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Stay engaged: How better hearing keeps you connected to the world

Ealing Hearing Centre • March 5, 2024

As an audiologist, I have seen how hearing loss can affect people's quality of life. Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others, enjoy social activities, and stay informed about what is happening around you. It can also lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and depression.


But hearing loss does not have to limit your engagement with the world. There are many ways to improve your hearing and enhance your listening experience. In this blog post, I will share some tips and advice on how to stay engaged with the world through better hearing.


Tip 1: Get your hearing checked regularly


The first step to better hearing is to know your hearing status. Many people are unaware that they have hearing loss, or they may ignore the signs and symptoms. Some common signs of hearing loss are:

- Having trouble hearing people on the phone or in noisy environments

- Asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder

- Turning up the volume on the TV or radio

- Missing out on sounds like birdsong, doorbells, or alarms

- Feeling tired or stressed after listening for a long time


If you notice any of these signs, or if you have a family history of hearing loss, you should get your hearing checked by a qualified audiologist. An audiologist like me, can perform a comprehensive hearing test and diagnose the type and degree of your hearing loss. They can also recommend the best treatment options for your specific needs and preferences.

 

Tip 2: Use hearing aids or other assistive devices


One of the most effective ways to improve your hearing is to use hearing aids or other assistive devices. Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sounds and deliver them to your ears. They can help you hear better in various situations, such as conversations, meetings, lectures, music, and TV.


Hearing aids come in different styles, sizes, and features. Some are worn behind the ear, some are inserted in the ear canal, and some are even invisible. Some have wireless connectivity, noise reduction, feedback cancellation, directional microphones, and rechargeable batteries. Some can be controlled by a smartphone app or a remote control.


The best way to find the right hearing aid for you is to consult with an audiologist. They can help you choose a hearing aid that suits your lifestyle, budget, and cosmetic preferences. They can also fit and program the hearing aid for optimal performance and comfort. Ask me for more advice and tips!


Other assistive devices that can help you hear better include:


- Amplified phones that make the caller's voice louder and clearer

- TV listeners that allow you to adjust the volume and tone of the TV sound without disturbing others

- Loop systems that transmit sound from a microphone or speaker directly to your hearing aid or cochlear implant

- Alerting devices that use flashing lights or vibrations to notify you of sounds like doorbells, smoke alarms, or baby cries


Tip 3: Practice good communication strategies


Another way to improve your hearing is to practice good communication strategies. These are techniques that can help you communicate more effectively with others, especially in challenging listening situations. Some examples of good communication strategies are:


- Choose a quiet and well-lit place for conversation

- Face the speaker and maintain eye contact

- Ask the speaker to speak clearly and at a normal pace

- Use visual cues like gestures, facial expressions, and lip reading

- Repeat or rephrase what you heard to confirm understanding

- Ask for clarification or repetition if you miss something

- Avoid interrupting or finishing the speaker's sentences

- Be honest and assertive about your hearing needs


Tip 4: Stay active and social


The final tip to stay engaged with the world through better hearing is to stay active and social. Hearing loss can make you feel isolated and withdrawn from others, but it is important to maintain your social connections and hobbies. Research has shown that staying socially active can improve your mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.


Some ways to stay active and social with hearing loss are:


- Join a support group or a club for people with hearing loss

- Participate in activities that you enjoy, such as sports, arts, music, or volunteering

- Learn new skills or hobbies that stimulate your brain and creativity

- Seek professional help if you experience anxiety or depression due to hearing loss


Hearing loss can affect your engagement with the world, but it does not have to stop you from living a fulfilling life. By following these tips and advice, you can improve your hearing and enhance your listening experience. You can also stay connected with your family, friends, and community.


If you have any questions or concerns about your hearing, please do not hesitate to contact me, Sukhina, here at Ealing Hearing Centre. I am here to help you hear better and live better.

Love Your Hearing This February: A Perfect Time to Prioritise Your Hearing Health

By Sukhina Sidhu • February 15, 2025
February is the month of love, and there’s no better time to show yourself some love by prioritising your hearing health. At Ealing Hearing, we believe that good hearing is a vital part of living your best life – whether it’s enjoying meaningful conversations, listening to your favourite music, or experiencing the world around you. It’s easy to take your hearing for granted, but just like your heart or your eyes, it needs attention and care to stay in top shape. Why You Should Love Your Hearing Your hearing health plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Studies show that untreated hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression. Yet, many people wait years before seeking help. Don't wait for your hearing to get worse – taking care of it early on can make a huge difference to your quality of life. The Benefits of Early Intervention By having a hearing check-up now, you can catch any potential problems before they get worse. Early intervention can improve communication, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and enhance your emotional well-being. Hearing aids and other solutions can dramatically improve your ability to engage with loved ones, take part in social activities, and stay active in your community. We are a tribal species so it’s vital to keep in contact with others for optimum health! At Ealing Hearing, we offer professional assessments, and a range of solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for hearing aids, advice on how to protect your hearing, or simply want to learn more about your hearing health, we are here to help. Take Action This February This February, give yourself the gift of better hearing. It’s simple – book an appointment with Ealing Hearing Centre today and discover how we can help you hear the world around you more clearly. Our family-run, experienced team are dedicated to providing you with the best care, personalised to your hearing needs. Don’t wait – your hearing deserves love too! Call us today to schedule your consultation. Alternatively, you can book an appointment by emailing us or visiting our website for more information (LINK) Hearing well, living well – show your ears some love this February.

