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The First Signs Of Hearing Loss

'Hearing issues start subtly, make sure you look for the early signs'

What are the first signs of hearing loss?

Hearing loss can occur at any age, but usually, our hearing begins to deteriorate as we get older. It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint exactly when our hearing became less sharp and we miss those early warning signs that could help us to protect our hearing health with support, advice and intervention from an audiologist.

Below we explore what hearing loss is, the first signs of hearing loss, the symptoms of hearing loss, why it happens and what you can do if you have any symptoms. We hope you find this information informative and reassuring.

Types of hearing loss?

Hearing loss can be permanent or it can be temporary. In most cases hearing loss develops over a long period of time, meaning that many people do not realise they are suffering from hearing loss until the loss is quite profound. In some cases, hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus (whistling noises in the ear), and even vertigo, which is when you feel dizzy. The important thing to remember is that hearing loss affects everyone in a different way.

First signs of hearing loss

Those first early signs of hearing loss can be difficult for you to detect, especially if they come on gradually. In most cases, it is family members who will first notice that there may be a problem with your hearing. Some of the early signs that you should look out for are listed below.

Sounds and voices do not seem as clear as they once did, and may seem muffled.

You may misunderstand what people are saying to you. This is usually more noticeable in crowded or busy places.

You notice that you have to ask people to repeat what they have just said.

The volume on the TV or radio needs to be higher than usual so that you can hear it clearly.

You prefer not to use the telephone due to difficulty in holding a conversation.

You find yourself having to concentrate on talking with others.

You now need to read lips, rather than faces as you talk.

Signs of hearing loss in one ear

Sometimes hearing loss can appear in one ear, with the remaining ear being unaffected. The early signs of this type of hearing loss can be a lot more difficult to identify. You may notice that you hear less when facing one particular side, or you may notice that sound just generally seems to be quieter. One of the most common symptoms of hearing loss in one ear is not knowing which direction a sound is being heard, in relation to where you are, so from the left or right. Other signs include difficulty in having a conversation in noisy places such as pubs or shopping centres and finding that speech sounds muffled.

What causes hearing loss?

So what exactly causes hearing loss? There are four main reasons for hearing loss that are explained below.

The inner ear is damaged, which usually occurs with age and when you have been subjected to years of loud noises, either at work or through the use of headphones or background noise. The cochlea has tiny nerve cells that send messages to the brain. When these are damaged then these signals can no longer be sent, resulting in hearing loss. This type of damage usually happens slowly over the years.

A lot of wax in the ear canal can result in gradual hearing loss, as sound waves cannot penetrate through to the inner ear. Fortunately, this type of hearing loss is usually temporary as the wax can be removed.

An ear infection is another big reason for hearing loss. This usually occurs in the middle ear. Once the infection has been cleared up with antibiotics, the hearing should return to normal, if dealt with quickly enough.

A ruptured eardrum is painful and is usually the result of loud and sudden noise or change in air pressure. The eardrum should repair itself in around 4 weeks and hearing will return to normal.

Risk factors associated with hearing loss

There are several risk factors associated with hearing loss. Knowing these factors may help you to recognise early on when there is a problem with your hearing.

Age obviously plays a role in hearing health and hearing loss. The inner ear will suffer wear and tear as we age and this can be made worse when subjected to loud environmental noises.

Genetics can also play a role in hearing loss. So if your mother, father or grandparents suffered from hearing loss, then you are at a greater risk of developing hearing loss.

Your type of job and where you work can also cause gradual hearing loss that leads to the symptoms we discussed above. Working in the construction industry is one high-risk job associated with hearing loss.

Prolonged use of certain medication can also cause hearing loss. These include gentamicin (an antibiotic) and Viagra. Some medications can cause tinnitus and temporary hearing loss, such as loop diuretics (water tablets).

What to do if you have symptoms of hearing loss

So, now you know the first signs of hearing loss, and what causes them. But, what are the next steps? Well, the next step should be to see your GP who will probably then refer you to an audiologist. Just be warned though that this usually entails a long waiting time, which could stretch as far as six months. Another option is to see an independent, local audiologist, who can carry out a hearing assessment and then advise you on the best form of treatment for your particular condition. This treatment will depend on what is causing the hearing loss.

Hearing loss due to building up of ear wax

A build-up of ear wax can be easily treated with irrigation. This is when warm water is poured into the ear canal to flush the wax out. You usually have to put olive oil into the ear first, for several days before this procedure to soften the wax, which makes removal that much easier. Sometimes a gentle vacuum is used. This is painless and is used for more stubborn ear wax.

Hearing aids

These are many different types of hearing aid to choose from. All of which amplify sound. The two types available are in-ear and behind the ear hearing aids, and today these devices are incredibly small. Some types of hearing aid can even be made to appear invisible in the ear canal. The style and type of hearing aid can be customized to meet your exact needs.

Many people assume that they simply have to live with hearing loss, but this simply isn’t true. There is so much help and support out there that will enable you to hear as much as possible. One of the first steps is to see an audiologist who can assess your ear health and diagnose any problems that you may have. We offer free audiologist appointments at a time and place that suits you, even in your own home. You can book an appointment with us online, via the online form. For further information please do browse our website and don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

Become one of our happy customers, don’t just take our word for it.

The post The First Signs Of Hearing Loss appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Why is my hearing muffled?

7 Reasons Why You May Have Muffled Hearing

There are few things in life more alarming than realising you are losing your hearing.

It is something we rely heavily on every single day, something we take for granted but ultimately something that is painfully fragile. Around the world, almost 500 million people suffer from hearing loss and the World Health Organisation expects that number to rise to almost 1 billion people by 2050 – by then, one-tenth of the population.

The great danger of hearing loss is that it sneaks up on us and by the time we realise we are suffering from muffled hearing it can be too late to rectify it fully. How do you know it is happening to you though? What are the symptoms and what are the best forms of treatment if you do think you are suffering from hearing loss?

Well, you can start by doing your own hearing test on yourself. Ask yourself if you are gradually turning up the volume on your devices or on the TV – is that something you can measure and keep track of? What about ringing in your ears or tinnitus, to give it its medical name? That is another classic sign of a potential problem.

Or do one or both of your ears feel full, almost as if they have been stuffed full of cotton wool?

If you have some or all of those symptoms, then it’s likely you are suffering from muffled hearing. Now, damage to your hearing can be a generic issue, it can be down to an ear infection or recurrent ear infections. It can be down to the simple fact that you have mistreated your ears and exposed them to excessive noise. And sometimes it can simply be down to old age.

Action On Hearing says that in the UK alone, there are around 11 million people with some form hearing loss, 50,000 of them children. While around 900,000 UK residents have, what is classed as, severe or profound hearing loss.

More often than not the cause comes down to ear wax or another form of obstruction in the ear. But let’s look in more detail at what might be causing muffled ear. And the symptoms that might help you recognise it.

1.Abnormal growths

One of the many reasons you may have muffled ear is because your ear is blocked by wax, by some kind of fluid trapped in your ear or by a small tumour called a cholesteatoma. These are made are non-cancerous and tend to be made up of tissue or skin and it usually occurs close to the eardrum. The best way to recognise it, is firstly that it is likely to affect one, rather than both ears. You may also notice a discharge of fluid from the ear, that can sometimes carry with it an unpleasant smell. Your ear, as with most cases of muffled ear, will feel full or as if you need to pop it (as when you are on a plane) and you may also be suffering from tinnitus.

