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The benefits of a relationship with your hearing aid dispenser.

Consistency, continuity, and relationship.. are these words you would associate with your hearing aid dispenser?

We work hard at Lakeland Hearing to provide these three things, along with our excellent care for your hearing, because we believe these are important, even essential for a successful hearing aid journey.

Hearing care at its best uses an understanding of a client’s personal circumstances to fit hearing aids appropriately. We use consistency and continuity of care within our small practice to build an important relationship between ourselves and our clients. This means that we can really get to understand what a client needs and we can provide the best solutions for each client individually.

All our clients lead different lives, they enjoy different pastimes and requirements for their hearing needs are all different. Whether it is the school run, busy meetings, interactions at the supermarket or family gatherings, each set of circumstances will place different requirements on what a client needs from their hearing aids. As we build up a relationship with our clients, we begin to understand these needs and we are better able to care for them.

For example:

Mrs D. had a stroke, the dexterity in her right hand decreased significantly and she could no longer put her right hearing aid in her ear. We chatted through options and together we agreed that by making her a new moulded ear piece it would improve her ability to handle and insert the hearing aid in her right ear without needing to rely on carers to put her hearing aids in.

Mr T. has Meniere’s disease. This is progressive disease that causes vertigo attacks, tinnitus and progressive hearing loss. As his attacks increased in frequency, his hearing levels have dropped. Regular monitoring means we can track these changes. We can program his hearing aid to fit his latest test results and provide a variety of settings for the small fluctuations in his hearing levels.

Continuity in care means that he doesn’t have to relay his story and symptoms to a different audiologist each time. The care we can provide is consistent and the relationship builds to give him an optimally fitted hearing aid.

Take a step in the right direction on your hearing aid journey and contact us at Lakeland Hearing for more information.

Workplace noise: how to help protect your ears while you’re working

In some places where people work - such as on a construction site, at live gigs or in nightclubs, working in or around loud planes, trains, buses or motorcycles, or working with horticulture tools and equipment - the noise levels are so high that ears and hearing health risk being seriously harmed.

We spend a lot of time at work, and noise experienced in the workplace can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage, including hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or other ear conditions. The impact can be sudden, if exposed to an extremely loud noise, or issues can build gradually over time.

What is too much noise?

Decibels (the measure of levels of noise) when perceived by the human ear are measured in dB(A). For example, a normal conversation is around 60 dB(A), a vacuum cleaner around 70 dB(A), and a chainsaw will be up to 120 dB(A). However sound intensity massively increases as the dB(A)s do, and this has a proportionally greater impact on hearing loss.

Long or repeated exposure to sound at or above 85 dB(A) can lead to hearing loss. This is known as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and is cumulative. Therefore workplace risk can be increased by excessive levels of noise if, say, noisy power tools or machinery are used for more than half an hour a day, or noise is intrusive for most of the day.

Tips for maintaining good hearing health in a noisy workplace

The good news is that people working in noisy environments are protected by law and employers have a duty to protect their staff under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005). Employers must:

have noise levels assessed regularly

keep a record of the noise assessment

provide hearing protection against the noisy environment

One way of doing this is through regular hearing tests, which can help detect any hearing loss that may have previously gone unnoticed, protect employees from permanent damage due to excessive noise exposure.

We have a personal responsibility to reduce risk to our ears and hearing at work

As employees, people also have an important part to play in protecting their own hearing health:

make sure you wear your hearing protection when working in noisy environments

make sure to take regular breaks away from loud noises

ensure you are using hearing protection as instructed and that it is maintained properly

report any damaged or defective hearing protection

if you suspect your hearing is being affected by workplace noise, report this straight away

look out for your colleagues, encourage them to speak to their manager, and make sure they feel helped and supported if they are having problems with hearing

But the risk of damaging hearing health doesn’t just arise in the working environments that we traditionally associate with being noisy. Hearing tests, reviewing noise levels and being aware of potentially damaging noise factors is important for all employees, even when they are sitting at a desk.

Remote working and looking after your hearing

Working and studying from home and remotely with earphones and headphones can also pose a risk to ears and hearing, if we listen to sound through these at a loud volume and over a prolonged time. Additionally, germs and bacteria that settle on these can cause ear infections.

Some tips to avoid damaging your ears when remote working are:

set the volume of your device to 60% or less

take a break of 15 minutes for each hour of listening

disinfect earphones at the end of each day

arrange hearing check if you experience any symptoms of hearing loss

Lakeland Hearing provides a range of high quality ear protection products for use while working and offers ear examinations and hearing tests. It’s never too late to start protecting your hearing and our highly trained and experienced audiologists can provide you with custom-made hearing protection to suit your individual need.

Find out more https://lakelandhearing.co.uk/our-products/protection

Embracing Sound: How Addressing Hearing Loss Can Brighten the Path Against Dementia

Throughout life, sound plays a profound role in shaping our experiences and connections with the world. From the laughter of loved ones to the melodies of our favourite songs, sound enriches our daily existence in ways we often take for granted. Yet, for many individuals, untreated hearing loss can gradually diminish these vibrant connections, potentially intertwining with other health challenges like dementia. However, amidst these challenges lies hope—a journey towards improved well-being and a deeper appreciation for the world of sound.

The Unseen Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Recent research has shed light on the intricate relationship between untreated hearing loss and dementia. Studies suggest that individuals with untreated hearing loss may experience accelerated cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This correlation underscores the importance of early detection and proactive management of hearing loss as part of a holistic approach to brain health.

Enhancing Cognitive Engagement

Modern advancements in hearing aid technology offer a transformative experience, enabling people to rediscover the nuances of sound they may have been missing. One of the remarkable benefits of treating hearing loss is the restoration of cognitive engagement. By reconnecting with the full spectrum of sounds, people can stimulate their brain, engaging neural pathways that contribute to cognitive resilience. From entering into conversation to enjoying music and nature, embracing sound can be a catalyst for cognitive vitality.

Strengthening Social Connections

Hearing loss can inadvertently isolate individuals from social interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Addressing hearing loss through interventions like hearing aids can enhance meaningful connections, reigniting social engagement and reducing the risk factors associated with cognitive decline. Shared conversations, gatherings with friends and family, and participating in community activities all contribute to the social tapestry that nurtures mental well-being.

Empowering Personal Growth

Embracing sound goes beyond the physical act of hearing—it represents a journey of personal growth and empowerment. Individuals who take proactive steps to address hearing loss often experience a renewed sense of confidence and independence. By actively participating in conversations and daily activities with improved hearing, they can navigate life's moments with greater ease and joy.

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Regular hearing screenings and early intervention form the cornerstone of preventative care. By incorporating hearing health into routine wellness check-ups, people can detect and address hearing issues before they escalate, preserving cognitive function and overall well-being. Creating a “sound-friendly environment” is crucial for those experiencing hearing loss. This includes utilising assistive devices like hearing aids, optimising acoustics in living spaces, and practising effective communication strategies.

In conclusion, while the link between untreated hearing loss and dementia underscores a significant health concern, it also presents an opportunity for empowerment and positive change. By normalising hearing health, embracing sound, and fostering a supportive environment, individuals can navigate their journeys with resilience, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of sound.