In may I posted about ear wax and told you that
"Earwax is a waxy material that is produced by sebaceous glands inside the ear. It cleans, lubricates and protects the lining of the ear by trapping dirt and repelling water.
Earwax is slightly acidic and has antibacterial properties. Without
earwax, the skin inside your ear would become dry, cracked, infected or
waterlogged and sore."
AND THAT
"Earwax can usually be removed using ear drops. If ear drops don't work,
another treatment called ear irrigation may be recommended. It involves
using a pressurised flow of water to remove the build-up of earwax."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a regular basis in fact I give advice about the treatment of ear wax and what should be expected if a client has a blockage, even how it is removed and what it feels like, and yet I had never had a wax blockage nor had I had wax removed; that was until today!
Around 2 weeks ago I started to have temporary blockages of my left ear whilst laying in bed, this would quickly "pop" open and my hearing was restored each time on that ear within a few seconds.
Then on Monday morning I woke up to find that I had no hearing in my left ear, and when I spoke to my wife my voice was echo-like (something my clients would describe as having your head in a bucket) I waited a few minutes, had a shower; using warm water to try and free the occlusion, but to no end.
I have had a slight build up in this ear for a long time, know idea why, possibly an infection I hadn't been aware of causing over production of fluids starting the inevitable. I have never sought treatment, because it had never caused me a problem, as it probably wont for many people; completely unaware that their ears are on the brink of closing up shop.
So my first stop was the chemist, we stock ear wax preventer but that wouldn't be strong enough for this, so Otex it was. Otex is hydrogen peroxide amongst other things, it dissolves the ear wax layer by layer.
Whilst blocked up I took the opportunity to come to terms with how my clients must feel; friends sitting on the left of me had no chance of a decent conversation, and outside amongst traffic noise I found myself trying to lip read, and concentrating so hard on what was being said. The worst environment was coaching at the Rowing club 40+ children, rowing machines, other coaches shouting and music in the background; my hearing distance was reduced to literally a few inches.
Unfortunately Otex didn't do the job, and so I got to experience removal first hand also. Booking an appointment was surprisingly easy, phoning on Thursday I was booked in the next morning with the nurse. (Usually they would like you to see a doctor first)
In anticipation I had been applying oil to lubricate since the start of the blockage otherwise I may have had to wait another week. The "remover" was a hand held pressurised water "probe" inserted into the ear the pressure simply mixes up any debris and forces it out. All in all it was quite a pleasant procedure, with the sudden release of sound feeling very satisfying.
Friday, 16 November 2012
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Have you heard...Hearing Link
Recently I attended the Eastbourne Seniors Forum "The Good Life" exhibition at the Congress Eastbourne as one of a number of stall holders showing their wears.
Whilst there I spoke to many members of the public, and dispensed what I would like to think of as invaluable hearing knowledge. As well as talking to the public I also had a look around the other stalls which is when I came across Hearing Link.
Firstly, quite refreshing in the world of hearing, their stall looked clean, modern and friendly. After speaking with their representatives based in Sovereign Harbour Eastbourne, I found out that they are a charitable organisation set up to help hearing impaired in day to day life, with the focus being more on education rather than what we often see just the normal re tubing service.
Always keen to be involved with local organisations and initiatives, Bexhill Hearing Centre will now be volunteering our time to hold a presentation with them on Tinnitus at the end of the month, which we are really looking forward to.
Below an insight taken from their website (www.hearinglink.org)
Hearing Link works for and on behalf of adults with acquired hearing loss who communicate through speaking, listening and lipreading. We raise their awareness about the impact of hearing loss and increase their ability to manage this impact.
We work with all relevant organisations (local, regional and national) in the voluntary, commercial, and public sectors. We raise awareness about their services and roles among potential service users. Where requested, we assist organisations and public bodies to gather user feedback to enhance the quality of their services.
Whilst there I spoke to many members of the public, and dispensed what I would like to think of as invaluable hearing knowledge. As well as talking to the public I also had a look around the other stalls which is when I came across Hearing Link.
Firstly, quite refreshing in the world of hearing, their stall looked clean, modern and friendly. After speaking with their representatives based in Sovereign Harbour Eastbourne, I found out that they are a charitable organisation set up to help hearing impaired in day to day life, with the focus being more on education rather than what we often see just the normal re tubing service.
Always keen to be involved with local organisations and initiatives, Bexhill Hearing Centre will now be volunteering our time to hold a presentation with them on Tinnitus at the end of the month, which we are really looking forward to.
Below an insight taken from their website (www.hearinglink.org)
Hearing Link works for and on behalf of adults with acquired hearing loss who communicate through speaking, listening and lipreading. We raise their awareness about the impact of hearing loss and increase their ability to manage this impact.
When people are becoming concerned about hearing loss, we help them find:
- what to do and where to go
- who can help in their local area
- which national services are most relevant to their needs
When people are really struggling to cope with hearing loss, we:
- offer personalised emotional support to reduce isolation
- put them in touch with appropriate local services and organisations, and support them where necessary while they approach these services
- provide specialised services ourselves where these do not otherwise exist
When people are managing long-standing hearing loss, we make it easy to:
- contact others with similar interests
- form local groups and clubs
- find out about relevant local and national public consultations and participate in these where relevant
We work with all relevant organisations (local, regional and national) in the voluntary, commercial, and public sectors. We raise awareness about their services and roles among potential service users. Where requested, we assist organisations and public bodies to gather user feedback to enhance the quality of their services.
Monday, 10 September 2012
Have you heard.....Living with a hearing loss
Sorry for the lack of blog entry last week, I was away in Devon racing at the South Coast Rowing Championships.
I did however do some great market research, using a close friend, also a rower, as my test dummy.
Born with a profound hearing loss he has grown up wearing hearing aids and using assistive listening devices. A few years ago he took an amazing step, and had a cochlear implant fitted.
Born with a profound hearing loss he has grown up wearing hearing aids and using assistive listening devices. A few years ago he took an amazing step, and had a cochlear implant fitted.
A Cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is severely-profoundly deaf. In the most part the implant is embedded under the skin just behind the ear, with a magnetic link to an actual hearing aid sitting on the ear itself. The implant is also connected via tiny wires to the real cochlear, where through the use of many electrodes, it stimulates the cochlear in the appropriate places according to the sounds transmitted from the microphone of the hearing aid. (for a more detailed explanation visit wikipedia)
I have known this friend for several years now (post cochlear implant) but never really questioned him about his hearing, until last week, and even without asking questions it was interesting to stay with him for a few days and begin to appreciate just how it effects his life.
He has never been to a private Audiologist like myself, this is often the case with congenital hearing losses as the National Health Service would have always been his parents first point of call.
So he wears a large power aid in his left ear and the cochlear implant in his right both of course NHS, strangely not from the same hospital though, right one from Bristol and left from Barnstable.
Having no experience with cochlear implants, this was what I was most interested in, I have seen the videos on the internet when children first have an implant switched on and assumed, naively that this is what it must have been like for him, not so.
Firstly there were severe balance and nausea issues, we often forget that our ears not only help us to communicate but also control our ability to stay on our feet. Once this had worn off the new sound itself was enough to drive him mad, a simple rustle of a crisp packet sounded like the roar of thunder and noisy environments had to be avoided at all costs. At the time he was quite serious when he asked the doctor to have it removed, but luckily he persisted. It took about a year for the benefits to begin to outweigh the negatives, the turning point he tells me being the first time he was able to recognise birds song.
Both being rowers we soon moved on to how hearing loss effects him in his sport. He tells me that he used to wear them both whilst rowing, which although a little hap-hazard (sweat would often transfer inside the aids and prevent them from working for a short time) this at least meant he could hear the calls from the coxswain, or even the start of the race. After one aid took a knock whilst out on the water and ended up at the bottom of the river however*, he now chooses to row deaf. This has its complications, his son who rows infront of him in the boat tells me that he can feel his dad take his first stroke moments after they do, and having rowed with him myself a few weeks ago; sitting on the water waiting to race is quite a social event for most, but without any hearing a long silence for him.
*he recovered the aid at low tide, and once dry worked right-as-rain!
Simple problems that probably become everyday routine also occurred over the week, like the batteries dying without any notice, sounds quite normal but try to appreciate that when this happens he doesn't hear anything...like someone suddenly sticking their fingers in your ears. Or when trying to reach him by phone, simply arranging dinner may take 4 or 5 texts.
There are strangely, some benefits to being deaf. Whilst staying with him, he reminded me that there was no need to be quiet in the mornings, as there was no way I would wake him up. For the same reason the lack of double glazing on a main street flat has no affect on his sleep. In order to wake up in time for work he uses a simple vibrating alarm clock, placed under the pillow.
All in all how much his hearing loss affects his life is completely relative. The hearing he has now is far better than it was only a few years ago, however if tomorrow his hearing was the same as mine, he would then realise quite how much he was affected by it.
He was surprised to hear of the technology that is available privately however, water proof aids, wireless mobile connection, convenient charging would all benefit him, and perhaps that's the difference between private and NHS, both can improve your hearing, but only we can give flexible, convenient solutions to everyday problems.
So he wears a large power aid in his left ear and the cochlear implant in his right both of course NHS, strangely not from the same hospital though, right one from Bristol and left from Barnstable.
Having no experience with cochlear implants, this was what I was most interested in, I have seen the videos on the internet when children first have an implant switched on and assumed, naively that this is what it must have been like for him, not so.