If you leave the problem and hope it goes anyway on its own, it is likely to worsen and the symptoms can develop, with muscle weakness on the affected side of your face being one to watch out for, as well as problems with your balance and potential feelings of dizziness. If you think any of the symptoms apply to you then please contact your GP for a check-up because if left this can become a serious problem.

2. Ear Barotrauma

Do you travel a lot? If so, you may have that feeling that even when you get off a plane you can’t quite release the pressure in your ears to get it back to normal. This is a well-known condition and occurs when the eustachian tubes that connect your ears to your sinuses get blocked by something. That may be because you are blowing your nose too hard, forcing fluid into that system or it could just be bad luck. But once those tubes are blocked, they don’t handle changes in pressure very well at all because your middle ear is essentially blocked.

When this happens, it is known as ear barotrauma and can last for a few days or for much longer, if you are unlucky. The main symptoms are that feeling of pressure in your ear and sometimes that extends to pain in your ear caused by the pressure building. It is often something that kids experience more readily than adults simply because their tubes are narrower and more easily blocked. If your symptoms last for more than a week after a flight or if you have been diving while on holiday, then go and see your GP.

3. Ear Infections

These are the most common and widespread reason that we end up with muffled hearing. These can be caused by common colds and viruses, blocked noses and flu that then lead to problems in the ear. Most of us will have experienced an ear infection at one time or another and will recognise symptoms such as inflammation of the ear, feeling genuinely unwell and running a high temperature. On most occasions, the infection will pass without the need for antibiotics but if you do find the problem lingering on then do visit your GP because infections can cause long term problems.

4. Perforated or burst eardrum

This is a serious issue and one that may require surgery to fix the tear or hole in your eardrum. There are two types of operation that you can have to put this condition right. The first is to patch it up, with something called a myringoplasty, a relatively minor operation that can be done with only a local anaesthetic. The more serious procedure is a tympanoplasty which is needed for more serious damage and requires a general anaesthetic.

5. Glue ear

The medical term for this condition is Otitis Media with effusion and can often cause muffled hearing caused by fluid becoming trapped in your middle ear, forcing all the air out of it. The fluid sits in your ear and stops the sound vibrations making progress along the tubes and leaves you hearing a muffled sound. The symptoms of glue ear are regular popping of the ears and that same feeling of a full ear.

Glue ear is particularly common for children, who often find it harder to describe how their symptoms actually feel. Things to look out for are kids who are having difficulty interacting with other children or struggling to pay attention.

6. Meniere’s disease

As we have seen there is a wide range of potential reasons for your muffled ear, but one that is easier to spot is Meniere’s disease because it is accompanied by vertigo or dizziness as well as tinnitus. This is a problem that affects the inner ear and feels different from the rest of the symptoms because of that spinning feeling that is immediately recognisable.

7. Noise damage

The final reason may simply be down to damaging your ears with loud noises. That might be because you haven’t protected your ears from loud machinery you work with or loud music. If you do think that is behind your problems with muffled ears, then consider taking immediate action and using earplugs to prevent any further damage.

The post Why is my hearing muffled? appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Signs of Hearing Loss

Ten million people in the UK, one in six of us, have some degree of hearing loss. The main causes are hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear diseases. And, of course, there is age. More than 40% of people over 50 years of age have some degree of hearing loss, rising to 70% of those over the age of 70.

The incredible gift of sound allows us to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues. It also allows us to enjoy television, music and all manner of entertainment.

As we grow through life’s journey many people experience hearing loss and this is a perfectly natural part of life. Exposure to loud noise may also have an adverse effect on our hearing so it’s quite possible to experience some hearing loss at any age, depending on lifestyle.

Signs include:

Frequently having to ask people to repeat themselves

Having trouble hearing when there’s a lot of background noise

Misunderstanding conversations

Perceiving that others are mumbling

Music doesn’t sound as clear as it used to

Having to increase the TV or radio volume

Struggling to hear what children and grandchildren are saying

If any of the above sound familiar it’s a good time to have your hearing properly assessed via one of our hearing professionals.

They will confirm if you have any hearing loss and what the cause might be. Your dedicated professional will then advise on the correct course of action and fortunately this is usually a simple process designed to get you back to enjoying life to the fullest.

The post How To Safely Clean Your Ears appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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How To Safely Clean Your Ears

Did You Know the Smallest Thing You Should Put in Your Ear is Your Elbow!!!

But there is another way to get in and get your Ears clean and Clear!

Earwax build-up is a natural process that is essential for the health and wellbeing of your ears. Also known as cerumen, earwax protects the ear from dust, microorganisms and other foreign particles and it lubricates your Eardrum too!

However, this becomes a common problem when there is too much earwax caused by the following factors:

The ageing process, as earwax becomes drier with age

Having narrow or excessive hair in the ear canals

The ear canal not producing enough natural oils for the wax to migrate

When any of the above happens, you may feel symptoms such as a sensation of your ear being plugged up, pain, discomfort, partial hearing loss, irritation and the heightened sensation of tinnitus.

What can you do to avoid this build up?

Whilst it is not clear whether you can actually stop earwax from building in your ears, take note of these important reminders to avoid further complications:

Do not over-clean your ears as it can lead to skin irritation and ear infection.

Never attempt to scrape out the earwax with your fingers or objects such as cotton swabs, hairpins, toothpicks and other small items as these can only damage your ear and push the wax further down.

Avoid using ear candling at home as this method involves the use of the smoke from a burning candle which can easily go wrong and may result in severe burns and perforated eardrums.

There are different varieties of earwax removal treatments which you need to decide upon after consulting your physician and includes the use of eardrops, ear irrigation, micro-suction and aural toilet.

So long as you do not have a perforated eardrum, there are several types of eardrops you can use at home to help soften the earwax so that it screcret from the ear canal naturally. This includes drops containing sodium bicarbonate, olive oil or almond oil.

What are the natural ways of cleaning your ears?

Since earwax build-up continues to be one of the most persistent ear problems today, learning how to clean your ears at home without injuring yourself or further blocking your ear canal is a very important skill to have. Whilst cotton buds are the most commonly used medium to clean the ears, most experts agree that they may not be the best way to do so. Here are four easy home remedies you can use to clean your ears the natural way:

saline water

warm olive oil

hydrogen peroxide

vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution

How can cleaning your ears affect your hearing?

Since your ears already have a natural self-cleaning mechanism that allows debris and excess earwax to naturally slip out of the ear canal, most audiologists suggest that the ears don’t need cleaning at all. Whilst this practice is good for the outer parts of your ear, keep in mind that inserting anything which could push the ear wax deeper towards the eardrum is dangerous and may have an adverse impact to your hearing. Consult your doctor immediately if you injure your ears, experience earaches or notice changes in your ears or hearing.

Here, at Hearing Solutions UK, we understand that our customers have different needs and requirements so we ensure to make your experience as discreet and as personal as possible. In addition, we also strive to provide only the highest standard of care to all our customers starting from the initial assessment right up to your aftercare and product maintenance. Book a free consultation today or give us a call on 0800 810 8050 for more information.

