Many people find booking a hearing test to be a daunting experience as they are uncomfortable with the idea of their hearing declining and may worry they won’t understand the results of their hearing test.
Understanding the results of your hearing test, however, doesn’t have to be overwhelming and is crucial to ensuring you receive the right treatment for your hearing loss. In this blog post, we will discuss the pure tone audiometry hearing test, what a pure tone audiogram is and how to interpret audiogram results.
A pure tone audiometry test is a standard hearing test that measures the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. The test is conducted in a soundproof room and uses headphones or earbuds. During the test, you will hear a series of tones at different frequencies and volume levels. You will be asked to indicate when you hear a sound, and an audiologist will record the results.
A pure tone audiogram is a graph that displays the results of your pure tone audiometry test. The graph displays your hearing threshold levels for different frequencies. The hearing threshold level is the softest sound you can hear at a specific frequency. The frequencies tested range from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz.
The hearing threshold levels are measured in decibels (dB). The higher the number of decibels, the louder the sound. The audiogram will also show the normal range of hearing . This can help you understand if you have hearing loss. If you are experiencing hearing loss, based on your hearing test results an audiologist may recommend a hearing aid or another form of treatment.
Audiogram interpretation can be confusing, but your audiologist will explain your results in detail. There are two main types of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways that transmit sound to the brain. This type of hearing loss is permanent and can be caused by ageing, exposure to loud noise and some medical conditions.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the middle ear, such as a blockage or damage to the eardrum. This type of hearing loss is often temporary and can be caused by infections, allergies, and some medical conditions.
Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Decibel levels are used to measure the loudness of sounds. The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning that an increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. For example, a sound that measures 70 dB is ten times louder than a sound that measures 60 dB.
The normal range of hearing for adults is between 0 and 25 dB. Mild hearing loss is between 26 and 40 dB, moderate hearing loss is between 41 and 70 dB, and severe hearing loss is between 71 and 90 dB. Profound hearing loss is above 90 dB.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, a pure tone audiometry test may be necessary to determine the extent of the loss and the best course of treatment. Here are some signs that may indicate you need a pure tone audiometry test:
• Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments
• Struggling to understand speech on the phone or television
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Feeling like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly
• Turning up the volume on electronic devices to levels others find too loud
• Feeling like others are not speaking loud enough
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, like birds chirping or doorbells ringing
• Tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in the ears
At Almond Hearing, we understand that interpreting your hearing test results can be overwhelming. If you have any questions about your audiogram results or if you would like to schedule a hearing test, please contact us at Almond Hearing. Our team of audiologists is here to help you every step of the way.
Tinnitus, a condition characterised by the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other phantom sounds in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. This intrusive auditory phenomenon can be debilitating, leading to difficulties in concentration, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress. While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, hearing maskers for tinnitus have emerged as a promising solution to alleviate its impact on individuals’ lives. In this article, we will explore how tinnitus relief aids work and their potential to improve the quality of life for those living with this challenging condition.
Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying issue, such as age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear injuries, or circulatory system disorders. It manifests as phantom sounds that, in most cases, only the affected individual can hear, and the intensity and pitch may vary from person to person. The constant presence of these sounds can cause frustration, anxiety, and even depression, making it essential to find effective management strategies.
Hearing aids have been traditionally used to enhance hearing in individuals with hearing loss. However, their application extends beyond improving auditory acuity. Many modern hearing aids now come equipped with features specially designed to address tinnitus-related challenges. These tinnitus relief aids, also known as tinnitus maskers, utilise various sound therapy techniques to provide relief to those affected by the condition. So, let’s take a look at how they can help with improving quality of life when dealing with tinnitus:
Sound therapy is a key component of tinnitus management. The principle behind it is to introduce external sounds to the individual’s auditory perception, effectively diverting their attention from the internal tinnitus sounds. Tinnitus masking hearing aids leverage this concept by working as tinnitus sound therapy devices that can be customised to suit each person’s specific needs.
