Patients often present to a hearing clinic having experienced pain in the ear or noticing signs of an infection. One of the first questions a practitioner will ask is, ‘have you been trying to clean your ears?’ If so, they will then explain what happens when a cotton bud is put too far into the ear.
NHS Scotland lists the use of a cotton bud as one of the most common causes of earache. Inserting one too far into the ear can cause injury to the structures of the inner and middle ear and push wax further into the ear. This can lead to infection and potential hearing loss.
Plastic cotton buds were made illegal in Scotland in 2019, with the rest of the UK following suit a few months later. That measure to reduce plastic waste hasn’t stopped our tendency to grab a cotton-tipped cardboard poker to try and scrape excess wax out of our stuffy-feeling ears.
62% of Brits say they use cotton buds to clean their ears. That’s a lot of people risking injury to their ears and increasing the chances of developing a nasty infection and potential hearing loss.
With such a national pastime of ridding our ears of the nasty-looking sticky yellow stuff that builds up oh so quickly, there has to be a better way. And there is. Once you realise what really happens when you stick a cotton bud too far into the ear, you’ll likely never attempt it again.
When you pick up a cotton bud, it really does seem as if that three-inch stick with furry ends was specifically made for scraping wax out of the ear. But it isn’t. In fact, the shape of a cotton bud doesn’t really do much to remove ear wax at all.
Originally designed as a baby hygiene product, the only recommended uses for cotton buds are for cleaning small areas such as around the eyes, nose and outer ear.
The risks of inserting a cotton bud too far into the ear are:
You don’t really need to clean wax out of your ears. A little like a conveyor belt, the ear naturally carries wax out, so it will eventually be swept out.
Wax has a number of beneficial properties for ear health. As it is slightly acidic, it helps fight bacteria and fungus. It also provides a waterproof barrier to protect the ear itself.
In some situations though, the ear can build up an excessive amount of wax. In these circumstances, it’s best to see a clinician who will use the most appropriate method to remove ear wax safely.
At Almond Hearing, we will examine the ear and use video otoscopy to check its health before and after any procedure. If some damage to the ear is diagnosed, a suitable treatment plan will be advised with you and you may need a hearing test to check no hearing loss has been suffered.
To book a consultation for ear wax removal or a hearing test in Livingston, get in touch with our clinical experts today.
A recent study has shown that about one in five adults experiences hearing loss. The most common type of hearing loss is high-frequency hearing loss, which can be caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes high-frequency hearing loss and how it can be treated.
Symptoms include difficulty understanding speech when there is background noise; trouble recognising specific sounds like “s”, “the” or “f”; feeling as if people mumble; frustration due to not being able to understand conversations; and having ringing ears after exposure to loud noises, such as those from concerts or construction sites. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional.
Most likely, if you do suffer from this type of hearing loss, it’s due to noise exposure such as listening to loud music through headphones for extended periods of time, working in a noisy environment without ear protection (such as construction work) or being around heavy machinery regularly.
First, the doctor will conduct a series of tests to measure your ability to hear different frequencies and noises. Then he or she will monitor whether the level at which you can interpret speech changes over time.
Depending on the cause of your hearing loss, there are a few different treatment options that might be available to you. If the damage is due to exposure to loud noises, then wearing earplugs or other noise-cancelling headphones when in situations where noise levels are high can help protect your hearing.
If the root of the problem is age-related, then a hearing aid may be recommended which can amplify all sounds – including those in the higher frequency range. Finally, if it’s determined that there is an infection or obstruction affecting your ability to hear high frequencies, then antibiotics or surgery may be necessary.
No matter what type of high-frequency hearing loss you have, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only make the effects worse over time.
There are a few basic steps you can take in order to avoid experiencing hearing loss or further damage to your ears: use earplugs when exposed to loud noises; limit exposure to excessively loud noise (for example, try not to turn up your headphones so loudly – this will save your ears); and have regular visits with an audiologist who specialises in diagnosing and treating hearing problems.
If possible, reduce stress levels as well since it has been shown that stress makes tinnitus more severe for those who suffer from it.
Otitis externa is a fairly common ear condition that is said to affect around 10% of people at some point in their lives. While it can cause a range of symptoms, many sufferers might wonder, can otitis externa cause hearing loss? Here’s all you need to know.
Otitis externa typically causes inflammation in the external ear canal. Usually, this is as a result of a bacterial infection, but the redness and swelling associated with this condition can also be caused by irritation, allergies or a fungal infection.