The post How To Safely Clean Your Ears appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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What are the Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss?

There are two main types of Hearing Loss, being a:

Conductive Hearing Loss

Which can stem from:

The Pinna, such as a cauliflower ear as caused from constant bruising re: Boxing or Rugby playing

Stenosis or Atresia where the Ear Canal closes over a period of time

Ear Polyps which can appear through a number of causes such as a) Cholesteatoma b) Inflammation c) Tumour

Wax which can build up in the Ear Canal, rather than migrating into the Concha or bowl of the Ear

A Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane, more commonly known as the Ear Drum

Otosclerosis which is an abnormal growth of bone on one of the three bones (as underlined) in the Middle Ear, known as the Malleus, Incus and Stapes, or more commonly known as the Hammer, Anvil and Stirrup  

If we were to add a percentage to the Types Of Deafness, a Conductive Loss would stem from 20% of Types Of Hearing Loss and can often be treated through an operation to which an ENT Specialist will be able to provide specialised advice on.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This can stem from:

Noise Exposure

Medication

Stress

Hereditary Loss

Viral Infections

If we were to add a percentage to the Types Of Deafness, a Sensori Neural Hearing Loss (SNHL) is the most common type of Hearing Loss where 80% of the world’s population could be subjected to it from any or a combination of the five points given above.

Hearing Aids can often solve the problems experienced from a Sensori Neural Hearing Loss.

A Sensori Neural Hearing Loss is more commonly known as ‘Nerve Deafness’ where speech can be heard well enough but not clearly enough.

A Sensori Neural Hearing Loss often gives the sensation that people are:

Mumbling

Speaking Too Fast

Deliberately Lowering Their Voices

Purposely Turning Their Backs, Where They Cannot Understand What Is Being Said

Difficult To Understand If The Speaker Has An Accent They Are Not Familiar With

Note: A Sensori Neural Hearing Loss more often than not causes just as much Annoyance, Frustration and Embarrassment than the actual Hearing Loss!

Here at Hearing Solutions UK, We Are Looking To Educate The World with words other than Deafness or Hearing Loss, as both meanings are looked upon as being negative, where the person in question may never accept their Hearing condition, due to those words and meanings.

We at Hearing Solutions UK, prefer to describe a  Hearing Loss or Deafness as a:

Hearing Loss At Certain Frequencies

A Hearing Loss At Certain Frequencies clearly means the Patient can Hear well enough but not at certain frequencies…

…and all that’s needed to achieve, is to help each Patient Hear well again or distinguish Speech and Sounds at the frequencies they find it most challenging to comprehend.

If you feel or suspect;

A Loved One

A Member Of Your Family (Even If They Are Not A Loved One)

A Friend

An Associate

A Colleague

Or Even A Neighbour Down The Road Needs Help, Assistance Or A Simple Hearing Test…

…please do not hesitate to contact us on: 0800 810 8048

The post What are the Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss? appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Hearing Assessments

With our Hearing Assessments, we treat our customers in the same way as we’d like our friends and relatives to be treated whilst offering the best possible hearing solution to ensure you can get the best hearing experience possible. We take the time to fully understand your needs because you are unique and then prescribe the most suitable hearing solution carefully matched to you and your lifestyle.

The Right Qualifications, consumer code and protection

At Hearing Solutions UK, all of our hearing aid audiologists and dispensers are HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered and members of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists. This guarantees each one of our trustworthy team members know the true value of adhering to our professional body’s standards.

This assures our clients they will be getting the most accurate diagnosis and solution possible. It also means that we’ve signed up to the Professional Body’s consumer code and stay completely up-to-date with the latest developments in hearing technology, and follow a structured industry plan of CPD (continuous professional development).

Discretion, comfort & reliability

We’re proud to offer a fantastic and technologically advanced selection of hearing aids, sound amplification devices and choice of service options. From initial assessment, customer discussion and prescription, to your aftercare and product maintenance, we strive to provide the highest standard of care to each and every one of our customers.

Our range includes super-discreet virtually-invisible devices from the world’s leading manufacturers and we’ll make sure we provide you with the best and most comfortable solution possible with the appropriate level of technology. Our bespoke service means the solutions we offer you are completely suited to your lifestyle.

We may recommend the simplest ready-to-wear, low-cost sound amplification device or another solution with amazing connectivity to your television, computer or mobile phone. We want what’s best for you and your lifestyle!

The post Hearing Assessments appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Signs & Causes of Hearing Loss

Ten million people in the UK, one in six of us, have some degree of hearing loss. The main causes are hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear diseases. And, of course, there is age. More than 40% of people over 50 years of age have some degree of hearing loss, rising to 70% of those over the age of 70.

The incredible gift of sound allows us to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues. It also allows us to enjoy television, music and all manner of entertainment.

As we grow through life’s journey many people experience hearing loss and this is a perfectly natural part of life. Exposure to loud noise may also have an adverse effect on our hearing so it’s quite possible to experience some hearing loss at any age, depending on lifestyle.

Signs include:

Frequently having to ask people to repeat themselves

Having trouble hearing when there’s a lot of background noise

Misunderstanding conversations

Perceiving that others are mumbling

Music doesn’t sound as clear as it used to

Having to increase the TV or radio volume

Struggling to hear what children and grandchildren are saying

If any of the above sound familiar it’s a good time to have your hearing properly assessed via one of our hearing professionals.

They will confirm if you have any hearing loss and what the cause might be. Your dedicated professional will then advise on the correct course of action and fortunately this is usually a simple process designed to get you back to enjoying life to the fullest.

The post Signs & Causes of Hearing Loss appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Finding The Best Chair For People With Limited Mobility

The elderly and people with mobility issues typically spend most of their time either sitting on a chair or laying on the bed, and whilst these are designed to offer them comfort, some furniture may not be the right type for them or even contribute to worsen their conditions. Since they are mostly sitting throughout the day, having a chair that makes them slouch or lean towards the edges may be detrimental to their health. That is why getting the best chair that will answer their needs is important to improve their well being. To know the right type of chair, here are the factors you need to consider before purchasing.

Adjustable Features

The elderly have immediate and changing needs that may require the chair to have specific modifications to aid with their comfort. For example, to reduce the risk of bed sores they have to continuously shift their weight, and having a chair that can be tilted to have the desired angle can help with persons who are having a hard time to move independently. With a riser/recliner chair, the features enable the person to have a safe sit to stand transfer when on riser function and have maximum comfort when on recline function.

Made-to-measure Dimensions

Having a riser/recliner chair that is made specifically for your needs can provide you with the perfect sitting position. To aid with your mobility needs, it is important that you consider first the mechanisms before deciding on the design and style that you want your chair to have. Riser/recliner chairs provide a variety of tilt in space features which include full tilt to provide support when standing and independent backrest reclines to allow multiple positions to be achieved.

Comfortable

When choosing for the right chair, the most important to consider is comfort. When trying out furnishings, sit on for at least ten minutes to ensure that you’re comfortable. The upholstery used should also be considered since the feel of the fabric also contributes to having comfort. Consider the different types of armrests, whether you want them to have wooden knuckles for support when standing up or have an added layer of padding for more comfort.