Some individuals with tinnitus may also have varying degrees of hearing loss. In such cases, dual-function hearing aids / maskers that address both issues can be highly beneficial. These hearing aids offer amplification for hearing loss while simultaneously providing sound therapy for tinnitus management. This combination simplifies the user experience and reduces the need to wear multiple devices. If an individual has bothersome tinnitus but normal hearing, a combination device can be fitted with the hearing aid function switched off, so that only a masking noise is produced.
Tinnitus can significantly impact an individual’s emotional well-being. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of heightened perception and distress. Tinnitus treatment options with hearing aids can act as stress relievers. By creating a more soothing auditory environment, these devices enable users to cope better with the challenges posed by tinnitus.
Tinnitus hearing aids have emerged as a promising solution to improve the quality of life for individuals living with tinnitus. The customisable and personalised features of these hearing aids ensure that each user receives the most suitable treatment for their specific condition. As technology continues to advance, tinnitus hearing aids hold the potential to enhance the well-being of millions affected by this persistent auditory challenge. If you or someone you know struggles with tinnitus, consulting an audiologist and exploring the benefits of tinnitus hearing aids could be a life-changing step towards a more harmonious existence.
Tinnitus is a prevalent auditory condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including a substantial number in the United Kingdom. Characterised by hearing sounds that have no external source, such as ringing, buzzing, or humming, tinnitus can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. In this article, we will delve into the causes of tinnitus and explore various tinnitus treatment options in Britain – ranging from tinnitus therapy to lifestyle changes.
Understanding tinnitus – as well as its causes and treatment options in the UK – can drastically improve your quality of life if you suffer from this condition. Tinnitus can arise from a multitude of factors, and its origins are often complex and interconnected. Here are some common factors associated with tinnitus:
Prolonged exposure to loud noises, either in occupational settings (e.g., construction sites, music venues) or recreational activities (e.g., loud concerts, shooting ranges), can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. This damage can lead to tinnitus, and in severe cases, permanent hearing loss.
As people age, natural degeneration of the auditory system occurs, leading to age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). Alongside this hearing loss, tinnitus can often develop as a secondary symptom.
Accumulation of earwax can block the ear canal and disrupt the normal functioning of the auditory system. This blockage can result in tinnitus and may be resolved with the safe removal of excess earwax.
Infections in the ear or sinuses can cause inflammation, affecting the transmission of sound signals and causing tinnitus in some cases. Treating the underlying infection can alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus.
Certain medications, such as high doses of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some antibiotics, have been linked to tinnitus as a potential side effect. Consulting a healthcare professional about alternative medications may be necessary for those affected. Always talk to your GP before changing your medicine
Tinnitus management in the UK begins with obtaining a diagnosis. Diagnosing tinnitus involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s medical history, a physical examination, and specialised hearing tests. Audiologists and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are the healthcare professionals best equipped to diagnose and help with tinnitus in the UK. Some common diagnostic tests include:
An audiogram is a hearing test that assesses an individual’s hearing ability across different frequencies. It helps identify the presence and extent of hearing loss, which can be associated with tinnitus.
While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, various treatment options are available in the UK to manage and alleviate the symptoms. Effective tinnitus remedies in the UK are often tailored to each individual, considering the underlying causes and the impact of tinnitus on their quality of life. Some tinnitus solutions popular in the United Kingdom include:
Sound therapy involves the use of external noises to distract the brain from perceiving the tinnitus sound. It can be achieved through wearable devices such as white noise machines, hearing aids, or even smartphone apps that offer a variety of soothing sounds.
CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals change negative thought patterns and reactions associated with tinnitus. It aims to reduce distress and improve coping mechanisms, making it an effective tool in managing tinnitus-related anxiety and depression.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. These can include antidepressants or antianxiety medications to address emotional distress related to tinnitus.
Identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen tinnitus, such as loud noises, caffeine, or stress, can help manage the condition effectively. However, while it is important for everyone to reduce the amount of time exposed to loud noises like heavy machinery and loud concerts, it is also important that you do not reduce your exposure to safe levels of noise such as most office and household activities, as spending too much time in silence can increase your perception of tinnitus.