Firstly there were severe balance and nausea issues, we often forget that our ears not only help us to communicate but also control our ability to stay on our feet. Once this had worn off the new sound itself was enough to drive him mad, a simple rustle of a crisp packet sounded like the roar of thunder and noisy environments had to be avoided at all costs. At the time he was quite serious when he asked the doctor to have it removed, but luckily he persisted. It took about a year for the benefits to begin to outweigh the negatives, the turning point he tells me being the first time he was able to recognise birds song.
Both being rowers we soon moved on to how hearing loss effects him in his sport. He tells me that he used to wear them both whilst rowing, which although a little hap-hazard (sweat would often transfer inside the aids and prevent them from working for a short time) this at least meant he could hear the calls from the coxswain, or even the start of the race. After one aid took a knock whilst out on the water and ended up at the bottom of the river however*, he now chooses to row deaf. This has its complications, his son who rows infront of him in the boat tells me that he can feel his dad take his first stroke moments after they do, and having rowed with him myself a few weeks ago; sitting on the water waiting to race is quite a social event for most, but without any hearing a long silence for him.
*he recovered the aid at low tide, and once dry worked right-as-rain!
Simple problems that probably become everyday routine also occurred over the week, like the batteries dying without any notice, sounds quite normal but try to appreciate that when this happens he doesn't hear anything...like someone suddenly sticking their fingers in your ears. Or when trying to reach him by phone, simply arranging dinner may take 4 or 5 texts.
There are strangely, some benefits to being deaf. Whilst staying with him, he reminded me that there was no need to be quiet in the mornings, as there was no way I would wake him up. For the same reason the lack of double glazing on a main street flat has no affect on his sleep. In order to wake up in time for work he uses a simple vibrating alarm clock, placed under the pillow.
All in all how much his hearing loss affects his life is completely relative. The hearing he has now is far better than it was only a few years ago, however if tomorrow his hearing was the same as mine, he would then realise quite how much he was affected by it.
He was surprised to hear of the technology that is available privately however, water proof aids, wireless mobile connection, convenient charging would all benefit him, and perhaps that's the difference between private and NHS, both can improve your hearing, but only we can give flexible, convenient solutions to everyday problems.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Have you heard...Wind made
Widex first company in the world to become "WindMade"
Ref: http://www.widex.com/en/newsroom/2012/windmade/
Widex is the first company in the world to receive the recently established WindMade label – a new global consumer label for companies that use wind energy.The label, which is backed by the UN Global Compact, requires participating companies to obtain at least 25% of their electricity from wind power. A wind turbine at Widex’ global headquarters in Denmark covers 95% of its energy needs, including production, thereby greatly exceeding the basic requirements for joining the WindMade programme.
"Being a high tech company, we have an uncompromising approach to innovation and we always strive to find the best solution. By completely eliminating the use of fossil fuels, we believe that we have created the best possible foundation for the future – both for our company and for society," says Richard Tøpholm, Manager at Widex and member of the Board.
The WindMade label was created to allow companies to communicate their commitment to renewable energy while providing consumers with the choice to favour companies and products using wind power.
“We congratulate Widex for becoming the first ever WindMade certified company. By committing to renewable energy and using the WindMade label, Widex has set a great example that will inspire companies and consumers all over the world”, stresses Henrik Kuffner, CEO of WindMade.
Read more about Widex' eco-friendly headquarters
Blogging With John O: Hi Everyone,Hope everyone is doing well and exci...
Blogging With John O: Hi Everyone,
Hope everyone is doing well and exci...: Hi Everyone, Hope everyone is doing well and excited for the weekend..TGIF. I thought I would send everyone into the weekend strong with ...
Hope everyone is doing well and exci...: Hi Everyone, Hope everyone is doing well and excited for the weekend..TGIF. I thought I would send everyone into the weekend strong with ...
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Have you heard...Dome tips
Often when someone imagines a hearing aid they think of the type in the picture below; beige in colour, obvious behind the ear, and filling the ear canal with the "plug" on the end, not to mention the endless whistling.
Apart from its less then covert appearance the biggest draw back with this hearing aid is the large ear mould.
Firstly the taking of an ear mould can be an uncomfortable experience for some clients; whereby a foam block must be inserted deep into the ear canal, and the ear is filled with a quick setting gel.Secondly the ear mould will slowly discolour and need constant cleaning.
The most important factors however are occlusion and moisture; by blocking the ear the hearing loss will obviously increase and their voice will sound louder (just like it does if you place fingers in both ears) this is called the occlusion effect; whereby vibrations through the scull are transferred to the ear canal, and without an open pathway to escape reflect back into the hearing system, giving the experience of amplification.
Moisture is also an important factor when wearing a full mould such as this one. If the clients inserts their hearing aid first thing in the morning at 7am and removes it last thing at night at 10pm, they have had their ear blocked for 15 hours. Over 15 hours of being blocked the ear will produce a great deal of heat and moisture, possibly causing irritation, dermatitis, inflammation, wax build-up, and even infections.
Enter the Dome Tip. One of the most recent, and simplest innovations was the introduction of soft, generic dome tips like the one above; offering the free movement of air, moisture and sound in and out of the ear.
These tips have only been available since feedback cancellation technology came about. If a tip like this was placed on the hearing aid seen earlier it would simply whistle it's not so little head off. With the use of a feedback stopper function however this hearing aid will even struggle to whistle within a closed fist.
The benefits this type of hearing aid offer are quite simply the exact opposites to the drawbacks of earlier aids:
# Small discreet shell hidden by the pinna (outer ear)
# Disposable tips which cost literally pennies
# Better hygiene, easier to clean, and needed less frequently
# NO OCCLUSION
# Does not exacerbate the hearing loss.
# More natural sound
# Comfortable
 |
| Hearing aid around 10 to 15 years old |
Firstly the taking of an ear mould can be an uncomfortable experience for some clients; whereby a foam block must be inserted deep into the ear canal, and the ear is filled with a quick setting gel.Secondly the ear mould will slowly discolour and need constant cleaning.
The most important factors however are occlusion and moisture; by blocking the ear the hearing loss will obviously increase and their voice will sound louder (just like it does if you place fingers in both ears) this is called the occlusion effect; whereby vibrations through the scull are transferred to the ear canal, and without an open pathway to escape reflect back into the hearing system, giving the experience of amplification.
Moisture is also an important factor when wearing a full mould such as this one. If the clients inserts their hearing aid first thing in the morning at 7am and removes it last thing at night at 10pm, they have had their ear blocked for 15 hours. Over 15 hours of being blocked the ear will produce a great deal of heat and moisture, possibly causing irritation, dermatitis, inflammation, wax build-up, and even infections.
These tips have only been available since feedback cancellation technology came about. If a tip like this was placed on the hearing aid seen earlier it would simply whistle it's not so little head off. With the use of a feedback stopper function however this hearing aid will even struggle to whistle within a closed fist.
The benefits this type of hearing aid offer are quite simply the exact opposites to the drawbacks of earlier aids:
# Small discreet shell hidden by the pinna (outer ear)
# Disposable tips which cost literally pennies
# Better hygiene, easier to clean, and needed less frequently
# NO OCCLUSION
# Does not exacerbate the hearing loss.
# More natural sound
# Comfortable
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Have you heard.....Hearing Tests
Whether with ourselves,
the NHS or other independants, we want your experience with hearing
aids to be a good one. So below is a guide for the steps you should take
when tackling your hearing loss.
To guide you through your next steps, below is a checklist of what you need to plan for and consider:
To guide you through your next steps, below is a checklist of what you need to plan for and consider:
-
Find a licensed, reputable Hearing Health Care Professional
This could be an audiologist, hearing instrument practitioner, otolaryngologist or an otologist. Most offer the hearing test at no cost, so check beforehand.
-
Make an appointment for your hearing test
The Hearing Care Professional will examine your ears for possible physical causes of hearing loss like excessive wax build-up, infection, or growth. A hearing test will also be performed to measure your ability to detect sounds at various frequencies or pitches. The entire process may take about an hour. It doesn‘t hurt and will help your Hearing Care Professional find a solution to suit your particular needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and try to be as open and relaxed as possible. The more your Hearing Care Specialist knows about you, the better he or she will be able to help you.
-
Choose your hearing system
Depending on your test results, your Hearing Care Professional will give you a recommendation of hearing solutions best suited to your hearing and personal needs. Feel free to do your own research as well on the solutions available and perhaps compare prices at other Hearing Instrument Specialist stores.
-
Have your ear impression made
If you have chosen a custom hearing instrument, then you will be scheduled for an ear impression, which is an exact duplicate of the contours of your ears. Your ear impression is sent to hearing instrument manufacturers to make your hearing instrument. This usually only takes a few days.
-
Schedule your fitting
Your next appointment will be for your Hearing Care Professional to optimally adjust your hearing instrument. The adjustments are done with a computer, based on an audiogram and your own comments. Your audiologist will teach you how to operate your hearing instrument, and how to hear best in different environments. You will also practice inserting and removing your hearing instruments and learn how to clean and care for them.
-
Follow up visit(s)
Wear your new hearing instruments for a few days in your regular surroundings. You may want to keep a diary to record your impressions of the sounds you hear. Based upon how well you can hear in your everyday surroundings, your Hearing Health Care Professional may make additional adjustments to your hearing instruments if necessary.