Hygienic

You should pick furnishings that can be easily cleaned since it will be used for the most part of the day. Consider the fabric used, the frames and the corners. It is advisable to veer away from vinyl as this material causes sweating, which can make the seating surface slippery. Ensure that the chair has breathable fabrics and has easy to reach corners to prevent dirt and bacteria from accumulating.

Provides Support

People who have limited mobility need certain features for support in the right places. Armrests should have soft fabric for comfort but should also be firm to bear the weight when standing up or sitting down. Footrest features can also provide support when elevated to support recline positions.

Remember that it’s better to have the elderly and people with mobility issues be on their chairs than to be on their bed, and if the chair is not providing the comfort they need and may even be contributing to their pain, they may find themselves constantly choosing the bed to relieve their discomfort. Having the correct type of chair can reduce their time on their beds thus improving their quality of life.

The Mobility Furniture Company supply luxury chairs that are available in variety of different upholsteries, sizes, motor action types and back rest styles. Because you have a wide range to choose from, you will be sure to find a chair to suit your decor. If you have any inquiries or would like to request for our free 68-page brochure, get in touch with us. Give us a call on 0800 810 8816 to speak with a friendly member of our team today.

The post Finding The Best Chair For People With Limited Mobility appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Oticon OPN Vs. Traditional Hearing Aids

A number of individuals with hearing loss still rely on utilizing traditional hearing aid technology since it is ideal in some complex situations where it provides wearers with focus and access to certain sounds and speech signals. However, whilst this option can be reassuring for many, introducing them to a newer, more advanced technology such as Oticon OPN hearing aids might give them a bigger opportunity and better hearing experience.

Since conventional hearing aids help a wearer by reducing surrounding sound signals, especially in a loud environment such as a social gathering, this leaves the person with a narrowed and artificial listening experience.

Oticon and Oticon OPN

Oticon is one of the world’s oldest hearing aid manufacturers and has now become a leader in hearing aid technology and innovation. OPN is Oticon’s latest innovation which is an open-hearing solution built around the super-fast Velox Processing Platform. This powerful platform is what allowed Oticon to develop OPN to a whole new level by having an ultra-fast sound analysis and processing technology.

What differentiates Oticon OPN with a conventional hearing aid is its capacity to provide constant access to 360° sound and better listening experience to the wearer, as well as the ability to manage multiple speakers, even in a loud environment. Moreover, this advanced technology is the first hearing aid proven to work in harmony with the brain to help people hear better, with less effort, and to remember more of what is being said. Simply put, OPN helps individuals to experience a new world of sound like never before. Read on to know more about the top advantages Oticon OPN have to offer.

Boosts self-confidence

Oticon OPN is the world’s first hearing aid to be connected to the Internet directly and because of its 360° soundscape, it is perfect especially for teenagers as they no longer have to miss out on popular electronic devices and do not have to shy away from everyday situations anymore.

First hearing aid fast enough to support the brain

Built with a processing speed that ensures more accurate information about the 360° soundscape, Oticon OPN guarantees that wearers no longer have to spend their mental energy to work as hard to understand what they hear.

Rechargeable

Another great feature of Oticon OPN hearing aids is that users will be provided with full power for a day without the hassle of handling batteries as they are rechargeable. In the scenario of the user forgetting to recharge the hearing aid, OPN also works with a standard battery so you can be reassured that your hearing will not be interrupted.

ConnectClip

The most exciting addition, and what completes the Oticon OPN hearing experience, is the ConnectClip. OPN wearers can now turn their hearing aids into a high-quality wireless headset by pairing the device with their smartphones and instantly enjoy seamless hands-free calls or music streaming. Additionally, ConnectClip can be used as a remote control for Oticon OPN to discreetly change the program to suit the environment, change the volume up or down or mute the hearing aid microphones.

At Hearing Solutions UK, we aim to provide you with the most natural hearing experience possible. Starting with a free hearing test right in the comfort of your own home, we have a team of professional hearing specialists who will fully assess your hearing and provide independent, impartial advice to help you choose the best hearing option available which will also suit your lifestyle. In addition to this, we strive to provide a service that will let you live life to the fullest by offering a wide range of hearing instruments at affordable prices and great payment options. Ready to find out more? Give us a call on 0800 810 8050 and get an expert advice by booking a FREE consultation today.

The post Oticon OPN Vs. Traditional Hearing Aids appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Menopause and Use of Hormone Therapy can Increase the Risk of Hearing Loss

Older age at natural menopause and the use of oral hormone therapy are each associated with a higher risk of hearing loss, experts have discovered.

Because hearing loss becomes more common after menopause, the point in a woman’s life when oestrogen and progestogen levels reduce, it has been assumed that hormone therapy must help lower the risk of hearing loss.

But after looking at data from over 80,000 women, researchers found that the use of oral hormone therapy in postmenopausal women (especially those who had used it for a longer time) was associated with a higher risk of hearing loss. They also discovered that older age at natural menopause was associated with a higher risk of hearing loss – an unexpected finding.

Dr JoAnn Pinkerton, who is involved in the work, comments: “The finding from this observational study that women who underwent menopause at a later age and used oral hormone therapy had greater hearing loss was unexpected but should lead to more testing.”

The post Menopause and Use of Hormone Therapy can Increase the Risk of Hearing Loss appeared first on Hearing Solutions UK.

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Causes and Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is often referred to as SNHL. It is the main cause of hearing loss and is caused by damage in the inner ear or associated nerve pathways. It is often hard to identify whether sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage in the cochlea or to hearing nerves and pathways. Therefore, any damage to either the nerves or the inner ear structure is grouped together as sensorineural hearing loss.

The cochlea is a sensory organ and one that is vital for us to hear. It has lots of hair cells that help in the process of hearing sound. It is damage to these hair cells in the cochlea that impacts hearing loss. These hair cells help provide electric signals that the brain needs to interpret sound. These hair cells can be damaged in a variety of ways, as discussed within this article.

If you’re currently struggling with hearing loss and want to understand what to do next, please get in touch with our friendly team who can help support and guide you into finding diagnoses and solutions.

Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused in a variety of ways.

Age

Presbycusis refers to sensorineural hearing loss associated with age. It is a condition caused by the aging of the cochlea and inner ear structures. This results in age related hearing loss. This is often a gradual deterioration of hearing.

Presbycusis can start very early in life but not be noticed until much later. It is the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss and affects 1 in 3 people over the age of 65.

Presbycusis is usually associated with hearing loss of high frequency sounds more so than deeper frequency sounds.

Sensorineural hearing loss due to ageing is not preventable or reversible, however there are solutions that can help overcome hearing loss, as discussed in the treatment for sensorineural hearing loss in this article.

Genetic

Some people are more genetically susceptible to the condition. Genetically inheriting genes associated with hearing loss can often be a cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Like many health problems, our genetic make-up impacts how our bodies cope and adapt to challenges.

Genetic conditions and syndromes can be passed down within families and impact the sensory organs in some way.

Drugs, Medication and Antibiotics

Although somewhat surprising, there are links between certain medications and hearing loss.   Ototoxic is a word used to describe anything that is toxic/harmful to the ear and hearing system. Ototoxic medications include some antibiotics, loop diuretics, chemotherapeutic agents, antiseptics and disinfectants, and some industry used substances such as pesticides, heavy metals and solvents.