While not all instances of tinnitus can be prevented, taking certain precautions can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition:
Treating tinnitus may help improve your quality of life if you suffer from this potentially chronic condition. With various treatment options available, individuals experiencing tinnitus may find relief in a number of different ways. Additionally, taking preventive measures to protect hearing may significantly reduce the risk of developing tinnitus in the first place. If you or someone you know is experiencing tinnitus symptoms, looking into UK-based tinnitus therapies and treatments may help with finding relief and support.
The mention of ear wax often evokes images of a waxy, yellowish substance that some people find rather unpleasant. Tinnitus, on the other hand, is a noise which is usually only heard by the person who has it, often described as a buzzing, hissing, or ringing sound. On the surface, these two might seem unrelated, but delve deeper, and you’ll discover that there can be a connection between them. In this article, we’ll look at ear wax and its relation to tinnitus and what steps can be taken to manage this symptom effectively.
Before delving into the relationship between ear wax and tinnitus, it’s essential to understand what ear wax, or cerumen, actually is. Ear wax is a natural secretion produced by the ceruminous glands in the ear canal. It serves as a protective barrier against dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles. While it often self-regulates, certain factors like age, hygiene habits, or anatomical differences can result in excess ear wax, leading to blockages.
Tinnitus is a condition characterised by the perception of noise in the ear when there is no external sound source. It can be a symptom of other underlying conditions, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, or circulatory problems. For most people, tinnitus is an occasional annoyance, while for a small minority, it is a debilitating problem that affects their quality of life.
There are several possible ways you may have experienced tinnitus caused by ear wax. To help you understand the impact of ear wax on tinnitus, let’s go over how it can happen:
Excessive ear wax can lead to blockage of the ear canal, reducing the level of sound energy reaching the eardrum. This can temporarily reduce hearing and in turn make you more aware of tinnitus. The absence of the wax’s normal protective capabilities may also expose the ear to bacterial or fungal infections, exacerbating tinnitus symptoms. Tinnitus symptoms and ear wax accumulation don’t always go hand in hand, but it is something to be mindful of.
For some individuals, the presence of ear wax may be a minor contributor, but they become increasingly sensitive to the symptoms of tinnitus, further elevating their awareness of the condition. This can create a feedback loop where the symptoms of tinnitus become more bothersome because the individual is hyper-focused on them, and in some cases, might incorrectly attribute them solely to the ear wax.
The best way to address tinnitus caused by ear wax is to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from a professional. This generally follows a set routine that includes:
If you suspect that ear wax may be causing your tinnitus, consult an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a thorough examination. If excessive ear wax is found, removal may be recommended.
There are various methods of ear wax removal for tinnitus relief, such as micro-suction, irrigation, or manual removal using specialised tools. Sometimes, over-the-counter wax softening drops are advised before these procedures. It’s essential never to attempt an ear cleaning for tinnitus treatment at home with cotton swabs or other tools as you can push the wax further down or damage your ear.
Once the ear wax is removed, it might take some time to see an improvement in tinnitus symptoms. In many cases, the removal of the wax reduces awareness of tinnitus. However, if tinnitus persists, further investigations are necessary to rule out other underlying issues.
Once you’ve identified that ear wax is causing – or exacerbating – your tinnitus, your next step will be to prevent and manage the symptoms effectively. Here’s how to do it:
Routine visits to an audiologist can help in monitoring ear health and preventing excessive accumulation of earwax. This is especially true for people who are more prone to developing wax impactions.
Practising good ear hygiene is important but remember that ears are generally self-cleaning. Overzealous cleaning can lead to problems rather than solving them.
In some cases, tinnitus is a symptom of more severe health issues like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. Managing these conditions can also alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
While ear wax might seem like a trivial aspect of human health, its influence on conditions like tinnitus is significant. Proper diagnosis and finding treatment options for ear wax-related cases of tinnitus can alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people who have it. Therefore, understanding the link between ear wax and tinnitus can be a vital step in effective symptom management.
Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a standalone condition, and it can manifest in various forms. People who experience tinnitus hear sounds in their ears that don’t have an external source. While the vast majority of people with tinnitus experience a low impact from it, some people do experience negative emotions which they attribute to tinnitus.
These sounds can range from a low hum to a high-pitched screech, and their underlying causes can differ significantly. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of tinnitus, the sounds associated with each, and some of the most common causes.
Before diving into the types of sounds and causes, it’s essential to differentiate between the two main varieties of tinnitus. The two different forms of tinnitus are:
• Subjective Tinnitus: This is the most common form, where only the person experiencing it can hear the sound. Most tinnitus cases fall under this category.
• Objective Tinnitus: Objective tinnitus is the less common of the two categories of tinnitus This form of tinnitus can be heard by an external observer, such as a doctor conducting an examination. Objective tinnitus is often caused by vascular abnormalities or muscle contractions.
The types of sounds heard by those suffering from tinnitus can vary wildly, so it’s important to learn about the different types to adequately assess whether or not you’re experiencing this condition. The various types of ringing in the ears include:
Constant ringing is one of the most reported classification of tinnitus sounds. The sound is often described as a high-pitched whine or a persistent “eeee” noise.
In these kinds of tinnitus experiences, the sound pulses in sync with the person’s heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus is often more rhythmic than other types and can be caused by blood flow abnormalities.
Any ‘tinnitus’ that has form or structure, such as hearing people talk or hearing music, is classed as an auditory hallucination. This can sometimes be caused by neurological conditions and should be checked by a doctor.
White noise tinnitus manifests as a constant static or hissing sound. It is often compared to the sound produced by a TV or radio tuned to an empty channel.
Some people experience a sound similar to a typewriter or clicking. The noise often occurs in bursts and may be sporadic. In some cases, this type is related to muscle contractions in the ear or throat area, and can sometimes be heard by other people. This type of tinnitus should be checked by an audiologist or doctor.
As tinnitus is more of a symptom than a condition in itself, there are many different causes. Below are a few of the most common causes of tinnitus:
Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. As the hair cells in the cochlea (a part of the inner ear) become damaged due to age or loud noise exposure, the likelihood of experiencing tinnitus increases.
Wax buildup or ear infections can also lead to temporary forms of tinnitus. Once the underlying issue is addressed, the tinnitus often subsides.
Some medications, especially at high doses, are ototoxic (damaging to the ear) and can cause temporary or permanent tinnitus. Aspirin, certain antibiotics, and diuretics are among the drugs that can induce this condition. You should always consult your doctor if you are considering changing your medications.
Psychological factors can exacerbate tinnitus or even trigger its onset. Stress and anxiety are known to contribute to the severity and persistence of the symptoms.
Vascular conditions can cause tinnitus which is often pulsatile. Pulsatile tinnitus is rhythmic and in time with your heart beat. Pulsatile tinnitus should always be checked out by a doctor.
While there is no universal cure for tinnitus, treatment options aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), sound therapy, and in some cases, medication to manage underlying conditions. The most important aspect of treatment and management of tinnitus is speaking to a professional who can guide you through the diagnostic pathway. They will also be able to identify effective treatment and management plans for your condition, helping you enjoy a better quality life.
Tinnitus is a multifaceted symptom that varies widely in sound and underlying cause. Diverse tinnitus manifestations make tinnitus more difficult to understand, but thanks to a robust classification of tinnitus conditions it’s becoming easier to identify. Proper diagnosis is key to effective management, so consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
If you’re not sure how to keep hearing aids clean, you can find out what steps to take, and what equipment you’ll need to achieve this. If you have to wear hearing aids, you’ll know just how invaluable they are for making everyday living easier. Looking after your hearing aids will ensure they work as efficiently as possible, for a long time. Regular cleaning is key to looking after your hearing aids properly, so here’s how to keep hearing aids clean.
Hearing aids are prone to getting dirty. They can suffer from exposure to earwax, moisture and dirt, which can build up over time, potentially affecting their ability to function effectively. That’s why regular cleaning of hearing aids is vitally important and should be carried out on a daily basis. If you’re not sure how to keep hearing aids clean, fortunately, it’s a relatively simple task.