-
Learn to enjoy sound again
Learning to listen with hearing instruments takes time and a degree of patience in the beginning. You may need to learn to ignore unwanted sounds, just as you used to do with normal hearing. It‘s also important to be realistic and not to expect 100-percent hearing in every situation.
Monday, 30 July 2012
Have you heard...Assistive listening
Hearing aids are not the sole solution for hearing loss, in fact in many cases and for many people hearing aids would not be the correct choice. Some clients who present hearing loss, may not be in a financial position to purchase a hearing aid, others are not regularly in situations of a social nature or feel that communication is difficult to "*hear".
This is where assistive listening devices may be of more benefit than a hearing aid. Many clients come to us complaining of the TV and radio being too quiet; or more commonly their spouses bring them in complaining of the TV and radio being too loud!
In most circumstances the later may not be very excepting of a hearing aid, for some it denotes the perception of becoming old, or having a disability. In others as said above the client for a multitude of reasons may not need a hearing aid.
There are many great assistive listening devices now on the market, unfortunately there are also some that don't cut the mustard in our mind. Here we have provided our top 5:
NUMBER 5 - The CL-10 Corded Phone.
Corded phone with adjustable volume up to 28 dB, includes flashing ring indicator. Other features include tone dialling, 3 different ringer levels and melodies as well as being network service compatible.
This product has made it into our top 5 due to cost and simplicity.
It's about as simple as it could get with one cable to plug in, large easy to use keys, 3 save able numbers and a slider with 3 choices for volume control.
It works well too, we have one in the office which never leaves it's first volume setting. We especially like the ringer feature, which, with the flick of a switch, allows you to turn off the ringer sound. Great for when we are holding hearing tests (you are still alerted to the call by a flashing LED)
The cost is what really pushes this simple bit of tech into our top 5
Our Price £29.99
NUMBER 4 - CL2L Ringer
Our price is only £54
NUMBER 3 - CL8300 Mobile Phone
Extra Loud Mobile Phone with volume control up to 45dB
Product Features:
Our price, only £105
NUMBER 2 - A200 Headset
The A 200 is a stereo personal sound amplifier for people who may sometimes need to rely on artificial assistance for their hearing. Due to the stereo amplification via two integrated permanently polarised microphones, the user can clearly determine the direction of the sound source. Dynamic headphone transducers ensure a natural and transparent sound reproduction with optimum speech intelligibility.
Great for the localisation of sound, especially in social environments and particularly popular in meetings and seminars due to its portable, wireless nature.
This products sits comfortably at number 2 because of it's functionality. We have fitted hundreds of these products with only good comments.
Particular benefit may be for those whom a hearing aid is just slightly out of their financial reach.
Our price £280
NUMBER 1 - 830-TV
The Set 830-TV is an infra-red stereo TV assistive listening system. The
set enables assistive listening anywhere in the room without the need
for cables and without disturbing others. Directly connectible to a TV,
hi-fi system or radio, the Set 830-TV guarantees outstanding sound
quality, which, for example, thanks to treble emphasis, can be
customised to the listener’s hearing.
What’s more, the receiver is extremely lightweight and, with its perfect-fitting ear pads, offers maximum comfort when worn. Ergonomic controls and
visual signals for the individual control processes mean that operation of the Set 830-TV couldn’t be easier.
Our number 1 assistive listening product, although named the 830-TV this instrument can be connected to any device with with an audio output, and even numerous devices at once. Functionality and reliability along with great sound puts this device at the top of our list. It's easy to use too, simply placing the headset into your ears turns it on and the large volume control can be used with out looking, giving volume independent of the level the TV is set at. Whats more clients with a unilateral hearing loss can adjust the volume to each ear giving maximum control of sound.
Our price is only £257
This is where assistive listening devices may be of more benefit than a hearing aid. Many clients come to us complaining of the TV and radio being too quiet; or more commonly their spouses bring them in complaining of the TV and radio being too loud!
In most circumstances the later may not be very excepting of a hearing aid, for some it denotes the perception of becoming old, or having a disability. In others as said above the client for a multitude of reasons may not need a hearing aid.
There are many great assistive listening devices now on the market, unfortunately there are also some that don't cut the mustard in our mind. Here we have provided our top 5:
NUMBER 5 - The CL-10 Corded Phone.
Corded phone with adjustable volume up to 28 dB, includes flashing ring indicator. Other features include tone dialling, 3 different ringer levels and melodies as well as being network service compatible.
It's about as simple as it could get with one cable to plug in, large easy to use keys, 3 save able numbers and a slider with 3 choices for volume control.
It works well too, we have one in the office which never leaves it's first volume setting. We especially like the ringer feature, which, with the flick of a switch, allows you to turn off the ringer sound. Great for when we are holding hearing tests (you are still alerted to the call by a flashing LED)
The cost is what really pushes this simple bit of tech into our top 5
Our Price £29.99
NUMBER 4 - CL2L Ringer
- Extra loud ringer :up to 95 dB
- Volume and tone control
- Led flasher
- Outdoor range: 60 meters
- Indoor range: 20 meters
- 3 doorbell melodies
- 3 individual tracking LED
Our price is only £54
NUMBER 3 - CL8300 Mobile Phone
Extra Loud Mobile Phone with volume control up to 45dB
- Volume control (up to a record +45dB)
- Tone control (+/- 10dB)
- Hands free speakerphone
- Visual ringer indicator
- Vibrating alert feature
- Extra loud ring (up to 100dB)
- External boost button on the handset
- Three direct memory buttons
- Extra large black and white display
- Extra large characters (adjustable size and contrast)
- ....and more
Our price, only £105
NUMBER 2 - A200 Headset
The A 200 is a stereo personal sound amplifier for people who may sometimes need to rely on artificial assistance for their hearing. Due to the stereo amplification via two integrated permanently polarised microphones, the user can clearly determine the direction of the sound source. Dynamic headphone transducers ensure a natural and transparent sound reproduction with optimum speech intelligibility.
Great for the localisation of sound, especially in social environments and particularly popular in meetings and seminars due to its portable, wireless nature.
This products sits comfortably at number 2 because of it's functionality. We have fitted hundreds of these products with only good comments.
Particular benefit may be for those whom a hearing aid is just slightly out of their financial reach.
Our price £280
NUMBER 1 - 830-TV
What’s more, the receiver is extremely lightweight and, with its perfect-fitting ear pads, offers maximum comfort when worn. Ergonomic controls and
visual signals for the individual control processes mean that operation of the Set 830-TV couldn’t be easier.
Our number 1 assistive listening product, although named the 830-TV this instrument can be connected to any device with with an audio output, and even numerous devices at once. Functionality and reliability along with great sound puts this device at the top of our list. It's easy to use too, simply placing the headset into your ears turns it on and the large volume control can be used with out looking, giving volume independent of the level the TV is set at. Whats more clients with a unilateral hearing loss can adjust the volume to each ear giving maximum control of sound.
Our price is only £257
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Have you heard....Preventing hearing loss *by John O'Connor*
This weeks post is by John O'Connor, please checkout his blog at:
bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com
.......................................................................................
Learn to Protect Your Family’s Ability to Hear
Taking care of your hearing now will pay off tenfold later. Many people see the doctor on a regular basis for blood sugar check-ups, heart check-ups, and normal growth and development wellness check-ups. But many people often forget to take care of their hearing until it is too late. Simple solutions are available to take assertive action to protect your hearing that can benefit you now and in the future. Teaching your children about hearing and how to maintain great hearing ability is also important so children can grow up aware and educated to protect their ears and their hearing ability.
Family Meetings Are the First Step
It is often the case that children will follow the habits they view their parents doing. If a parent constantly has a cell phone or Bluetooth to his or her ear, the child will think this is cool, normal, and appropriate. If parents are constantly turning up the television or radio to drown out the sounds of voices in the household, children will soon be doing the same thing. The steady and consistent rise of noise can play a major part in how well a person is able to hear. Constant exposure to loud noises within a household can have a damaging effect on the hearing of both children and adults in the household.
Holding a family meeting and informing your children that you are going to take active measures to reduce the consistent noise level will be a great way to introduce your children to education about protecting their hearing. Explain to your children how being around constant loud noises can lead them to end up wearing a hearing aid in order to hear fully. If you have allowed loud noises for years in your household, it is never too late to reverse the cycle of this habit and begin a new and healthier cycle. The benefits can potentially be enormous for your entire family.
Be Aware of Outside Noises
Outside noises such as loud lawnmowers, weed eaters, tractors, and machinery can also have a negative effect on how a person hears. When children get to an appropriate age, they often are asked to help their parents by mowing or using basic electric tools. Teaching your children to wear earplugs or safety headphones to mute the loud noises of machinery will help to protect their ears. Many times, parents try hard to teach their children great safety habits and then neglect to apply the same practices to their own self.
It is important for parents to put into practice as many safety habits as possible when using mowers, trimmers, tillers, or other electrical machinery or equipment. The National Institutes of Health is a government website that has a great collection of articles dedicated to educating people on how to protect their hearing when around loud noises. Following these simple tips and encouraging your family to participate in these habits will give your entire family great results.
bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com
.......................................................................................
Learn to Protect Your Family’s Ability to Hear
Taking care of your hearing now will pay off tenfold later. Many people see the doctor on a regular basis for blood sugar check-ups, heart check-ups, and normal growth and development wellness check-ups. But many people often forget to take care of their hearing until it is too late. Simple solutions are available to take assertive action to protect your hearing that can benefit you now and in the future. Teaching your children about hearing and how to maintain great hearing ability is also important so children can grow up aware and educated to protect their ears and their hearing ability.