The impact of ototoxics can be both temporary and permanent.

Ototoxic medication is usually prescribed for very serious health problems and the known risks to hearing are considered before use.

For some ototoxic substances, a person’s genetics may impact their susceptibility to damage to their ears. Certain mutations can make an individual much more susceptible to the effects of ototoxics.

Noise

Exposure to loud noise damages the sensory and hearing organs. The intensity and duration of the loud noise will impact the damage it has on hearing loss.

Everyone is likely to overload and damage their hearing through everyday life, but certain activities and environments can speed up the damage to the cochlea and hearing structures.

If you want to understand what degree of hearing impairment you currently have, a hearing assessment and test will help identify any potential early signs of hearing loss. In many instances, understanding this and changing your behaviour and actions can help reduce the rate of future hearing loss.

Noise induced hearing loss (NINL) can be both temporary and permanent. Loud explosions and very loud noises can lead to sudden hearing loss. Head traumas can also cause some degree of hearing loss.

Disease and Infections

Certain diseases and infections can lead to sensorineural hearing loss.

Measles, meningitis, and mumps can all cause hearing loss. Tumours can also be a cause as well. Ménière’s disease also leads to sensorineural hearing loss.

Hearing loss is twice as common with those who have diabetes compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. The high sugar content in the blood can damage the sensitive cells around the ear.

Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The treatment and recommendations for sensorineural hearing loss are influenced by the specific conditions of each individual. As a result, the first step is to get a hearing assessment done to find out what the best option is for you and your circumstances.

There are studies into the use of pharmaceuticals to treat hearing loss but these are very limited and haven’t yet been clinically proven.

In severe cases of sensorineural hearing loss, a cochlea implant can be an option. This surgical procedure differs from hearing aids, which make sound louder, by replicating the job of the hair cells in the cochlea by creating signals for the brain to interpret as sound. This is quite complex surgery and treatment, and would usually only be recommended in certain circumstances.

The most common line of treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is the use of hearing aids. Hearing aids can be fine-tuned to specific requirements and thus offer hearing enhancements on an individual basis. They help improve the ability to hear sound.

There are a variety of hearing aids including:

Behind the ear hearing aids – these hearing aids wrap around the ear.

In the ear hearing aids – these are very small devices that fit inside the ear

In the canal hearing aids – these fit further inside the ear so are often more discreet or virtually invisible.

For help getting started in diagnosing and managing sensorineural hearing loss, get in touch with our passionate team today. We’re here to help provide the best support and guidance to ensure you find practical and life changing solutions to hearing loss.

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Can I Wear Second-hand Hearing Aids?

Audiologists across the UK are often asked “is it safe to wear second-hand hearing aids?” or “should I consider wearing a used hearing aid?”. Although some people buy and sell worn hearing devices on online sites, such as eBay, it is actually illegal for audiologists to provide customers with pre-owned aids. This isn’t because the hearing aid provider wants to make more money, it’s to protect the health and hearing capability of customers. True, worn aids might be cheaper, but we strongly advise against using already worn aids for several reasons.

The aid won’t be customised to suit your requirements

When the original owner of the hearing aid received their hearing devices, they would have had a hearing test so that their audiologist could understand their level of hearing. The aid that they were prescribed would have then been programmed so that their needs would be catered for, and it is likely that their needs are different to yours. It’s therefore highly probable that you won’t benefit from wearing these already used aids. For example, your new aid might have been previously used for someone who has much more severe hearing difficulties than you have. As a result, the hearing aid will have an amplification that is too high for your ears, causing further damage to the health of your ears. Equally, if the amplification is too low, the hearing aids will provide minimal benefits.

Most hearing aids also have a feature that allows for different modes to be programmed, such as decreasing the volume in particularly loud places. Another feature is for calming noises to be played, to act as a distraction for people suffering from tinnitus. These specific programmes may not be preferable to you, and can be an irritating distraction.

With Hearing Solutions UK, you can rest assured that the hearing aid you are given after your free consultation will be programmed to satisfy your hearing requirements.

It’s likely that the aid won’t fit your ear

Not only will the aid be customised to someone else’s hearing capability, but it will also be customised to fit someone else’s ear size and shape. Hearing aids aren’t one-size-fits-all as everyone’s ears are different sizes and shapes. They are instead bespoke and made specifically to fit the shape of the original user’s ears so that as much comfort as possible is provided. Wearing a hearing aid that doesn’t correctly fit your ears will inevitably cause soreness, irritation and pain.

Wearing an ITE (in the ear) hearing aid that has been custom-made for someone else will cause discomfort as it has been made specifically to fit the ear canal of only the initial user. Likewise, a BTE (behind the ear) hearing aid is fitted to the ear with a custom earmold, which is likely to be a different size to a new user’s ear. It would be much more worthwhile booking a free consultation with one of our specialists, so that a custom-made and comfortable device can be issued.

Dated technology

It is also possible that the technology used in second-hand hearing aids are now dated, potentially limiting its performance. With recent developments in technology, hearing aids are now much more advanced, and can offer more than just improved hearing. The Sonorlite XL2020 Phonic Band, for example, allows telephone calls to be answered with one click and also music to be played through the earbuds. Although a second-hand aid may help your hearing, considerably more benefits will be provided by wearing a hearing aid that has been constructed with the latest technology.

Similarly, the design of a second-hand hearing aid might be outdated, causing irritation to the skin, and consequently making them uncomfortable to wear for longer durations. Nowadays, there’s a wide range of designs and styles available for you to choose from, such as receive in the canal (RIC) and behind the ear pre-programmed (BTEPP), allowing you to choose the model that provides you with optimum comfort.

The aid might come in poor condition

Another factor to consider when buying an already worn hearing aid is the condition that it comes in. For instance, the aid may’ve been used for numerous years, and the state of the aid is likely to have gradually deteriorated, or perhaps the aid hasn’t been regularly cleaned and therefore isn’t as hygienic as you’d want a new hearing aid to be. It is also possible that the previous owner of the aid is selling it because it has a faulty component that might not be repairable, or will come at an extra cost to mend.

What are the benefits of a new hearing aid?

Overall, a new hearing aid is significantly more comfortable and reliable. You can be assured that your audiologist will have programmed your device to satisfy your hearing requirements, as well make certain that the aid is the correct size and shape, ensuring maximum comfort. The vast majority of audiologists also only prescribe hearing aids that have been manufactured by established and dependable brands, such as Oticon, and with the latest technology.

If you think your current hearing aid isn’t benefiting you as much as you’d like, or is irritating and uncomfortable to wear, arrange for a free consultation with one of our audiologists where we can help find you an appropriate hearing aid for your needs.

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Tinnitus – What is it, What are the causes, Should I visit my doctor and How do I treat it?

Tinnitus is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 people in the UK, predominantly people over the age of 65. It can be caused by several factors, and causes an irritating sound.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition that makes you hear sounds from inside your own body, rather than an outside source. Some cases of tinnitus cause the sound to only be heard in one ear, while other cause the sound to be heard from both ears.  The sounds that you hear vary, but could include ringing, whistling or buzzing. These are some of the common sounds, but in more rare cases, people hear noises similar to music, or even a sound that beats in time with their pulse.