In order to make sure that your hearing aids receive the most appropriate cleaning treatments possible, it’s crucial to have the right cleaning tools to hand. If you’re not sure what you need, or what steps you need to take to keep your hearing aids in tip-top condition, consult a specialist for advice.
Typically, you’ll need a wax pick or hook, and a soft-bristle toothbrush or brush, as well as clean, dry tissues or cloths, all of which can be easily purchased.
How you clean your hearing aids depends on which type of hearing aid you have.
If you have a model that is placed inside the ear, it is especially important that you remove any wax that may have accumulated on the device. Using your brush, gently clean the openings of the hearing aid, including the microphone port. Place the openings of the hearing aids downwards, so that loose particles can be easily removed from the device. Any debris left inside the openings can then be removed using a wax pick or hook. Give the hearing aids a final wipe down with a clean, dry cloth.
If you have hearing aids that are positioned behind the ear, take a look at the device first and use a clean cloth or soft brush to remove any visible debris. Next, clean the earmold by removing it from the hook. If the earmold appears to be stained or discoloured, wipe it daily and give it a soak in warm, soapy water about once per week. Never use alcohol or chemicals when cleaning the aids as this could damage them. If there is any water left in the tubing of the hearing aids, using a bulb blower can help to remove this excess moisture. The parts of the hearing aids should be left to dry completely before they are used again.
Whatever type of hearing aids you use, it’s also important to take good care of the batteries. The battery compartment should be cleaned regularly with a soft brush, and when the batteries are removed at night to store in the compartment, this should be kept open to keep them dry.
It’s important to establish regular cleaning routines to keep your hearing aids as clean as possible. For instance, cleaning them before going to bed each night is a good idea, as it allows them to dry properly before morning.
Make sure your hands are always clean before you touch or clean the hearing aids, to prevent the transmission of dirt. You can also prevent any oils or liquids from dirtying aids or creating a build-up of grease by removing them before you take a shower or wash your hair, or when doing any activity where you might get hot and sweaty. If you need further advice on how to keep hearing aids clean or information about hearing tests in Livingston , don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Almond Hearing today.
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Pneumonia is a serious illness that can cause grave and worrying side effects, and around one in 20 sufferers may die. If you’re wondering can pneumonia cause hearing loss, the answer is yes, it can. This article explains what pneumonia is, how it affects the body and what the outlook is for pneumonia-related hearing loss.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by a variety of things, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can also be caused by environmental factors, such as smoke or pollution. Pneumonia may also be a complication of other illnesses, such as the flu or chickenpox.
Pneumonia is a serious illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough, rapid or difficult breathing and chest pain. The illness can lead to long-term problems such as pericarditis, where a membrane in your heart becomes infected. Your airways can also become blocked, making breathing difficult, and you may also suffer an infection of the spaces between the membranes that surround your lungs and chest cavity.
One of the problems caused by pneumonia is hearing loss. The ears are connected to the upper respiratory tract, including the lungs, by the eustachian tube. This means an infection in one can
lead to problems in the other.
Pneumonia can lead to fluid buildup in the ears, which can block sound waves from entering the inner ear. On top of this, hearing loss caused by pneumonia can also be accompanied by the
sensation of fullness in the ear and the muffling of sounds.
Pneumonia-related hearing issues don’t just extend to the ears being clogged; they can also be caused by damage done to delicate structures deep inside the ear canal during the course of
the illness.
Although pneumonia-related hearing loss can happen to adults, it’s more common in children. This is because, in most cases, kids have smaller ear canals than adults, making them more susceptible to earache and hearing loss when their ears are clogged with fluid or impacted by an infection like pneumonia.
Anyone who develops hearing problems after having pneumonia should seek immediate medical attention to prevent whatever fluid has built up from staying in their ear canal for too long and causing more damage as time progresses.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing any long-term problems, including hearing loss. An audiologist can perform a series of hearing tests to determine if you have
hearing loss, and if so, how severe it is. Treatment for hearing loss caused by pneumonia may include antibiotics to clear the infection, ear drops to help relieve any fluid buildup, and/or surgery to repair any damage done to the ear drums.