Family Meetings Are the First Step
It is often the case that children will follow the habits they view their parents doing. If a parent constantly has a cell phone or Bluetooth to his or her ear, the child will think this is cool, normal, and appropriate. If parents are constantly turning up the television or radio to drown out the sounds of voices in the household, children will soon be doing the same thing. The steady and consistent rise of noise can play a major part in how well a person is able to hear. Constant exposure to loud noises within a household can have a damaging effect on the hearing of both children and adults in the household.
Holding a family meeting and informing your children that you are going to take active measures to reduce the consistent noise level will be a great way to introduce your children to education about protecting their hearing. Explain to your children how being around constant loud noises can lead them to end up wearing a hearing aid in order to hear fully. If you have allowed loud noises for years in your household, it is never too late to reverse the cycle of this habit and begin a new and healthier cycle. The benefits can potentially be enormous for your entire family.
Be Aware of Outside Noises
Outside noises such as loud lawnmowers, weed eaters, tractors, and machinery can also have a negative effect on how a person hears. When children get to an appropriate age, they often are asked to help their parents by mowing or using basic electric tools. Teaching your children to wear earplugs or safety headphones to mute the loud noises of machinery will help to protect their ears. Many times, parents try hard to teach their children great safety habits and then neglect to apply the same practices to their own self.
It is important for parents to put into practice as many safety habits as possible when using mowers, trimmers, tillers, or other electrical machinery or equipment. The National Institutes of Health is a government website that has a great collection of articles dedicated to educating people on how to protect their hearing when around loud noises. Following these simple tips and encouraging your family to participate in these habits will give your entire family great results.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Have you heard....Custom headphones
Music lovers are being warned that the popular 'earbud' headphones
worn by users of iPods and MP3 players could lead to hearing loss.
The reason for the warning is because earbuds placed directly into the ear, can boost the sound signal by as much as six to nine decibels.
During the 1980s, when Walkman portable devices first hit the market,
audiologists were warning users about potential hearing loss. Nowadays,
with MP3 players topping the Christmas wish lists of people all over
the world, history is repeating itself.
Hearing loss in younger people typically
found in aging adults is becoming far too common. Unfortunately, the earbuds preferred by music
listeners are even more likely to cause hearing loss than the muff-type
earphones that were associated with the older devices because of this increase in volume.
As well as a more intense sound signal, today's music devices have longer battery life and the ability to store vast amounts of music, facts which encourage users to listen for longer periods of time than their 1980s counterparts.
MP3 devices now reach upto 110 to 120 decibels. That's a sound level that's equivalent to a jet engine and enough to cause hearing loss after only about an hour and 15 minutes.
So what can we do? One solution is the 60 percent/60 minute rule, whereby people use their MP3 devices for no more than about an hour a day and at levels below 60 percent of maximum volume.
Noise-cancelling headphones are another suggestion because they reduce or eliminate background noise eliminating the need to turn the device up to excessive levels.These headphones can be custom made; still as descreet as the fashionable ear-bud types and far more comfortable.
They come as a sleeve which fits over any ear-bud headphone, so even if the headphones need replacing the sleeve can simply be swapped over. At less than £100 they could be the last set of headphones you ever use.
The reason for the warning is because earbuds placed directly into the ear, can boost the sound signal by as much as six to nine decibels.
As well as a more intense sound signal, today's music devices have longer battery life and the ability to store vast amounts of music, facts which encourage users to listen for longer periods of time than their 1980s counterparts.
MP3 devices now reach upto 110 to 120 decibels. That's a sound level that's equivalent to a jet engine and enough to cause hearing loss after only about an hour and 15 minutes.
So what can we do? One solution is the 60 percent/60 minute rule, whereby people use their MP3 devices for no more than about an hour a day and at levels below 60 percent of maximum volume.
Noise-cancelling headphones are another suggestion because they reduce or eliminate background noise eliminating the need to turn the device up to excessive levels.These headphones can be custom made; still as descreet as the fashionable ear-bud types and far more comfortable.
They come as a sleeve which fits over any ear-bud headphone, so even if the headphones need replacing the sleeve can simply be swapped over. At less than £100 they could be the last set of headphones you ever use.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Have you heard...Mini Aids
Traditional Completely in the Canal (CIC) hearing aids were made to sit in the ear canal with the faceplate positioned at the opening of the ear canal, previously this was the most discreet in-the ear hearing aid fitting available.
In 2010 Starkey introduced the first Invisible in the Canal or IIC hearing aid called ‘Soundlens’. Since then the other major hearing aid manufacturers have also brought out similar products, making Invisible In the Canal (IIC) the newest and competitive style of hearing aid.
Improvements in shell design and computer aided design technology, as well as miniaturisation of components mean that the IIC hearing aids can be made significantly smaller and therefore sit much deeper in the ear canal.
If the aid can sit beyond the second bend of the ear canal then it will be totally invisible, however results will vary depending of the physical size and shape of your ear canals.
There are also benefits to IIC hearing aids other than the invisibility:
How do I get an IIC hearing aid?
The first step is to come for a consultation, which will include a hearing test to see if an IIC would be appropriate. Next we need to examine your ear canal and take impressions of your ears. This involves putting some soft silicone based material into your ear canals in order to take their shape. The impression material sets in about 2 minutes and then is removed. These impressions are then used to make the hearing aids.
The importance of good impressions
In order for the manufacturer to make the hearing aids it is absolutely essential to have a detailed and accurate impression, which is deep enough to give all the information needed to make an invisible product. The deeper and more accurate the impressions, the more possibility there is of achieving a truly invisible hearing aid, which will be comfortable and fit properly.
In 2010 Starkey introduced the first Invisible in the Canal or IIC hearing aid called ‘Soundlens’. Since then the other major hearing aid manufacturers have also brought out similar products, making Invisible In the Canal (IIC) the newest and competitive style of hearing aid.
Improvements in shell design and computer aided design technology, as well as miniaturisation of components mean that the IIC hearing aids can be made significantly smaller and therefore sit much deeper in the ear canal.
If the aid can sit beyond the second bend of the ear canal then it will be totally invisible, however results will vary depending of the physical size and shape of your ear canals.
There are also benefits to IIC hearing aids other than the invisibility:
- Reduction of the ‘occlusion effect’ – the muffled or blocked feeling that happens sometimes with CIC hearing aids
- Natural directional hearing and noise reduction due to the placement deep in the ear canal
How do I get an IIC hearing aid?
The first step is to come for a consultation, which will include a hearing test to see if an IIC would be appropriate. Next we need to examine your ear canal and take impressions of your ears. This involves putting some soft silicone based material into your ear canals in order to take their shape. The impression material sets in about 2 minutes and then is removed. These impressions are then used to make the hearing aids.
The importance of good impressions
In order for the manufacturer to make the hearing aids it is absolutely essential to have a detailed and accurate impression, which is deep enough to give all the information needed to make an invisible product. The deeper and more accurate the impressions, the more possibility there is of achieving a truly invisible hearing aid, which will be comfortable and fit properly.
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Have you heard...Acceptance
Opticians recommend that we have our eyesight tested every 2 years, and for most of us this seems normal and is accepted as a regular health check-up. Most people would agree that if they were having trouble with their eyesight they would not hesitate in visiting the doctor or optician to have it checked.
Spectacles have become something of a fashion statement of late, with plain glass lenses even being sold to give the look of wearing glasses with no medical reasoning. Glasses have been sold in a multitude of styles for years and in fact have closely reflected the style of each era in their frame shape and size.
We at Bexhill Hearing Centre believe that it won't be long until hearing aids receive the same acceptance that spectacles have today. No longer are they the big, beige embarrassments they were 10 years ago; hearing aids are now sleek, designed objects packed full of features.
The latest hearing aids can be customised to suit the fussiest of clients even changing the colour to suit their hair or match their favourite suit. Different production methods are also available with one supplier offering the first Eco-friendly production.
The product itself is a desirable gadget, which sold as a convenient audio system would do well on its own, with its Bluetooth connectivity, remote control and more, but to call it a hearing aid means that the user must first accept that they have a hearing loss; and this is where the problem lies.
A hearing loss means you’re old. A hearing loss means you’re disabled. A hearing loss means you don’t understand.
The stigma attached to a hearing loss is what prevents a great deal of people from seeking help and improving their quality of life. At Bexhill Hearing Centre we are trying to tackle that stigma and increase the acceptance of hearing loss.
Many people forget (or do not realise) that more people suffer from a hearing loss than a visual impairment, its logical really we hear more than we see. A right handed tennis player will incur more injuries on their right hand than their left due to wear and tear.
Whilst we sleep our eyes are closed, they receive no light and no stimulation, and therefore they rest for around 8 hours every day. Our ears do not close whilst we sleep; they receive sound constantly and are stimulated the whole time, hence why certain sounds (not even loud) such as a creaky floor board will wake you up.
Simple maths shows that in a lifetime we will hear for 26 years more than we see; when you put it like that it’s amazing hearing loss is not more accepted.
Spectacles have become something of a fashion statement of late, with plain glass lenses even being sold to give the look of wearing glasses with no medical reasoning. Glasses have been sold in a multitude of styles for years and in fact have closely reflected the style of each era in their frame shape and size.
