two years ago and despite me ignoring them the first time Karen was brilliant and so I haven’t looked back since.

Sometimes we ignore good advice

My problems became noticeable particularly with my job – I’m a mortgage adviser. I talk to customers all day long and when they were facing me I could cope but I noticed as soon as I turned away or they did,  I realised I couldn’t hear them. The other thing was, I was finding I was constantly tired from just trying to listen. In my head I suppose I thought a hearing aid would look like a brick fitted to the side of my head! When I finally had hearing aids fitted by The Hearing Care Centre they  couldn’t have been smaller – at the tender age of 36 you care about that stuff. Finally at work I was able to become much more involved within the team again. I knew I  had valuable things to contribute in our team meetings but I didn’t say anything before as I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hear people’s responses. I found in a group situation it was even harder to make out what people were saying, especially if several people spoke at once. My poor Manager thought I was just being stubborn! I also found my lack of hearing affected my personal relationships at home and also with my friends. Unfortunately my wife and I split up, I’m not blaming my hearing entirely but I do think it was a contributing factor. I have found now that I have my hearing aids it’s actually helped my confidence. I used to find it difficult to make new friends but now I can hear I don’t feel like that anymore.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

I always share my story with people; I would always tell them to go and see The Hearing Care Centre and Karen.  When I went back again to see her she explained the process so effectively I wondered why I didn’t take her advice before, perhaps I didn’t want to believe how bad it was. I’m now happier and more confident and in a new relationship too, so yes I think it’s vital you look after your hearing and The Hearing Care Centre can help you do exactly that. 

If you've been struggling with your hearing at work, why not give us a call, we can arrange a hearing test and help you to decide what support works best for you and your own personal circumstances.

Regards

Karen 

Welcome to our new blog: The launch of our Now Listen Up! campaign

Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA

Hi and welcome to our brand new blog. This is the Hearing Care Centre's blog where we are looking to study people's hearing once they reach their 50's. We are also featuring some of our patients who've been telling us  why they've decided to come to us to look after their hearing.

Did you know Hearing loss has been shown to have a huge impact on an individual's physical, emotional and social life. Studies have shown that it can lead to depression, isolation, fatigue and irritability. Just think, what would you do if tomorrow you woke up and you couldn't hear properly or even at all?!

If you are in your 50's with good hearing then we'd like to hear from you (excuse the pun!) As part of our Now Listen Up! campaign we'd like to see how hearing is affected once we reach our 50's, if you're happy for us to contact you to discuss this project further my contact details are below. In the meantime enjoy reading about other's experiences here on my blog.

To get in touch email karenfinch@hearingcarecentre.co.uk
 for more details.

Until I next blog ....... Karen. 
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