In most cases, tinnitus isn’t severe, and is just an irritation. Out of the 10% of people who suffer from this in the UK, only 1% have said that it has had a major influence on the quality of their life. This 1% have said that it has drastically effected their sleeping or their general daily life. Some have claimed that their work performance has deteriorated because of this, and others believe that tinnitus is the reason that their personal relationships have suffered.

What are the causes of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, but generally, it is the elderly that are the most impacted. The condition of the cochlea (part of the inner ear) often declines with age, and this is a common cause for tinnitus. The function of the cochlea is to transmit sound signals from the outer ear through to the brain, but if the cochlea is damaged, no information will be sent to the brain. However, the brain will still seek any sound information from the functioning parts of the cochlea. This can cause tinnitus, as the brain will ‘over-represent’ the signals, and cause the ‘ring’ or the ‘buzz’ that people with tinnitus often hear.

However, damage to the cochlea isn’t the only cause of tinnitus, nor is it exclusively the elderly who suffer from it. Another common cause that anyone can be effected by is the buildup of wax in the ear, which therefore blocks the auditory nerve.

A bang to the head can also cause tinnitus to develop. This is especially common in younger boys who may fall from a bike or take knocks to the head while playing sports. Other causes are neck and jaw problems, high blood pressure, or other conditions such as Ménière’s disease.

How to treat Tinnitus

It depends on the cause of your tinnitus as to how you treat it, but it won’t be healed instantly. If it is obvious that earwax is the cause of tinnitus, then eardrops could be used as a cure. However, most of the time it is hard to determine why tinnitus has developed, which therefore makes it tricky to heal. Below are some possible solutions that can be used to treat tinnitus.

One option is to make use of masking devices or white noise machines to replace the tinnitus ‘ring’, Tinnitus is at its worst when it is silent, so using these devices will fill the silence and take your attention away from the sound that the tinnitus is producing.

Consider going to therapy sessions –

If you think tinnitus is causing hearing loss, visit a specialist and have a hearing test. They will advise you with the appropriate solution, which could come in the form of a hearing aid.

Although it might not cure the condition, there are several techniques and exercises that can help you manage tinnitus. For example, listening to music can help you relax, and taking part in your hobbies and interests could distract you from the irritating noise in your ear.

Tinnitus Retaining Therapy (TRT) focuses on retraining the way your brain responds to tinnitus. The therapy teaches you to ignore the sound so that you become less aware of it.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that your thoughts affect the way you behave. So, an example of this therapy applying to tinnitus is changing the way you perceive tinnitus, so that you are able to accept the noises, and become less noticeable of them.

Should I visit my doctor?

We highly recommend that you get your ears checked out by an audiologist if are struggling with your hearing. Book a free consultation with Hearing Solutions UK today to visit a specialist.

If you would like to learn more, speak to one of our friendly team on 0800 810 8050.

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Ear Feels Clogged and Muffled? Muffled Hearing Explained – Causes and Treatment

Muffled hearing refers to when your hearing is impaired and sounds don’t come through as expected. It often feels like something is in your ear, blocking the sound from coming through. Muffled hearing can occur in either one ear or both, and can also develop over time or instantly. It can affect anyone, at any age.

The treatment of muffled hearing very much depends on what is causing it. Muffled hearing can be the result of a variety of factors, all of which will require a different approach for treating it.

The best course of action is to visit a hearing specialist and sign up for a hearing assessment. This will highlight what is the root cause of any hearing impairment and ensure you can get treatment that will solve your particular hearing problems.

Potential Causes of Muffled Hearing

Earwax/Blockage

The compaction of earwax in the ear canal is a common cause for what feels like muffled hearing. The earwax creates a barrier that makes it much harder for sound waves to pass from the outer ear, to the inner ear. This results in a slight impairment of hearing. The more wax that is present, the more likely it could create hearing impairment.

Earwax plays an important role in the sensory system and helps prevent bacteria/dust from getting into the ear. Everyone needs earwax, however, excessive levels which harden are likely to lead to a feeling of blocked ears and muffled hearing.

It isn’t just earwax that can create a blockage – other materials/debris could get into the ear and create this.

If earwax or other debris is the underlying cause for your muffled hearing, then it is likely to be temporary and something that can be rectified with a variety of earwax removal solutions. Depending of the level of the blockage, a hearing specialist can recommend the best course of action.

Otitis Externa/Ear Infection

Otitis Externa is the inflammation of the ear. This is a result of bacterial growth and leads to muffled hearing, ear pain and sometimes a discharge of liquid from the ear.

It is caused when bacteria gets into the ear and causes an infection

Otitis Externa is often referred to as Swimmer’s Ear as it is a common infection that swimmers are vulnerable to. This is because water remains in the ear, creating a moist environment, that aids bacterial growth. This leads to infections in the ear that is likely to impair hearing.

A perforated eardrum or damage to any part of the inner ear, is also likely to impact hearing. Depending on the severity, this may require surgery.

Other Infections/Illnesses

The common cold, flu, viruses, and other illnesses can often result is muffled hearing. This is due to inflammation in the ear canal that swells and makes the ear feel blocked and muffled.

The hearing system is sensitive and as the body fights bacteria and illnesses, hearing can be temporarily impaired.

Pressure Imbalance

Hearing impairment due to pressure, often referred to as airplane ear, is a common cause for temporary hearing discomfort. Ear pressure balance can be affected by flights, diving as well as infections and colds.

This type of muffled hearing usually disappears after swallowing/yawning, however, in severe cases can actually damage the ear drum. Deep sea diving without equalising properly can be a common cause for damaged hearing.

Meniere’s Disease

One of the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease is a feeling of clogged/stuffy ears. Meniere’s Disease is caused by a build-up of fluid but there is no definitive answer into why some people get the disease. There are links between Meniere’s Disease and constrictions in blood vessels similar to what migraine suffers get, while others think it is linked to allergies.

Meniere’s Disease is usually associated with feeling dizzy and ringing in the ears too. If any of these symptoms are present, it is best to consult a doctor right away.

Hearing Loss

Asymmetric hearing loss is where your hearing is worse in one ear than the other. This often results in people noticing the difference in hearing between their ears and describe the worse ear as feeling blocked or muffled.

Sensorineural hearing loss can also make hearing feel blocked, full or muffled. This requires specialist treatment and management, which is why the treatment for muffled hearing depends so much on the cause.

Treatment for Muffled Hearing

Treatment for muffled hearing will very much depend on the cause. Therefore, visiting a hearing specialist to get a professional diagnosis is the first thing anyone with muffled hearing should do.

If something like earwax is the cause for your muffled hearing, there are a variety of simple home solutions, such as ear drops, that will soften the wax and help remove it. Within a few days, your hearing is likely to be back to normal. If it is severe, the hearing specialist may use tools and equipment to remove the earwax.

A hearing test will ensure your muffled hearing isn’t actually a result of sensorineural hearing loss. Muffled hearing may just be one symptom that points to a much more serious condition. This type of hearing impairment is actually a result of hearing loss and treatment such as hearing aids are likely to be required to solve such issues.