We at Bexhill Hearing Centre believe that it won't be long until hearing aids receive the same acceptance that spectacles have today. No longer are they the big, beige embarrassments they were 10 years ago; hearing aids are now sleek, designed objects packed full of features.
The latest hearing aids can be customised to suit the fussiest of clients even changing the colour to suit their hair or match their favourite suit. Different production methods are also available with one supplier offering the first Eco-friendly production.
The product itself is a desirable gadget, which sold as a convenient audio system would do well on its own, with its Bluetooth connectivity, remote control and more, but to call it a hearing aid means that the user must first accept that they have a hearing loss; and this is where the problem lies.
A hearing loss means you’re old. A hearing loss means you’re disabled. A hearing loss means you don’t understand.
The stigma attached to a hearing loss is what prevents a great deal of people from seeking help and improving their quality of life. At Bexhill Hearing Centre we are trying to tackle that stigma and increase the acceptance of hearing loss.
Many people forget (or do not realise) that more people suffer from a hearing loss than a visual impairment, its logical really we hear more than we see. A right handed tennis player will incur more injuries on their right hand than their left due to wear and tear.
Whilst we sleep our eyes are closed, they receive no light and no stimulation, and therefore they rest for around 8 hours every day. Our ears do not close whilst we sleep; they receive sound constantly and are stimulated the whole time, hence why certain sounds (not even loud) such as a creaky floor board will wake you up.
Simple maths shows that in a lifetime we will hear for 26 years more than we see; when you put it like that it’s amazing hearing loss is not more accepted.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Have you heard...Ototoxicity
There are more than 200 known ototoxic medications that can damage the ear, resulting in hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or balance disorders. These include medicines used to treat serious infections, cancer, and heart disease.
What are the effects from ototoxic medications?
Usually the first sign of ototoxicity is ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Over time, you may also develop hearing loss. This hearing loss may go unnoticed until your ability to understand speech is affected.
Balance problems can also occur as a result of ototoxic medications. You may experience a loss of balance and feeling unsteady on your feet.. Sometimes these problems are temporary because the human body can learn to adapt to reduced balance control.
What is happening inside the ear to cause these effects?
Ototoxic medications cause damage to the sensory cells used in hearing and balance. These sensory cells are located in the inner ear.
Which medications are ototoxic?
There are more than 200 medications and chemicals that are known to cause hearing and balance problems. It is important to discuss with your doctor the potential for hearing or balance damage of any drug you are taking. Sometimes there is little choice. Treatment with a particular medication may provide the best hope for curing a life-threatening disease or stopping a life-threatening infection.
Ototoxic medications known to cause permanent damage include certain aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin (family history may increase susceptibility), and cancer chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.
Drugs known to cause temporary damage include salicylate pain relievers (aspirin, used for pain relief and to treat heart conditions), quinine (to treat malaria), and loop diuretics (to treat certain heart and kidney conditions).
In some instances, exposure to loud noise while taking certain drugs will increase their damaging effects.
What to do before begining treatment with ototoxic medications?
You should monitor your hearing and balance systems before and during treatment. Before starting the treatment, a baseline record of your hearing and balance should be recorded by an audiologist.
This information can help you and your doctor make any important decisions to stop or change the drug therapy before your hearing is damaged.
For cases in which the drugs cannot be stopped or changed, the patient and the audiologist can take steps to manage the effects of the hearing loss that results.
During the course of your treatment, you should have periodic hearing tests as part of the monitoring process. This will help enable you to report any hearing changes, ringing in the ears, or balance problems that you may notice.
What are the effects from ototoxic medications?
Usually the first sign of ototoxicity is ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Over time, you may also develop hearing loss. This hearing loss may go unnoticed until your ability to understand speech is affected.
Balance problems can also occur as a result of ototoxic medications. You may experience a loss of balance and feeling unsteady on your feet.. Sometimes these problems are temporary because the human body can learn to adapt to reduced balance control.
What is happening inside the ear to cause these effects?
Ototoxic medications cause damage to the sensory cells used in hearing and balance. These sensory cells are located in the inner ear.
Which medications are ototoxic?
There are more than 200 medications and chemicals that are known to cause hearing and balance problems. It is important to discuss with your doctor the potential for hearing or balance damage of any drug you are taking. Sometimes there is little choice. Treatment with a particular medication may provide the best hope for curing a life-threatening disease or stopping a life-threatening infection.
Ototoxic medications known to cause permanent damage include certain aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin (family history may increase susceptibility), and cancer chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.
Drugs known to cause temporary damage include salicylate pain relievers (aspirin, used for pain relief and to treat heart conditions), quinine (to treat malaria), and loop diuretics (to treat certain heart and kidney conditions).
In some instances, exposure to loud noise while taking certain drugs will increase their damaging effects.
What to do before begining treatment with ototoxic medications?
You should monitor your hearing and balance systems before and during treatment. Before starting the treatment, a baseline record of your hearing and balance should be recorded by an audiologist.
This information can help you and your doctor make any important decisions to stop or change the drug therapy before your hearing is damaged.
For cases in which the drugs cannot be stopped or changed, the patient and the audiologist can take steps to manage the effects of the hearing loss that results.
During the course of your treatment, you should have periodic hearing tests as part of the monitoring process. This will help enable you to report any hearing changes, ringing in the ears, or balance problems that you may notice.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Have you heard...Wireless hearing
One of the most recent developments in Hearing aid technology has been the vast range of wireless functionality now available to the hearing impaired; from a basic loop system to Bluetooth, there are now no real excuses why a hearing aid cannot fit anyone’s lifestyle.
Wireless systems offer both an improvement in audibility and in usability. One way in which audibility has been improved is through CROSS hearing where control can transmit from one ear to the other; so that pressing one aid's program button simultaneously changes the other aid, so that both aids change background settings simultaneously. CROSS hearing is particularly useful for clients with no hearing on one side, offering the opportunity to transmit that ears sound over to the other ear.
FM listening systems with wireless receivers are also available. A separate wireless microphone can be given to a partner to wear in a restaurant, in the car, during leisure time etc. which in essence places the client’s ear directly below the speakers chin; offering unmatched speech audibility by eliminating the effects of distance and background noise. FM systems can also be hooked up to a TV, Radio and other input devices.
Very similar to FM; Loop is now used in many public places as a convenient and inexpensive form of assistive listening. Very simply an audio input, be it a microphone, music etc., can be transmitted to any hearing aid user within a chosen area (as long as they have their loop program switched on) this allows everything from general announcements to individual conversations to be achieved comfortably.
Bluetooth connectivity is the most recent innovation in wireless interfacing for hearing instruments to audio sources such as TV streamers or Bluetooth enabled mobile phones. Current hearing aids generally do not stream directly via Bluetooth but rather do so through a secondary streaming device (usually worn around the neck or in a pocket), this Bluetooth enabled secondary device then streams wirelessly to the hearing aid but can only do so over a short distance.
FM systems are considered a cornerstone in the treatment of hearing loss in children as the need for the teacher to be heard is tackled simply by placing a mic transmitter round their neck. Bluetooth has bridged the gap of convenience for hearing aid users, offering all their gadgets tailored to their own hearing prescription.
Many theatres and schools are now equipped with assistive listening systems that transmit the sound directly from the stage; audience members can borrow suitable receivers and hear the program without background noise.
In a world where life itself is requiring more and more gadgets, it's good to see that the hearing impaired have a vast choice of ways to continue hearing comfortably and conveniently.
Wireless systems offer both an improvement in audibility and in usability. One way in which audibility has been improved is through CROSS hearing where control can transmit from one ear to the other; so that pressing one aid's program button simultaneously changes the other aid, so that both aids change background settings simultaneously. CROSS hearing is particularly useful for clients with no hearing on one side, offering the opportunity to transmit that ears sound over to the other ear.
FM listening systems with wireless receivers are also available. A separate wireless microphone can be given to a partner to wear in a restaurant, in the car, during leisure time etc. which in essence places the client’s ear directly below the speakers chin; offering unmatched speech audibility by eliminating the effects of distance and background noise. FM systems can also be hooked up to a TV, Radio and other input devices.
Very similar to FM; Loop is now used in many public places as a convenient and inexpensive form of assistive listening. Very simply an audio input, be it a microphone, music etc., can be transmitted to any hearing aid user within a chosen area (as long as they have their loop program switched on) this allows everything from general announcements to individual conversations to be achieved comfortably.
Bluetooth connectivity is the most recent innovation in wireless interfacing for hearing instruments to audio sources such as TV streamers or Bluetooth enabled mobile phones. Current hearing aids generally do not stream directly via Bluetooth but rather do so through a secondary streaming device (usually worn around the neck or in a pocket), this Bluetooth enabled secondary device then streams wirelessly to the hearing aid but can only do so over a short distance.
FM systems are considered a cornerstone in the treatment of hearing loss in children as the need for the teacher to be heard is tackled simply by placing a mic transmitter round their neck. Bluetooth has bridged the gap of convenience for hearing aid users, offering all their gadgets tailored to their own hearing prescription.
Many theatres and schools are now equipped with assistive listening systems that transmit the sound directly from the stage; audience members can borrow suitable receivers and hear the program without background noise.