Moisture in the ears often provides the ideal conditions for bacteria to grow, and for otitis externa to develop. It’s for this reason that this ear affliction is also referred to as swimmer’s ear, as swimmers, whose ears are more likely to get water in them, are prone to this condition.
However, you don’t need to be a swimmer to suffer from otitis externa, as any kind of damage to the ear, such as excessive scratching or inserting cotton buds, or if you have a weak immune system, can increase the risk of developing symptoms. This condition tends to affect one ear rather than both.
Most people who have otitis externa present with a range of symptoms such as pain in the ear, an itchy ear, scaly skin around the ear, a red or swollen ear, discharge from the ear and tenderness when the ear or jaw is moved.
If you’re wondering, ‘can otitis externa cause hearing loss?’, then the short answer is yes, in some sufferers it can. However, the good news is that this is normally only temporary. Your hearing might feel muffled, and may be exacerbated by a feeling of fullness or pressure within the ear.
Whether you experience temporary hearing loss or other symptoms caused by otitis externa, it’s essential that you seek help from your GP, who will usually prescribe some ear drops. Symptoms should improve within a few days, including the temporary hearing loss.
However, some people experience chronic otitis externa, where symptoms can persist for months or even years, so you may need to be referred to a specialist for further advice and treatment if this is the case.
Whatever the causes of otitis externa, it’s a good idea to try to prevent the problem from occurring in future, such as reducing the amount of moisture that enters the ears. If you go swimming frequently, for instance, you should wear a cap or ear plugs.
Rarely, otitis externa can lead to further complications, such as an inflamed or perforated eardrum. This can also result in temporary hearing loss, as well as pain and discomfort.
Although hearing loss is only temporary for sufferers of otitis externa, because this condition can lead to further complications that may damage the ear and hinder hearing, it’s important to seek help straight away.
Whether you’re experiencing hearing loss from otitis externa or from something else, our experts can conduct hearing tests in Livingston to find out more about your hearing. Where hearing loss isn’t temporary, we can provide hearing aids in Livingston to help restore your hearing again. Get in touch with our experts today.
Hearing problems are more common than you might think, especially as people get older. If you suspect that you might have a hearing issue, getting a test to confirm the problem is easy. Lots of people want to know ‘where can I get a hearing test?’. Fortunately, there are several options.
Before asking, ‘where can I get a hearing test?’ you should consider whether a hearing test is necessary. Other than the obvious signs, such as struggling to hear people talking to you, there are other less obvious signs that you should arrange a hearing test. For example, a persistent ringing in your ears. This phenomenon is known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is most noticeable in environments with little to no ambient sounds. Depending on its severity, tinnitus can manifest as a barely audible noise or as a loud ringing that’s noticeable even in relatively noisy environments. Tinnitus can be due to medication side effects, injuries, or persistent exposure to loud noises.
If you’re struggling to hear sounds that you previously found easily audible, it’s worth booking a hearing test. However, if your symptoms are accompanied by an earache or discharge coming from your ear, you should see your GP. You should also consult a GP if you suddenly lose your hearing in one or both ears.
The NHS provides free hearing tests. Your GP can refer you to an audiologist, or you can book yourself a hearing test through a pharmacy or optician. Most large opticians and pharmacies offer free hearing tests, although you should phone ahead to check whether these services are available. Smaller branches are less likely to offer them. These tests are usually free, but you will need to pay for any resulting treatments, such as hearing aids.
There are also online hearing tests available. These won’t give you a definitive answer and aren’t a substitute for a formal examination, but they may be helpful indicators that can help you decide whether it’s worth booking a face-to-face test.
Where can I get a hearing test for my child or elderly relative?
If your child complains of hearing problems or you suspect they might have one, you should consult your GP before booking a test. In many cases, the culprit is earwax, in which case your GP can usually treat the problem quickly and painlessly in their office. NEVER insert anything into anyone’s ear (including your own) to try and clear ear wax yourself; this is the most common cause of ear damage and infections. The exception is specially formulated oils, available from your local pharmacy. The same applies to elderly relatives.
Booking a hearing test is a simple process. You don’t need your GP to refer you to a specialist, although they will do so when necessary. In cases of sudden, dramatic hearing loss, you should always consult your GP. If sudden hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus or occurs after a head injury, go to A&E or dial 111. Almond Hearing offers hearing tests in Lothian. We also offer hearing aids and ear wax removal services.