Conductive Hearing Loss refers to when something is blocking canals and passages associated with hearing. This can be relatively simple to treat and the effects of muffled earing can be reversed. Sensorineural Hearing Loss is more serious and refers to the damage of the hair cells in the ear. This is often permanent and requires management as opposed to treatment. Hearing aids are usually the recommended way to manage this type of hearing loss.

For help getting started with hearing assessment and the best treatment specifically for you, get in touch with our friendly team today. We can help support and guide you to ensure you have the knowledge and products that will help improve the quality of your hearing in day-to-day life.

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Cookie Bite Hearing Loss – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What is Cookie Bite Hearing Loss?

Cookie bite hearing loss is a form of sensorineural hearing loss. It is associated with impairment and a loss of hearing to mid-frequency sounds. The name originates from the audiogram, as someone suffering from this type of hearing loss has an audiogram curve that looks like a cookie with a bite taken out of it. Hearing at low and high frequencies are fine, but the middle range sounds are impaired, reflecting a dipping audiogram curve.

Cookie bite hearing loss is also often simply referred to as “mid-range hearing loss.”

With this type of hearing loss, it can be very difficult to make sense of the real world, as certain sounds come through loudly, while other sounds may be impaired and not heard. For example, someone with cookie bite hearing loss may struggle to follow a conversation, but may pick up loud high frequency sounds in the background. This creates a very uneven interpretation of sound and the surrounding environment.

Most comfortable sounds are mid-frequency and as a result, not being able to hear these sounds make social interactions and listening very difficult. Listening to someone talk, watching the TV, listening to music, and most daily interactions, are all going to be impacted by a loss of mid-frequency sounds.

Reverse Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

An audiogram will also show evidence of someone suffering from what is known as “reverse cookie bite hearing loss.” This form of hearing loss is identified by an opposite curve of regular cookie bite hearing loss. Mid frequency sounds are normal, while low and high frequencies are impaired. This creates a bell-shaped curve on an audiogram.

Symptoms of Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

One of the problems with cookie bite hearing loss is the fact that the symptoms can be hard to identify at an early stage. Although present from child birth, the condition may not be noticed until much later in life. This means having regular hearing tests as a child, right through to adulthood, is recommended to spot any indicators from an audiogram.

It can progress over time, so it is important to get on top of the condition as soon as possible.

We can’t diagnose such a condition simply from anecdotal and patient interpretation of their hearing. There are a wide range of types of hearing loss and it wouldn’t be clear if hearing impairment was cookie bite or something else, without first having a hearing test and using an audiogram. Sensorineural hearing loss and damage to hearing cells may also create hearing impairment that creates similarly uneven hearing.

Causes of Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

Cookie bite hearing loss is regarded as being a generically inherited condition. Unlike many other types of hearing loss that are caused by damage to the hearing cells, cookie bite hearing loss is largely associated with a genetic disposition resulting in this inability to hear mid frequency sounds.

Due to the cause coming from genetics, it is important for children who have any family member with the condition to get their hearing tested. There is an increased chance of a child inheriting the condition if either parent or a close relative has it.

Similarly, if a child is diagnosed with the condition, parents may often be surprised to find out they also have the condition, without every realising it. As problems with hearing often don’t become apparent until 30s-40s, it can go under the radar for a long time.

Cookie bite hearing loss is a form of sensorineural hearing loss. This refers to hearing impaired due to problems with the inner ear or associated nerve pathways.

Treatment of Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

Unfortunately, cookie bite hearing loss can’t be cured. As a result, the best form of treatment is with a hearing aid. It is important to find a hearing aid suitable for the amplification of mid-frequency sounds. Unlike other types of hearing loss, general amplification of sounds is not an effective form of treatment as the low and high frequencies will become too loud and unbearable.

Special hearing aids that can pick up and amplify mid-frequency sounds, as well as potentially limiting low and high frequencies, mean those who suffer from cookie bite hearing loss can have dramatically improved hearing.

Most hearing treatment is designed for total loss of hearing or high frequencies. This means treatment for mid-range frequencies is somewhat limited in comparison.

Cookie bite hearing loss is a very personal condition and a result, there isn’t one particular hearing aid setting that will solve the problems. Instead, it requires hearing professionals to work closely with the patient and test different methods of amplifying and limiting various frequencies until the patient feels their hearing is comfortable. One of the main focuses is to control the high and low frequencies as much as improving the mid frequencies, otherwise it can cause extreme discomfort.

Although the condition hasn’t received as much attention as other types of hearing loss, due to its rarity, modern hearing aids with lots of functionality are more likely to help improve cookie bite hearing.

You will also need each ear testing and a hearing aid optimised for each ear. The condition may result in relative similarities between both ears, or you may find one ear needs different setting from the other. To get the perfect solution to the hearing loss relies more on trial and error more than other forms of hearing loss, however, this simply reflects the complexities of the condition.

As the condition can worsen as you age, it is important to have regular check-ups and hearing tests to ensure your hearing aid is appropriately set to maximise your particular requirements.

Cookie Bite Hearing Loss and Hearing Solutions UK

If you’d like to learn more about cookie bite hearing loss, or book yourself an appointment with one of our hearing experts, simply get in touch today. We can help provide a professional hearing assessment and help you understand what type of hearing loss you have. From cookie bite hearing loss to any other type, we are here to help and here to ensure you get the service and products needed to enjoy better hearing.

Book an appointment today.

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Hearing Test at Home – Benefits and What It Involves

What does a Hearing Test at Home Involve?

A hearing test at home is as thorough and valuable as a hearing test carried out at a hearing centre, and usually lasts around an hour. One of our hearing specialists will visit your home address, and use the latest, most advanced and reliable technology to carry out the full assessment in the comfort of your own home. It can be helpful if a family member or one of your close friends is present during the test, as they can provide additional information regarding your hearing, which will further assist the audiologist’s understanding of you.

The initial part of the hearing test involves one of our HCPC registered audiologists getting to know you and your medical history. This includes your history of jobs, any health conditions you have had in the past and any hobbies or interests you have, enabling the audiologist to understand you as a person so that a suitable solution can be found.

Audiologist appointment at home

The audiologist will then inspect the physical condition and health of your ears by checking your eardrums and outer ear for any signs of damage or infection, as well as examining the inside of your ear canal. This allows the specialist to check for any wax build-up, and any other possible physical issues with your ear.

The next part is the ‘actual’ test. You will be given headphones to wear, which will play different sounds in one ear or the other, requiring you to press a button when you hear a sound. This allows the specialist to see how well you can hear different levels and pitches. The test will then be repeated, but with a headband rather than headphones, as some hearing aids function by passing sound through vibrations in the skull. For some people, this method may not be applicable, but the audiologist wants to get an understanding of the different options available to you.

As soon as the assessment has concluded, the audiologist will discuss your results. If any hearing loss or difficulties are detected, possible causes and consequences will be explained, and you will be made aware of the potential benefits that wearing a digital hearing aid will bring. Each device has specific benefits, so our specialists will consider your diagnosis, test results, nature of your job and your hobbies to make sure an appropriate solution is decided.

What are the Benefits of a Hearing Test at Home?