In a world where life itself is requiring more and more gadgets, it's good to see that the hearing impaired have a vast choice of ways to continue hearing comfortably and conveniently.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Have you heard...Hearing in any environment
Life was meant to be lived without limits. Everyday things such as water, dust or shock shouldn’t bring yours to a halt. With its tough build, impressive design, perfect engineering, and cutting-edge advancements, Aquaris™, the first truly waterproof hearing aid from Siemens, lets you actively enjoy every decibel of life to its fullest.
Waterproof
- Completely sealed housing shell and battery door
- IP57 certified: waterproof up to 3 feet (1m) (for 30 minutes)
- Custom-made soft ear mold for swimming
Sweat and dust resistant
- Efficiently repels dust, perspiration, and dirt
- Robust and moisture-resistant surface
- Watertight housing safeguards against corrosion
Shockproof
- Virtually shockproof thanks to ergonomic shape and soft-touch laquering
- Scratch-proof non-slip soft rubber surface
- Attachable Sport Clip for extra security
Innovative
- BestSound™ Technology for excellent sound clarity
- Unique materials and cutting-edge ideas ensure waterproof seal
- Connects seamlessly to Tek and miniTek wireless enhancement systems
Hearing comfortably and safely in every environment is available from Bexhill Hearing Centre from as little as £1800
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Have you heard...Loop systems
The Hearing Loop System is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. It is important to know how loop systems tie in with sound systems in general, since they are frequently used together. This article will also include guidance on how to specify your own loop system and other general aspects of loop systems.
Sound systems for use in public places are generally used to reinforce or relay sound to a hall, church or auditorium or to other parts of the building from some central point.
Sound is said to be reinforced when the audience can hear the original sound (eg from stage or rostrum) both directly and via the sound amplification system. Hence the term sound reinforcement.
Sound is said to be reinforced when the audience can hear the original sound (eg from stage or rostrum) both directly and via the sound amplification system. Hence the term sound reinforcement.
A sound system may also relay sound to areas of a building where the original performer, speaker or musician, cannot be heard without the use of the sound system. This may be used, for example, in a large sports arena or to relay speech or music to different parts of a building where the sound source is out of earshot. This type of a system is known as a public address system.
Any sound system may also incorporate a hearing loop system. Ideally they will be used together, as a fully integrated system.
A simple, complete sound system will comprise five main elements: at least one microphone, one sound amplifier, one loudspeaker, one induction loop driver and one induction loop cable.
How the Hearing Loop System works
- Sound is collected by one or more microphones.
- The very small electrical output from these microphones is mixed with any audio required (e.g. CD player) and fed to the Induction Loop amplifier, usually referred to as an induction loop driver.
- The loop amplifier drives a powerful current through the loop, which changes with the variations in the speech or music patterns. This sets up similar patterns of speech or music in the hearing aid by magnetic induction. The hearing aid must therefore be switched to 'T' when using a hearing loop.
- In this way, any sound picked up by the microphones or from other sound sources, whether speech or music, is heard directly and clearly in the hearing aid.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Have you heard...Rechargeable hearing aids
The Siemens eCharger
Most of Siemens hearing instruments (BTEs) are always ready to keep up with your busy lifestyle. That’s because you won’t have to stop to change batteries or dry your instruments. Just leave your BTE to the new battery charger to do it for you.
Many Siemens hearing instruments offer you unparalleled convenience: they run on standard batteries, as well as rechargeable ones. Simply place your instruments in the eCharger at night and after just 6 hours, they’re ready to work all day. Thanks to the new, improved battery charger, you’ll have no unwelcome surprises of batteries running out and no fumbling with your instruments. Now you can truly rest easy.
Most of Siemens hearing instruments (BTEs) are always ready to keep up with your busy lifestyle. That’s because you won’t have to stop to change batteries or dry your instruments. Just leave your BTE to the new battery charger to do it for you.
Six hours of rest is all it needs.
It dries while you dream.
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Siemens Xcel launch
On Thursday night both the Helliers attended the Siemens Xcel product launch at Bistro Live, Nottingham. The venue for the launch was kept secret right up until the last minute; two very sparkely stretch hummers arrived to pick the select group of audiologists up from their hotel and escort them in style to a local club where they were greeted by champagne and tribal drums.
Once everyone had arrived and seated, the official launch could begin.
We were told that the new XCEL was the new generation of BestSound Technology from Siemens, which introduces features which focus on key aspects of Better Hearing and Sound Comfort; effective Audibility and Sound Quality.
Not only will it provide effective Audibility which contributes to speech understanding without jeopardise sound quality; the Xcell will allow maximum spontaneous acceptance, as well as long-term hearing instrument satisfaction.
The new Xcel range includes upgraded models which may be recognised from the Siemens range such as the pure or motion, but also includes the all new Eclipse ITE, which is said to allow shallow impression taking without the occlusion affect; good news for dispensers and clients.
The night was rounded off with an brilliant 3 course meal, and equally fantastic entertainment from Siren and Tommy T and the Belletones.
Bexhill Hearing Centre is very much looking forward to trying out the new product range on our clients and seeing whether the claims come to fruition.
Once everyone had arrived and seated, the official launch could begin.
We were told that the new XCEL was the new generation of BestSound Technology from Siemens, which introduces features which focus on key aspects of Better Hearing and Sound Comfort; effective Audibility and Sound Quality.
Not only will it provide effective Audibility which contributes to speech understanding without jeopardise sound quality; the Xcell will allow maximum spontaneous acceptance, as well as long-term hearing instrument satisfaction.
The new Xcel range includes upgraded models which may be recognised from the Siemens range such as the pure or motion, but also includes the all new Eclipse ITE, which is said to allow shallow impression taking without the occlusion affect; good news for dispensers and clients.
The night was rounded off with an brilliant 3 course meal, and equally fantastic entertainment from Siren and Tommy T and the Belletones.
Bexhill Hearing Centre is very much looking forward to trying out the new product range on our clients and seeing whether the claims come to fruition.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Have you heard...Tinnitus
With no visible signs of what sufferers are going through, tinnitus can leave people feeling isolated and depressed. And with about one in ten people affected by tinnitus, there is a need for greater awareness among both the general public, and GPs specifically.
Typically referred to as a ‘ringing in the ears’, tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a noise when there is no external sound. What that noise is, can vary from person to person but can include ringing, whistling and buzzing. Sometimes the sound is continuous but sometimes it is sporadic.
But the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is concerned that GP awareness and training of the condition is not sufficient, leading to inconsistent and inadequate advice being given to patients.
In a study part funded by the BTA, a third of patients said they were dissatisfied with the treatment they had received from their GPs, citing their doctors’ lack of knowledge and insensitivity to living with tinnitus. Only 37 per cent of tinnitus patients were referred for further assistance.
David Stockdale, chief executive of the BTA, said: “Thousands of tinnitus patients are being short-changed by their GPs. They are being either completely dismissed, told to ‘learn to live with’ the condition and are being given inaccurate information, or are not being referred to tinnitus clinics for specialist care.”
The BTA is encouraging audiology consultants to host seminars for GPs to tell them about the services available in their hospitals. Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are different treatments and behavioural techniques that can help to alleviate the condition.
The precise cause of tinnitus is not known and can affect people of all ages, especially after being exposed to loud noise. Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hearing system, which increases the risk of getting tinnitus or can make it worse in those already suffering from the condition.
Hearing loss, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and post-traumatic stress disorder are all factors that can increase the risk of experiencing tinnitus.
Advice on how to manage tinnitus includes strategies such as:
Typically referred to as a ‘ringing in the ears’, tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a noise when there is no external sound. What that noise is, can vary from person to person but can include ringing, whistling and buzzing. Sometimes the sound is continuous but sometimes it is sporadic.
But the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is concerned that GP awareness and training of the condition is not sufficient, leading to inconsistent and inadequate advice being given to patients.
In a study part funded by the BTA, a third of patients said they were dissatisfied with the treatment they had received from their GPs, citing their doctors’ lack of knowledge and insensitivity to living with tinnitus. Only 37 per cent of tinnitus patients were referred for further assistance.
David Stockdale, chief executive of the BTA, said: “Thousands of tinnitus patients are being short-changed by their GPs. They are being either completely dismissed, told to ‘learn to live with’ the condition and are being given inaccurate information, or are not being referred to tinnitus clinics for specialist care.”
The BTA is encouraging audiology consultants to host seminars for GPs to tell them about the services available in their hospitals. Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are different treatments and behavioural techniques that can help to alleviate the condition.
The precise cause of tinnitus is not known and can affect people of all ages, especially after being exposed to loud noise. Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hearing system, which increases the risk of getting tinnitus or can make it worse in those already suffering from the condition.
Hearing loss, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and post-traumatic stress disorder are all factors that can increase the risk of experiencing tinnitus.
Advice on how to manage tinnitus includes strategies such as:
- Exercise - regular exercise boosts endorphins which improves your sense of well-being and lowers stress levels.
- Relaxation - stress exacerbates the experience of tinnitus so relaxing as much as possible helps; some specific techniques include acupuncture, homeopathy and reflexology.
- Music - listening to music can help as it distracts from the tinnitus noises, but avoid prolonged exposure to high-volume levels, which can make it worse.
- Diet - if you are healthier and fitter it can make you feel better when you experience tinnitus. Stick to soft drinks and herbal teas, and keep well hydrated.
- Products - sound therapy systems, mood lights, pillow speakers and relaxation CDs can all help.
- Support groups - join a tinnitus support group in your area.
- Family and friends - make sure your family and friends understand tinnitus; the more they know, the more they can help and support you.