It’s natural to become concerned when you have trouble with either your hearing level or clarity, or possibly a combination of both! We rely on auditory input every day for fundamental things like conversations and entertainment, so finding a fix can mean answering the question, ‘what type of hearing loss do I have?’
Firstly, don’t panic and assume the worst. The human auditory system is intricate and even the slightest inflammation can affect it. Also, getting professional advice can help identify and treat hearing loss.
Before discussing the different types of hearing loss, let’s look at the more common signs and symptoms.
First, you may find that sounds you could once hear clearly have become muffled (such as the phone ringing), you have to turn the TV volume up higher in order to hear it and you ask people to repeat the things they say to you frequently. You may also miss people calling your name or speaking to you from a distance.
However, hearing loss can also refer to difficulties with hearing certain pitches, experiencing ringing in the ears and additional symptoms such as pressure or pain around the sides of your head.
No matter your symptoms, all of this information is useful when diagnosing hearing loss.
The different types of hearing loss are:
It is possible to have a combination of the above.
Sensorineural: Sensorineural refers to hearing problems caused by a birth defect or a trauma that has damaged the delicate mechanisms involved in collecting and transmitting sound.
Auditory processing disorders: An auditory processing disorder is a neurological issue that makes identifying different sounds a challenge.
Conductive: Most hearing loss is less complex and is conductive. This means something is blocking sound from travelling inwards properly. Within this category of hearing loss are infections that cause swelling in your ear’s membranes and the commonplace problem of ear wax build-up in the outer ear.
Conductive hearing loss can involve your middle ear too, where a fluid buildup can prevent sound. In young children, you may hear it referred to as ‘glue ear’ There are ways to drain this fluid and medicines can clear infections that cause it.
Another type of conductive hearing loss is a ruptured eardrum from excessive pressure. A previous eardrum tear can heal as scar tissue that interferes with sound too.
So, when should you seek advice on hearing loss? If your difficulties are significant, have no obvious cause or are accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, then please seek help.
A professional test and ear examination may be the only way to accurately diagnose the issue. Then, if the damage is irreparable, you can get friendly, professional advice on hearing aids in Livingston, from the specialist team at Almond.
Contact us for hearing tests in Livingstone today or for more insights on your auditory issues.
Many people undergo hearing tests when they notice a decline in their hearing, and more still have routine hearing tests to keep an eye on their hearing levels and ensure that any changes are determined quickly. But what does a normal hearing test look like? Let’s take a look at what to expect from your hearing test and outline the thresholds for ‘normal’ hearing.
First, we perform a video otoscopy to check for ear canal blockages or damage to the eardrum. We follow this with a tympanogram to assess the eardrum’s flexibility and check if there is any malfunction to the eustachian tube, which is the passageway between the throat and the middle ear.
Next is the main hearing test, which is called a pure-tone audiometry test. This involves the patient listening to a series of sounds to assess the thresholds of their hearing. What does a normal hearing test look like? We outline the ‘normal’ thresholds of hearing below.
Following the pure-tone hearing test, we then conduct speech tests. This assesses the levels at which the patient can hear normal speech in both quiet and noisy environments. This, in addition to the pure-tone test, helps us to determine the functional hearing capacity of the patient.
When we perform hearing tests we have patients listen to a series of sounds and notify us when they hear something. We plot the sounds heard on a chart known as an audiogram. On the vertical axis of this chart is decibels (dB), which is the loudness of a sound. On the horizontal axis is Hertz (Hz), which is the frequency or pitch of a sound. This allows our audiologists to see the patient’s range of hearing.
People with normal hearing can hear soft sounds that occur between -10dB and 25dB. People who cannot hear within this range have hearing loss. However, the severity of this hearing loss can vary.
People with mild hearing loss can hear sounds between 26dB and 40dB, but not any softer. They tend to have difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments.
Moderate hearing loss is when people can hear sounds between 41dB and 70dB but not any lower. Speech is difficult to follow and quiet sounds often go unheard.
People with severe hearing loss can hear sounds between 71dB and 90dB and no softer. They have a lot of difficulty hearing speech even when in very quiet environments and tend not to hear any general noises unless they’re very loud.
When someone cannot hear anything softer than 90dB, their hearing loss is deemed ‘profound’. Most sounds go unheard unless they’re incredibly loud.