In many cases, pneumonia-related hearing loss can be permanent. This is because the infection can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, which can lead to long-term loss of hearing.
However, if the hearing loss is caught early and treated properly, it’s often possible to prevent any further damage from occurring.
If you experience any long-term hearing problems as a result of pneumonia, it’s important to speak with a hearing expert as soon as possible about the steps you can take. While hearing loss may be permanent, it’s often possible to improve your hearing with the help of a hearing aid.
If you do experience any long-term hearing problems as a result of pneumonia, don’t be afraid to speak to us at Almond Hearing about hearing tests in Livingston today. We can help patients
experiencing hearing loss after suffering from pneumonia.
As technology evolves, so do hearing aid designs and components, but all hearing aids still require the use of a battery. When wearing hearing aids, you will notice how frequently you need
to change your hearing aid battery. This applies to charging rechargeable batteries too.
Many hearing aids use small round batteries, which have a limited shelf life. Much like you need to change the batteries in your TV remote, you will need to change your hearing aid battery regularly.
Standard batteries last anywhere between 70 to 185 hours. With around 2 million hearing aid wearers in the UK, the number of old hearing aid batteries discarded adds up quickly.
But what to do with old ones once you can no longer use them? While it is a natural reaction to throw them away, batteries can be harmful to the environment and cause damage that should be avoided. You should always look for opportunities to recycle your old hearing aid batteries.
When pondering what to do with old batteries, you should consult with your audiologist to inquire if they have the facilities to recycle them. It may be that you can collect your old batteries and bring them with you to drop off into an approved recycling collection at your appointments.
If this option isn’t available to you, you have other choices you can look into. A good idea is to donate your old batteries to a charity recycling scheme where old batteries of any kind, including hearing aid batteries, are traded for donations.
Cancer Research UK has donation bins in stores for you to drop off your old batteries. They take most household batteries, including the round ones. All you need to do is collect your batteries and then take them all at once to your local charity store, and they will take care of the rest.
If you don’t have a local Cancer Research store, you can visit high street stores and supermarkets, which have buckets at till points or in-store to allow you to drop off old batteries for recycling.
Alternatively, visit your local household waste recycling center with the batteries and dispose of them in their dedicated battery recycling center. If your local authority allows it, you may be able
to add batteries to your household recycling collections. Check with them first to make sure this is possible and how you should add batteries to your household waste for recycling.
Lastly, Ecosurety will pay £100 per tonne of batteries donated, meaning you can actually make money from your old hearing aid batteries if you wish.
If you want to discuss your hearing aid care or what to do with old hearing aid batteries, you can discuss your needs with Almond Hearing. If you wish to find out more about your current the hearing situation, assess the compatibility of your current hearing aids, and get advice on maximizing battery life for your hearing aids, you can contact Almond Hearing by phone or our
online contact form.
A hearing aid is a small amplifying device that fits onto the ear of a partially deaf person to help them hear. According to Hearing Link, around 2 million people use hearing aids in the UK, although 6.7 million people could benefit from them.
On average, 1 in 6 people in the UK suffers from some level of hearing loss, varying from mild impediments which make it difficult for an individual to hear in noisy environments to profound deafness, meaning an individual relies mostly on lip reading and British sign language. If you believe you have an issue with your hearing, it is vital you see a healthcare professional for advice. If you do end up requiring hearing aids, it’s natural to ask, ‘is wearing a hearing aid a disability in the UK?’
In short, the answer is yes. However, while a large quantity of people in the UK suffers from some form of hearing impairment, many of these people do not consider themselves disabled. According to the Equality Act of 2010, hearing loss is considered a disability if reasonable adjustments have to be made to the individual’s life.
Workplaces are expected to adjust for members of staff with hearing impairments and must ensure all staff who require hearing aids have equal opportunity. If you suffer from hearing loss and specialist equipment is needed in your workplace to assist in your work, you may be eligible for an Access to Work grant.