- Expert help - The BTA’s freephone helpline 0800 018 0527 and website www.tinnitus.org.uk offers more advice and help
Friday, 11 May 2012
Have you heard...Ear Wax
Earwax is a waxy material that is produced by sebaceous glands inside the ear. It cleans, lubricates and protects the lining of the ear by trapping dirt and repelling water.
Earwax is slightly acidic and has antibacterial properties. Without earwax, the skin inside your ear would become dry, cracked, infected or waterlogged and sore.
Earwax can be wet or dry and hard or soft. Soft earwax is more common in children and hard earwax is more likely to cause problems. Dry earwax is golden and flaky and more common in people of Asian origin.
Having repeated ear infections, flaky skin near your ear, or hair in your ear canals can also put you at risk of developing problems with your earwax.
Every year in the UK, over two million people have problems with earwax and need it removed.
To reduce your risk of developing problems with your ears, avoid putting objects in your ears, such as cotton buds, matchsticks and hairpins.
As well as risking damage to your ear canal or eardrum, sticking things in your ears can result in earwax becoming lodged in your ear canal.
Earwax can usually be removed using eardrops. If eardrops don't work, another treatment called ear irrigation may be recommended. It involves using a pressurised flow of water to remove the build-up of earwax.
Do not attempt to remove earwax yourself, without first speaking to your GP.
Earwax is slightly acidic and has antibacterial properties. Without earwax, the skin inside your ear would become dry, cracked, infected or waterlogged and sore.
Earwax can be wet or dry and hard or soft. Soft earwax is more common in children and hard earwax is more likely to cause problems. Dry earwax is golden and flaky and more common in people of Asian origin.
Earwax problems
Earwax doesn't usually cause problems. However, producing too much earwax can lead to a blocked and painful ear or hearing loss.Having repeated ear infections, flaky skin near your ear, or hair in your ear canals can also put you at risk of developing problems with your earwax.
Every year in the UK, over two million people have problems with earwax and need it removed.
To reduce your risk of developing problems with your ears, avoid putting objects in your ears, such as cotton buds, matchsticks and hairpins.
As well as risking damage to your ear canal or eardrum, sticking things in your ears can result in earwax becoming lodged in your ear canal.
When to see your GP
Visit your GP if you are having problems with earwax. If you have a large amount of earwax, it may need to be removed.Earwax can usually be removed using eardrops. If eardrops don't work, another treatment called ear irrigation may be recommended. It involves using a pressurised flow of water to remove the build-up of earwax.
Do not attempt to remove earwax yourself, without first speaking to your GP.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Have you heard...History of Hearing Aids
The first documented evidence of the existence and use of a hearing aid dates back to the 16th century. Its inventor is unknown but many sources from that time discuss several hearing aid devices. In 1588, in his book Magia Naturalis, Giovanni Porta describes hearing aids in the form of animal ears. Later on, other sources talk about horns, trumpets, speaking tubes and various devices worn around the body. However, these were hardly mass manufactured but more likely custom made for specific clients.
In 1800, Frederick C. Rein established in London the first company for commercial manufacture of hearing aids. The hearing aids he offered were non-electric and include acoustic urns, speaking tubes and ear trumpets.
Soon after, in 1836, Alphonsus William Webster patented a curved earpiece worn behind the ear, known as the first British patent for a hearing aid. Even more patents were issued in the upcoming decades. One belonged to James A. Maloney for his ear trumpet with a diaphragm earpiece in 1887. With the beginning of the 20th century hearing aid research and the associated industry developed rapidly. In 1923, vacuum tube hearing aids were introduced and in 1934 they were upgraded to operate with batteries.
In the early 1950s, the vacuum tube hearing aids were replaced with the transistor hearing aids. These led on to the development of the behind the ear and the eyeglass temples models, which in 1954 were already electronic. In 1955, in the ear hearing aid was introduced.
From the 1970s onwards, the hearing aid models began to resemble the modern devices for hearing impairment we know today. The introduction of the electret/FET microphone played an important role in every hearing aid thatmeant that the receiver and the microphone could be kept in one case as forbehind the ear, in the ear and in the canal hearing aids.
The invention of in the canal hearing aid in 1983 was followed by the completely in the canal hearing aid introduced in 1993. Soon after, in 1996, the first successful digital hearing aid device was a fact.
By 2005, 90% of the hearing aid fittings used digital signal processing technology as opposed to the analogue technology.
Nowadays, hearing aids are various and come in many different shapes and sizes including behind the ear, in the ear, in the canal, completely in the canal, open fits, receiver in the ear, body worn, bone conduction, CROS, BiCROS and disposable hearing aids.
In 1800, Frederick C. Rein established in London the first company for commercial manufacture of hearing aids. The hearing aids he offered were non-electric and include acoustic urns, speaking tubes and ear trumpets.
Soon after, in 1836, Alphonsus William Webster patented a curved earpiece worn behind the ear, known as the first British patent for a hearing aid. Even more patents were issued in the upcoming decades. One belonged to James A. Maloney for his ear trumpet with a diaphragm earpiece in 1887. With the beginning of the 20th century hearing aid research and the associated industry developed rapidly. In 1923, vacuum tube hearing aids were introduced and in 1934 they were upgraded to operate with batteries.
In the early 1950s, the vacuum tube hearing aids were replaced with the transistor hearing aids. These led on to the development of the behind the ear and the eyeglass temples models, which in 1954 were already electronic. In 1955, in the ear hearing aid was introduced.
From the 1970s onwards, the hearing aid models began to resemble the modern devices for hearing impairment we know today. The introduction of the electret/FET microphone played an important role in every hearing aid thatmeant that the receiver and the microphone could be kept in one case as forbehind the ear, in the ear and in the canal hearing aids.
The invention of in the canal hearing aid in 1983 was followed by the completely in the canal hearing aid introduced in 1993. Soon after, in 1996, the first successful digital hearing aid device was a fact.
By 2005, 90% of the hearing aid fittings used digital signal processing technology as opposed to the analogue technology.
Nowadays, hearing aids are various and come in many different shapes and sizes including behind the ear, in the ear, in the canal, completely in the canal, open fits, receiver in the ear, body worn, bone conduction, CROS, BiCROS and disposable hearing aids.
Monday, 30 April 2012
New research could forge future cure for hearing loss
New research funded by Action on Hearing Loss has brought scientists closer to being able to trigger the regeneration of damaged cells in the inner ear and gives hope to the 10 million people in the UK affected by a hearing loss that a cure can be found.
Most hearing loss is caused by the loss of sensory hair cells in the inner ear that detect sound vibrations. The human ear cannot replace these cells, so hearing loss is permanent - but remarkably, zebrafish can regenerate these cells and were used in the study to discover drugs that may lead to the restoration of hearing.
Researchers tested 1680 different drugs and discovered two that enhance the regeneration of sensory hair cells in zebrafish and six drugs that block or slow regeneration.
Professor Rubel who led the study at University of Washington said: ‘This study demonstrates that it is possible to screen large libraries of compounds to find drugs and drug targets that influence hair cell regeneration. It provides some useful targets for future studies. Moreover, it demonstrated the usefulness of and extension of this approach to screen a much wider range of compounds.’
‘Discovering compounds or drugs able to influence regeneration is important as it will help us understand the biological processes involved, providing clues as to how we might be able to trigger regeneration in the human ear. The drugs discovered so far have been shown to interfere with cell division suggesting that the ability of cells to divide in a damaged ear will be key to triggering regeneration.’
Dr Ralph Holme, Head of Biomedical Research at Action on Hearing Loss said: ‘We are very excited by this research as it opens the door to the possibility that drugs able to trigger the regeneration of hair cells in the inner ear will be found in the future, revolutionising the way hearing loss is currently treated.’
Most hearing loss is caused by the loss of sensory hair cells in the inner ear that detect sound vibrations. The human ear cannot replace these cells, so hearing loss is permanent - but remarkably, zebrafish can regenerate these cells and were used in the study to discover drugs that may lead to the restoration of hearing.
Researchers tested 1680 different drugs and discovered two that enhance the regeneration of sensory hair cells in zebrafish and six drugs that block or slow regeneration.
Professor Rubel who led the study at University of Washington said: ‘This study demonstrates that it is possible to screen large libraries of compounds to find drugs and drug targets that influence hair cell regeneration. It provides some useful targets for future studies. Moreover, it demonstrated the usefulness of and extension of this approach to screen a much wider range of compounds.’
‘Discovering compounds or drugs able to influence regeneration is important as it will help us understand the biological processes involved, providing clues as to how we might be able to trigger regeneration in the human ear. The drugs discovered so far have been shown to interfere with cell division suggesting that the ability of cells to divide in a damaged ear will be key to triggering regeneration.’
Dr Ralph Holme, Head of Biomedical Research at Action on Hearing Loss said: ‘We are very excited by this research as it opens the door to the possibility that drugs able to trigger the regeneration of hair cells in the inner ear will be found in the future, revolutionising the way hearing loss is currently treated.’
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Have You Heard...Hearing Loss
Hearing loss, or deafness, is the partial or total inability to hear sound in one or both ears.
The human ear is amazing. It is one of the smallest and most complex organs in the body, capable of turning the tiniest disturbances in air molecules into a form the brain can understand - and doing so instantaneously, over an enormous range of pitch and loudness. Considering the ear's delicacy, it is remarkably resilient. Nevertheless, illness or injury can impair our ability to hear properly.