Often, it is others who notice a change in our hearing before we do. It’s easy to get used to a gradual decline in our own hearing, but others tend to notice us missing obvious sounds or asking people to repeat themselves. If you think you’re in a need of a hearing test or you’d like to book one on a loved one’s behalf, be sure to contact us to arrange an appointment.
If you’re in the West Lothian area and think that your hearing may be in decline, it’s possible that you might be feeling worried or anxious about the next steps to take. The important thing is to realise that you’re not alone – approximately one in six people in Scotland are currently living with hearing loss, and in order to get a correct diagnosis you can quickly and easily arrange for hearing tests in Livingston with Almond Hearing. How to help hearing loss can vary depending on your condition – whether you’re yet to arrange for a hearing test, or if you’ve already been diagnosed by an audiologist, there are several steps you can take that can help to improve your hearing.
If your audiologist has diagnosed you with hearing loss, you may have been told that you could benefit from hearing aids. These devices are designed to provide amplification needed by the ears to send sound waves to the brain. The brain then processes these sound waves into what you recognise as sound.
Once you’ve received a diagnosis, it is recommended for hearing aids to be fitted as soon as possible. This is because the part of the brain which processes auditory signals could begin to atrophy when left unused – just like muscles do when they are underused.
Research has suggested that people who wear hearing aids could benefit from increased overall wellbeing. Hearing aids allow us to continue with everyday things we may have once taken for granted – things that have a markedly positive effect on our lives. Take something as simple as hearing a grandchild read from a storybook, or having a conversation with an old friend on the street.
When left untreated, hearing loss could potentially cause mental health issues to develop or worsen. Some people who begin to suffer from diminished hearing find themselves isolated due to being unable to hear or understand people in social situations. The solution is simple: hearing aids. Interaction is incredibly good for our mental wellbeing, and hearing aids help to facilitate better interaction for those with hearing issues.
Quit smoking: If you’re a smoker and have hearing issues, now may be a good time to quit. Research undertaken at the University of Manchester suggests that smokers are nearly 30% more likely to develop hearing issues than their non-smoking counterparts.
Reduce volume: It may sound simple, but one of the easiest ways to prevent hearing loss is to turn down the volume of any noise in your environment. This could include anything from keeping the television at a safe volume level to wearing hearing protection in areas where you may be exposed to noise above 85 decibels (such as noisy workplaces, sporting events or concerts).
Get more exercise: Did you know that a leisurely stroll helps to increase blood flow to the ear? Better blood flow helps to improve the health of ear cells within the inner ear. Some of these cells are responsible for translating sound into electrical impulses for the brain to understand, and when they degenerate, so too does your ability to hear.
At Almond Hearing, we supply hearing aids to patients from all parts of Scotland. If you require an assessment of your hearing or would like to arrange to have new hearing aids fitted, please feel free to contact us today. A member of our team will be happy to arrange an appointment at your convenience.
In the UK, two million of us use hearing aids and a further six million could benefit from them. If you’re a hearing aid user or you care for someone who is, you might have noticed that a waxy build-up on the hearing aids can be a problem. Too much earwax can affect your hearing aids, producing a whistling sound. Knowing how to remove wax effectively can minimise the problem, so this blog explains how to clean wax out of hearing aids.
There are a few steps you should take if you’re wondering how to clean wax out of hearing aids. If you don’t already have one, purchasing a hearing aid cleaning kit is important. This gives you a variety of tools to ensure you thoroughly and carefully clean your hearing aids.
Take a look at your hearing aids to see where the wax is building up. Start by cleaning these areas with a clean dry cloth. In some cases, this is enough to resolve the problem. If not, use your kit to clean the hearing aids more deeply.
The tools in your cleaning kit should help you to remove the ear wax. Whilst these tools are specifically designed for hearing aids, use them carefully to avoid pushing wax further into the device.
Modern hearing aids usually come with wax filters and guards. You should inspect these parts regularly for debris. Remove the debris if you can, but if it’s too difficult you might need to replace them.
Some hearing aids have tubing that can become blocked with earwax. If yours do, carefully remove and clean out the tubing with an air blower (puffer) or bendable wire. Tubing needs to be replaced from time to time, so if the blockages are severe, you might need replacements.
If earwax is building up on your hearing aids it’s likely you also have some build-up in the ear canal. If you’re concerned, always speak to a professional and avoid trying to remove the wax yourself. Trying to remove wax yourself is a common cause of ear infections and damage. You can sometimes use oils at home to help treat the problem but you should always seek professional advice.