According to your rights, RNID service providers are also expected to adjust because the use of a hearing aid is considered a disability.
If you’re suffering from hearing loss and need more information and advice, it is recommended you speak to a healthcare professional. If your child is suffering from a potential hearing impediment, you’re encouraged to get them a hearing test under the NHS as hearing tests are free for children.
When searching for hearing healthcare, you have two options. The first is getting a hearing test through the NHS, while the second is considering private care. There are several differences between the two options, making this decision incredibly personal.
The NHS offers free hearing support for both adults and children. However, the NHS can have waiting times of up to 6 weeks for a hearing test and a further 6 weeks for a hearing aid to be fitted. The NHS generally provides Behind the Ear (BTE) style aids only.
Private healthcare is often more expensive but for good reason.
Private healthcare providers such as Almond Hearing has shorter wait times of between 1 and 2 weeks as well as a wider range of hearing aid options including the most up-to-date technology. This includes BTE but also inner ear options which are often more discrete. If you have more questions like ‘is wearing a hearing aid a disability in the UK?’, we’re more than happy to answer them.
Do your ears feel full? Are you struggling to hear as well as usual? Or, perhaps you’re suffering from earache or dizziness? Ear wax plays an important role in keeping our delicate ears clear of irritants, foreign bodies and germs, however, when it builds up the symptoms can be both painful and annoying. The good news is that excess ear wax can easily be removed by a
professional. Read this post to discover some of the symptoms and causes of ear wax build-up and find out whether microsuction ear wax removal is safe.
Ear wax should naturally move along the ear canal until it expels itself from the ear. There are, however, times when too much ear wax is produced or that wax doesn’t clear as it should.
Impacted (or stuck) ear wax is a common problem. As people age, their ear wax becomes harder and less mobile and so elderly people are more likely to struggle with a build-up of ear wax. Ear wax production can also increase as a result of other conditions.
These include:
If you have a build-up of ear wax, you might experience some hearing loss or feel like your ear is blocked. You may also suffer from earache, have tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears), or even have vertigo, which can make you feel sick and dizzy.
If you feel like your ears are full of wax, you may be tempted to reach for the cotton buds but this common DIY method of ear wax removal can be dangerous. As well as risking damage to your inner ear, inserting any external object into the ear can increase the accumulation of ear wax, so you may inadvertently make the problem worse. If you’re struggling with ear wax, it’s important to seek professional help.
It used to be the case that GPs would routinely offer ear syringing, however, NICE guidelines now advise that this method – which involves using a handheld syringe to inject water into the ears and flush out wax – is potentially harmful and should no longer be used. Syringing carries a relatively high risk ofn complications – a 1990 study, surveying 312 GPs serving 650,000 patients, found that ear syringing failed to remove wax in 29% of cases, led to an ear infection in 17% of cases and caused perforation of the eardrum in 15% of cases.
Microsuction, on the other hand, is a safer method of earwax removal that results in far fewer complications. It is, in fact, so gentle that it can even be carried out on someone with an external or middle ear infection, or a perforated ear drum.
Microsuction uses a small, low-pressure vacuum device to gently suck away the earwax. A microscope is used during the procedure, so that the inside of the ear can be clearly seen and all of the wax removed. As the pressure is so low, microsuction ear wax removal is safe and should be painless.
At Almond Hearing, we are specialists when it comes to ear wax removal. While microsuction is one of the methods that we offer, we will first ensure that it is the right choice for you, based on
the anatomy of your ears, your case history, and the position and the density of your wax. At our clinic in Livingston, West Lothian, we use state-of-the-art technology to make our ear wax removal methods as safe and effective as possible. When carrying out microsuction, we use a high-powered microscope with 20x magnification – the same as an ENT consultant would use.
This means we can see the ear canal in detail throughout the procedure and you can be certain that no wax will be left behind.
If you’re currently struggling with excess ear wax and would like to learn more about is micro suction ear wax removal safe and other ear wax removal treatments, contact us today.
To find out more about our hearing tests and the other ways we can help you, view our hearing services here.