How To Enjoy Concerts and Clubs Without Hearing Loss

By Sukhina Sidhu • January 15, 2025
Have you ever experienced a constant ringing in your ears while you're out at a concert venue? Everything sounds muffled; you talk loudly, practically shouting at your friends because you can't understand them. You know this isn't normal—it's temporary hearing damage. Is it possible to enjoy loud music at a concert or club without experiencing some hearing loss? Yes, you can have fun at your favourite club or venue and still protect your hearing! Here are a few simple tips to help keep your hearing safe while having fun. Carry Reusable Earplugs Reusable earplugs are they're designed so they muffle sounds for clubbers and musicians. They're generally pretty inexpensive, and they make the loud atmosphere safer for your ears without stopping you from hearing the music. If you're attending a music festival or an event with fireworks, you can also purchase ear defenders for your children. Get Away From Speakers Don't stay close to booming speakers. Remember that they're the primary source of loud noises. Dancing too close puts you at risk of suffering permanent hearing damage. Avoid standing directly in front of loud instruments or amplifiers for the same reason. Take Regular Breaks If you're planning to stay in a noisy club or arena for a long time, take regular breaks. This will give your ears a much-needed break. Take advantage of chillout zones which are usually available at concert venues. The zones will provide your ears with a little respite from the booming noise. If there are no chillout zones, plan to leave the venue at specific intervals or even swing by the restroom and take a break. Avoid Shouting If you’re in a loud club atmosphere, don’t add to the noise by shouting. Instead, speak slowly as you usually do. This is healthy for your ears, and it's also beneficial for others' hearing. Allow Recovery Time After being in a loud environment for a long time, give your ears sufficient time to recover. Stay away from a noisy environment for a minimum of 18 hours. If you have to remain in a loud atmosphere for extended periods, make sure you have your earplugs ready! Exercise Regularly Did you know that regular exercise is excellent for our hearing? Yup! taking regular aerobic exercise significantly increases blood flow to the ear. In turn, this helps to reduce hearing loss. If you're planning on going to a weekend concert, maybe it's time to start running a few weeks before. Know the Setlist Improve your concert experience by researching the setlist before the performance. You can email the concert venue and ask. That way, you can anticipate songs scheduled to come up next. That way, you know when to take a break or when that extra loud song is coming on. Get in touch with Sid, Sukhina and the team to find out more

Hearing Aid Solutions

By Sukhina Sidhu • December 15, 2024
You may not think that hearing aids have accessories available. Guess what? There are so many to choose from! Hearing aids have all kinds of bits and bobs to go with them; let’s explore some hearing accessories.  Hearing Aid Accessories TV Streaming Devices People suffering from hearing loss often turn up the TV until they can hear it. The problem is that the volume they find comfortable is way too loud for people who don’t have hearing troubles. So instead of constantly dealing with the volume being too quiet or too loud, make it so everyone can be comfortable. TV streaming systems allow each person with hearing aids to set the volume for themselves. Most systems have a pretty good range too. You do not have to sit right in front of the TV all the time. You can walk away for a bit and still keep your hearing aids connected. Wireless Transmitting Microphone Sometimes hearing aids need a boost to give people the best hearing experience. Wireless microphones help send audio directly to a person’s hearing aids and reduce background noise. These devices are beneficial in areas with a lot of background noise, such as: ● Restaurants or Cafés ● Small group conversations ● One-on-one conversations ● Class lectures ● Outdoor and indoor activities ● Watching TV ● Phone calls ● Audio/voice from the computer, radio, or other devices Alarm Clocks Hearing aid accessory companies have developed alarm clocks for the hearing impaired. Instead of worrying about getting up on time, your alarm clock can do more than ring in the morning. With Bluetooth connectivity, if you sleep with your hearing aids, such as in-the-ear and in-the-canal hearing aids, you can hear your alarm in real-time. If you don’t sleep with your hearing aids, you can get alarm clocks features that have vibrations, sounds, and lights. The multiple variations of nose and light will help reach through the sleepy fuzz to wake you up. Accessories to Fit Your Life There are all kinds of accessories for hearing aids. Some of the accessories work in connection with your hearing aid to help it perform better. Other products do their best to improve the life of your hearing aid. In addition, other accessories use light and vibration to alert you. Hearing aids are not the bulky things they used to be. There has been many technological advancements, and there will continue to be more breakthroughs making your life more enjoyable. Please get in touch so we can tell you more!
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