At Almond Hearing, we’re a leading provider of hearing tests and hearing aids in Livingston. We cover customers from the whole of West Lothian, including the western suburbs of Edinburgh. Contact us now for local hearing aid services and hearing tests in Livingston.
Sensorineural hearing loss is a common form of hearing loss in the UK. Here, we explain what SNHL is and answer the commonly asked question, can sensorineural hearing loss get better?
Sensorineural hearing loss, or SNHL, is a type of hearing loss that’s caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear. Some people only experience sensorineural hearing loss in one ear (unilateral hearing loss), while others develop it in both (bilateral hearing loss).
Sensorineural hearing loss can happen when the hair cells in the ear are damaged through prolonged exposure to loud noises, for example when working in particularly loud environments.
Other causes include diseases such as meningitis, mumps, multiple sclerosis or ménières disease, and the use of certain kinds of medication. You may also be more likely to develop SNHL if your mother had rubella while pregnant, or if you were born with low birth weight.
One of the biggest causes of sensorineural hearing loss is ageing. According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), more than 40% of people aged over 50 have a degree of hearing loss in the UK, rising to more than 70% of those aged over 70.
The symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss tend to develop slowly and gradually get worse over time. If you think you may be suffering from sensorineural hearing loss, it’s important to get your hearing checked by a professional.
A diagnostic hearing test at Almond Hearing will reveal any form of hearing loss that you might have so that appropriate treatment can begin.
During your hearing test at our clinic in Livingston, the integrity of your outer, inner and middle ear will be assessed as well as your level of hearing overall. We use the very latest technology, including video otoscopy to look for any blockages in the ear canal or damage to the tympanic membrane, along with a tympanogram to assess the flexibility of the eardrum and uncover any eustachian tube malfunction. Pure-tone audiometry will be used to confirm your hearing thresholds, while speech testing will demonstrate your functional hearing capability.
Unfortunately, the answer to ‘can sensorineural hearing loss get better?’ is no. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent as the hair cells inside the ear are unable to repair themselves and they can’t be replaced. If the cause of your sensorineural hearing loss is ongoing – for example, ageing – then you may also find that your hearing loss gets worse with time.
Thankfully, those who suffer from sensorineural hearing loss can benefit greatly from the use of hearing aids, or, in more severe cases, cochlear implants. At Almond Hearing, we stock hearing aids from all of the world’s leading manufacturers.
If you want to find out more about the different types of hearing aid available, visit our Livingston clinic for expert advice. Our friendly and highly-experienced staff will prescribe the right hearing aid for you and ensure that it is fitted correctly. As an independent provider, we are able to select the most appropriate solution for each individual client, so you can rest assured that your ears are in the best hands.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV for short is one of the most common causes of dizziness and vertigo. It can occur at all ages however is more common in the middle aged or elderly.
Benign- Although the symptoms can be very distressing the cause is not concerning for your health.
Paroxysmal- means the dizziness comes in short bursts.
Positional- this means the dizziness only occurs when you are in certain positions.
Vertigo- is the medical term for the spinning sensation that is often felt.
The symptoms are described as an intense short burst of dizziness or vertigo (spinning sensation) that are related to head position. Following an episode of dizziness patients often report feeling sick or unsteady for a few hours. It is very common for symptoms to occur when lying down in bed, rolling in bed, looking up or turning your head.
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals (known as otoconia) have become loose within the part of your ear responsible for your balance. This can happen following a head injury, an inner ear infection or with age. When these crystals are loose, they can fall and become stuck in one or more of 3 semi-circular canals within your inner ear. These semi-circular canals are responsible for sensing rotational movements of your head. Therefore when you put your head into certain positions the crystals move within the semi-circular canal resulting in your brain thinking your head is moving when you are not. Resulting in the sensatio
Diagnosing BPPV is based on the history reported as well as the results of the Dix-Hallpike test. This involves moving from sitting to lying down with your head turned to either the left or right. Sometimes alternative testing techniques may be required depending on mobility or variation in symptoms. If the result of these tests indicate BPPV then a particle repositioning manoeuvre can be completed to help alleviate the symptoms. For the majority of patients the dizziness can stop after a single treatment although it is not uncommon for multiple manoeuvres to be needed to fully treat the BPPV, particularly if the BPPV is present in both ears.
If you feel that you have the symptoms of BPPV please contact us to arrange a balance assessment. If BPPV is present a repositioning manoeuvre will be completed and an individual management plan issued to help alleviate your symptoms.