In recent years, substantial advances have made it possible to determine the cause of hearing impairment in nearly all cases, and to treat the hearing loss in many ears.
Hearing loss makes even routine communication difficult. High frequency hearing loss often involves loss of ability to hear consonants such as s, f, t, and z, even though vowels can be heard normally. Consequently, people hear but cannot make out what is being said.
This may result in frustration, withdrawal from social activities, depression, and marital discord. People lose the ability to take in the sounds like bird songs, rustling of leaves, and the voices of children. In general, these infringements on the quality of life can be overcome through medical or surgical treatment or with hearing aids.
When hearing loss occurs early in childhood, its devastating consequences are more obvious than when it occurs late in life. A hearing deficit in infants can interfere with psychological, emotional, and speech development. It also makes learning a mammoth task and can cause frustration or isolation.
Even more mild forms of hearing loss early in life can cause great difficulties, including poor attention and bad grades in school. Frequently, such children are considered "not too bright," before anyone realizes that a hearing loss is present. When it is corrected, the changes in the child's performance, attitude, and interactions are often remarkable.
The human ear is amazing. It is one of the smallest and most complex organs in the body, capable of turning the tiniest disturbances in air molecules into a form the brain can understand - and doing so instantaneously, over an enormous range of pitch and loudness. Considering the ear's delicacy, it is remarkably resilient. Nevertheless, illness or injury can impair our ability to hear properly.
In recent years, substantial advances have made it possible to determine the cause of hearing impairment in nearly all cases, and to treat the hearing loss in many ears.
How Does Hearing Loss Affect One's Life?
Virtually no condition in medicine can have as profound an effect on quality of life as even moderate hearing loss in some people.Hearing loss makes even routine communication difficult. High frequency hearing loss often involves loss of ability to hear consonants such as s, f, t, and z, even though vowels can be heard normally. Consequently, people hear but cannot make out what is being said.
This may result in frustration, withdrawal from social activities, depression, and marital discord. People lose the ability to take in the sounds like bird songs, rustling of leaves, and the voices of children. In general, these infringements on the quality of life can be overcome through medical or surgical treatment or with hearing aids.
When hearing loss occurs early in childhood, its devastating consequences are more obvious than when it occurs late in life. A hearing deficit in infants can interfere with psychological, emotional, and speech development. It also makes learning a mammoth task and can cause frustration or isolation.
Even more mild forms of hearing loss early in life can cause great difficulties, including poor attention and bad grades in school. Frequently, such children are considered "not too bright," before anyone realizes that a hearing loss is present. When it is corrected, the changes in the child's performance, attitude, and interactions are often remarkable.
Key facts
- In 2004, over 275 million people globally had moderate-to-profound hearing impairment, 80% of them in low- and middle-income countries.
- Infectious diseases such as meningitis, measles, mumps and chronic ear infections can lead to hearing impairment. Other common causes include exposure to excessive noise, head and ear injury, ageing and the use of ototoxic drugs.
- Half of all cases of deafness and hearing impairment are avoidable through primary prevention.
- A large percentage can be treated through early diagnosis and suitable management.
- Depending on the cause of hearing loss, it may be treated medically, surgically or through devices such as hearing aids and Cochlear Implants.
- Production of hearing aids meets less than 10% of global need. In developing countries, fewer than 1 out of 40 people who need a hearing aid have one.
Monday, 23 April 2012
Newspaper information piece; "Have You Heard"
Each and every single week from Friday 27th onwards Bexhill Hearing Centre will be dispensing a little bit of knowledge in the Bexhill, Hastings, Rye and Battle Observers as well as the local Resident. Tiny snippets of information about the world of hearing, to remind our customers that our knowledge and advice is always available.
From the latest audio technology to hearing loss management, there will be something for everyone, whether you suffer from a hearing loss or not.
Items to be covered in the first 6 weeks include: (in no particular order)
Hearing loss; why it happens
Ear Wax maintenance
History of Hearing Aids
Coping with Tinnitus
Waterproof Hearing
Ototoxicity
We are hoping that the articles will become Blog like, allowing the public to follow the story. They will also be teamed up with further information here and on our website (www.BexhillHearingCentre.com) so that more complete information can be provided.
From the latest audio technology to hearing loss management, there will be something for everyone, whether you suffer from a hearing loss or not.
Items to be covered in the first 6 weeks include: (in no particular order)
Hearing loss; why it happens
Ear Wax maintenance
History of Hearing Aids
Coping with Tinnitus
Waterproof Hearing
Ototoxicity
We are hoping that the articles will become Blog like, allowing the public to follow the story. They will also be teamed up with further information here and on our website (www.BexhillHearingCentre.com) so that more complete information can be provided.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Famous quotes from history about Hearing
George Bernard Shaw
That is what all poets do: they talk to themselves out loud; and the world overhears them. But it’s horribly lonely not to hear someone else talk sometimes. "(Marchbanks, in Candida)
Bible
Does not the ear test words, as the palate tastes its food? - Job 12:11Pete Townshend
I have unwittingly helped to invent and refine a type of music that makes its principal components deaf. Hearing loss is a terrible thing because it cannot be repaired.Samuel Johnson
"In order that all men may be taught to speak the truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it."
Bible
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. - Mark, 4:9Mark Antony
"Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears."
Beethoven
"Oh you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn, or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you. Oh how harshly was I flung back by the doubly sad experience of my bad hearing."
"But what a humiliation for me when someone standing next to me heard a flute in the distance and I heard nothing, or someone standing next to me heard a shepherd singing and again I heard nothing. Such incidents drove me almost to despair; a little more of that and I would have ended my life - it was only my art that held me back. "
Monday, 16 April 2012
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Tinnitus - "Just ignore it"
With no visible signs of what sufferers are going through, tinnitus can leave people feeling isolated and depressed. And with about one in ten people affected by tinnitus, there is a need for greater awareness among both the general public, and GPs specifically.
Typically referred to as a ‘ringing in the ears’, tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a noise when there is no external sound. What that noise is, can vary from person to person but can include ringing, whistling and buzzing. Sometimes the sound is continuous but sometimes it is sporadic.
But the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is concerned that GP awareness and training of the condition is not sufficient, leading to inconsistent and inadequate advice being given to patients.
In a study part funded by the BTA, a third of patients said they were dissatisfied with the treatment they had received from their GPs, citing their doctors’ lack of knowledge and insensitivity to living with tinnitus. Only 37 per cent of tinnitus patients were referred for further assistance.
David Stockdale, chief executive of the BTA, said: “Thousands of tinnitus patients are being short-changed by their GPs. They are being either completely dismissed, told to ‘learn to live with’ the condition and are being given inaccurate information, or are not being referred to tinnitus clinics for specialist care.”
The BTA is encouraging audiology consultants to host seminars for GPs to tell them about the services available in their hospitals. Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are different treatments and behavioural techniques that can help to alleviate the condition.
The precise cause of tinnitus is not known and can affect people of all ages, especially after being exposed to loud noise. Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hearing system, which increases the risk of getting tinnitus or can make it worse in those already suffering from the condition.
Hearing loss, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and post-traumatic stress disorder are all factors that can increase the risk of experiencing tinnitus.
Advice on how to manage tinnitus includes strategies such as:
Typically referred to as a ‘ringing in the ears’, tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a noise when there is no external sound. What that noise is, can vary from person to person but can include ringing, whistling and buzzing. Sometimes the sound is continuous but sometimes it is sporadic.
But the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is concerned that GP awareness and training of the condition is not sufficient, leading to inconsistent and inadequate advice being given to patients.
In a study part funded by the BTA, a third of patients said they were dissatisfied with the treatment they had received from their GPs, citing their doctors’ lack of knowledge and insensitivity to living with tinnitus. Only 37 per cent of tinnitus patients were referred for further assistance.
David Stockdale, chief executive of the BTA, said: “Thousands of tinnitus patients are being short-changed by their GPs. They are being either completely dismissed, told to ‘learn to live with’ the condition and are being given inaccurate information, or are not being referred to tinnitus clinics for specialist care.”
The BTA is encouraging audiology consultants to host seminars for GPs to tell them about the services available in their hospitals. Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are different treatments and behavioural techniques that can help to alleviate the condition.
The precise cause of tinnitus is not known and can affect people of all ages, especially after being exposed to loud noise. Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hearing system, which increases the risk of getting tinnitus or can make it worse in those already suffering from the condition.
Hearing loss, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and post-traumatic stress disorder are all factors that can increase the risk of experiencing tinnitus.
Advice on how to manage tinnitus includes strategies such as:
- Exercise - regular exercise boosts endorphins which improves your sense of well-being and lowers stress levels.
- Relaxation - stress exacerbates the experience of tinnitus so relaxing as much as possible helps; some specific techniques include acupuncture, homeopathy and reflexology.
- Music - listening to music can help as it distracts from the tinnitus noises, but avoid prolonged exposure to high-volume levels, which can make it worse.
- Diet - if you are healthier and fitter it can make you feel better when you experience tinnitus. Stick to soft drinks and herbal teas, and keep well hydrated.
- Products - sound therapy systems, mood lights, pillow speakers and relaxation CDs can all help.
- Support groups - join a tinnitus support group in your area.
- Family and friends - make sure your family and friends understand tinnitus; the more they know, the more they can help and support you.
- Expert help - The BTA’s freephone helpline 0800 018 0527 and website www.tinnitus.org.uk offers more advice and help
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