Hearing loss is a common problem that often develops with age or is caused by repeated exposure to loud noises.
Action on Hearing Loss estimates that there are more than 10 million (about 1 in 6) people in the UK with some degree of hearing impairment or deafness. By 2035, it is estimated that there will be 15.6 million people with hearing loss in the UK – that’s one in five. More than 900,000 people in the UK are severely or profoundly deaf.
Hearing loss can occur suddenly, but usually develops gradually. If you experience any of these situations, you may have hearing loss.
- others seem to mumble rather than speak clearly to you?
- people often must repeat things for you before you understand what they say?
- you have difficulty understanding what is being said in noisy places, such as pubs or restaurants, even though other people manage to have conversations?
- you find it hard to keep up with conversations when talking to a group of people?
- you find it tiring to listen to conversations because you must concentrate hard?
- others think your television or music is too loud, but you cannot hear it properly if they turn it down?
- you often have difficulty hearing on the telephone?
Hearing loss can be related to a build-up of wax in the ear
A natural body secretion, earwax isn’t usually given much thought until it begins to cause problems. Also known by its medical name cerumen, earwax is produced by glands in the body and secreted directly into the ear. It carries out an important job of protecting the ear canal against bacteria, water, fungi and foreign bodies. However, excess amounts can become compacted and hinder the passage of sound through the ear canal, leading to hearing loss.
Hearing aid users may find they are more prone than others to a build-up of wax. This is because the hearing aid prevents the everyday migration of wax out of the ear. The natural response of the ear to a foreign body – in this case the hearing aid – is to produce wax, which can unfortunately exacerbate the problem.
If you think you might be suffering with a build-up of earwax, there are several things you can do. In the first instance, try using natural olive oil to help soften and loosen the wax. Put a towel over your pillow to protect it and give your ear(s) a really good soak with oil overnight for a week. Don’t be tempted to place tissue or cotton wool inside your ear after putting in the oil, since this will simply suck it back out! You may find that this is sufficient to solve the problem. However, if not, the wax can be removed using micro-suction, which is our client-preferred method and the one we use at Walnut Grove.
Don’t be tempted to dig out the wax with a cotton bud or something similar; the advice is never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear since this can cause damage.
If you feel you have an issue with your hearing then you can either go to your GP, who will decide if you need to be referred to your local audiology department or visit a private audiologist for hearing advice.
Your hearing aid dispenser/audiologist will:
- Look into your ears using an otoscope
- Ask you several questions about your ears, hearing problems, family history of hearing problems and your health in general
- Test your hearing
- Explain the results and if you have a hearing loss, which hearing aids are most suited to you
- If there is a build-up of wax you will need to have it removed.
At Walnut Grove we have teamed up with local Hearing Audiologist Andrew bird Hearing Ltd, an established, completely independent hearing audiology company which has been established for over 14 years.
Andrew has worked in the industry for 17 years and prides himself on the company’s position and ability to recommend and fit any make or model of hearing aid from any manufacturer worldwide, unlike most other companies who are usually restricted to 1 or 2 manufacturers.
At Andrew Bird Hearing there are 3 fully qualified audiologists including Andrews brother Rob, making it a true family business.
The companies head office is in Cheltenham but has in excess of 30 satellite centres throughout the county offering a truly local service including one at Walnut Grove. In addition to the centres Andrew Bird Hearing offer free home visits where necessary as offering an accessible audiology service is part of what the company stands for.
For the past 3 years this service has included a micro suction wax removal service which seems to be more and more popular with doctors’ surgeries no longer performing this procedure.
To find out more about this customer focussed, caring company or to arrange a free hearing test please call them on 01242 262551 or Walnut Grove on 01275 818303.