Visiting a health or hearing centre can be a daunting and nerve-racking experience, but having the assessment performed in the comfort of your own home can help reduce the anxiety of some people. The test is also of the same standard as a test performed at a hearing centre, so you needn’t worry about not receiving a fully accurate assessment.

Due to physical conditions of some patients, it can be difficult or painful to leave the house, particularly if you don’t live near a hearing centre, or you don’t drive. However, with home assessments you don’t have to worry about leaving your home, as the audiologist will come to you, and the whole assessment will be completed in your home.

Losing hearing can be a personal subject and some people may not want to share their health condition with others. By having a specialist visit you rather than the you visit the audiologist, all information can be kept confidential. At Hearing Solutions UK, we respect that hearing loss can be a sensitive subject, and we make the process of diagnosing and assisting with your hearing as discreet, sensitive and personal as possible.

Do I Need a Hearing Test?

As hearing capabilities can change overtime, it’s advised that you have a hearing check-up every two – three years, allowing for any hearing problems that have developed to be diagnosed early. Generally, people start to lose hearing as they get older, and having regular visits ensures that you keep on top of it, and have any problems addressed. Even if you have been prescribed a hearing aid, it’s important that you frequently visit a hearing specialist, as the state of your aid might have naturally declined, and your hearing capability might have gradually improved, meaning that a new hearing aid needs to be prescribed.

Symptoms that Suggest You are Losing your Hearing

Hearing loss doesn’t develop overnight, it’s a gradual process that you might not notice for a while – sometimes it’s even family members or friends that first point it out. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be an indicator that you have some form of hearing difficulty:

You sometimes mishear or struggle to understand conversations, especially when communicating on the phone or if there is a distraction in the room, such as the TV.

When guests come into your home, they state that your TV is loud.

You feel tired from trying to hear and follow conversations.

If you feel that you are suffering from any of the above, book a free consultation with Hearing Solutions UK today to get any problems diagnosed, and to receive an appropriate solution.

What are the Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss?

Living with hearing problems can cause stress, frustration and sometimes depression. If you don’t see a specialist concerning your hearing, it’s possible that your hearing will deteriorate and lead to more severe issues. Untreated hearing loss can also have a damaging impact on your family and friends as having to keep asking people to repeat what they have said will inevitably anger people and get tedious after a while.

For help managing your hearing loss, book a free consultation today. All of Hearing Solutions UK’s audiologists are members of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, ensuring we adhere to the professional body’s standards, and provide all customers with the most accurate diagnosis and solution possible.

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Meniere’s Disease – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Meniere’s Disease is a health condition that affects the inner ear. It is believed roughly 1 in 1,000 people in the UK suffer from the disease, with it being more prominent in adults, between 20-60, and slightly more common in women than men.

Meniere’s Disease is a progressive condition that impacts hearing and balance. This results in episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing impairment and pressure build-up in the ear.

The increased pressure created in the ear by Meniere’s Disease means those living with the condition can experience episodes of dizziness, vomiting and impaired hearing.  Episodes usually last a few hours but can take days to fully recover from and return to normal health.

The severity of each symptom and the frequency of which individuals experience problems associated with Meniere’s Disease varies from person to person. For some, vertigo, dizziness and vomiting may be the main symptoms, whereas for others, the impairment of hearing can be the main symptom.

If you think you may suffer from Meniere’s Disease, the most important first step is to contact your GP and get a medical diagnosis. Many of the symptoms can be caused by other illnesses and conditions, so getting a trusted diagnosis is important – from there, you can get the best management and treatment for your personal circumstances.

Causes of Meniere’s Disease

It is not fully understood what the causes of Meniere’s Disease are. There are many theories, but none have been widely accepted as the root cause of the condition.

A build up of fluid in the inner ear, called “endolymph,” is often associated with creating a build-up of pressure in the ear, that results in the various symptoms associated with the illness. This build-up of fluid is thought to be a common trait in suffers of Meniere’s Disease, but it’s not fully understood how this fluid build-up causes symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness and hearing impairment.

Potential causes that could impact the amount of fluid in the inner ear, include: a lack of fluid drainage, blockages, allergies, migraines, head injuries, or potentially a hereditary genetic predisposition.

Some believe it could be likely that a combination of factors leads to episodes, as opposed to a single factor.

Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease

A medical diagnosis is needed to decide if Meniere’s Disease is the cause, or whether something else is causing the Meniere’s Disease-like symptoms. For example, vertigo or loss of hearing could be caused by a multitude of reasons.

For causes of hearing loss, make sure you have a hearing test to understand the degree to which you’re experiencing impaired hearing.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for a professional diagnose to understand what’s causing it and whether its Meniere’s Disease:

Vertigo & Dizziness

Nausea

Loss of Hearing

Tinnitus

Balance Impairment

Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease vary from person to person, making it hard to summarise a universal experience of the condition. The frequency of symptoms can also vary, sometimes having remissions between episodes of days, or other times, years. This makes it hard to predict and manage as it’s relatively unknown when a patient will next be impaired by the disease.

The unpredictable episodes of vertigo and vomiting are the most notable symptoms of the illness. Tinnitus and other impairment to hearing are other common symptoms associated with Meniere’s Disease.

Meniere’s Disease is often thought to be categorised into 3 stages: early, middle and late. Each stage has a certain distinctive characteristic in the symptoms it presents, however, the progress of Meniere’s Disease means individuals may pass through each stage differently.

Generally, it is thought in the early stages of Meniere’s Disease, a patient may expect more episodes, and symptoms like vertigo and dizziness are more prominent. In later years of the condition, patients may experience fewer episodes and hearing loss becomes the most notable aspect of the condition.

Meniere’s Disease and Hearing Loss

In terms of hearing loss, the disease can be associated with the following for each stage:

Stage 1 – Hearing is impaired during episodes but returns to normal between each episode.

Stage 2 – Hearing fluctuates and doesn’t return to normal.

Stage 3 – Hearing loss is prominent.

The build-up of pressure and sudden release of pressure damages the inner ear and over time impairs hearing. If the inner ear is damaged, solutions such as hearing aids can potentially help limit the impact of this damage.

Treatment for Meniere’s Disease

Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for Meniere’s Disease, but there are recommendations for managing the condition. Before trying to treat Meniere’s Disease, consult a doctor and get a professional diagnose that meets your specific circumstances.

The unpredictable nature of the disease makes it difficult to manage for many. It can impact the ability to drive, career opportunities, hobbies, and general lifestyle.

During an episode, the NHS recommends the following:

“Take your medication, sit or lie down, close your eyes, or keep them fixed on an object in front of you, don’t turn your head quickly, if you need to move, do so slowly and carefully. Once the attack is over, try to move around to help your eyesight and other senses compensate for the problems in your inner ear.”

For long-term treatment of the condition, your doctor may be able to prescribe certain medication or lifestyle recommendations to help reduce the impact of episodes. Certain diets are often encouraged, and medications such as Betahistine.

Hearing Solutions UK for Hearing Assessments and Solutions

For symptoms associated with hearing impairment and hearing loss, Hearing Solutions UK can offer hearing assessments and guidance on hearing aids/products. Our expert team can ensure you get the best solutions for your specific circumstances, and feel confident your hearing is managed in a way that suits you.

To learn more about hearing assessments or getting set up with hearing aids, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, or book an appointment today.

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