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Join our Better Hearing Challenge

3 Min read

3rd Jan 2024

Rediscover Clear Conversations with Our Better Hearing Challenge

Do you find yourself yearning to rediscover the joy of clear conversations? Are noisy environments making it challenging to hear speech, leaving you dissatisfied with your current hearing aids? If so, why not embark on our Better Hearing Challenge?

 

 

Did you struggle to hear your loved ones this Christmas?

Did the holidays leave you struggling to hear your loved ones clearly?

Don’t let the frustration linger. If background noise turned your holiday cheer into a muffled symphony, it’s time for a change.

New Year, New ‘Hear’

Your hearing is for life, not just for Christmas. Embrace the opportunity to improve it with the New Year. Begin your transformative journey with the Better Hearing Challenge.

Rediscover the joy of clear conversations and make every moment count.

Are you frustrated with your hearing aids?

We understand.

The Better Hearing Challenge is designed to address the specific frustrations that arise in noisy situations. Tailored for those currently wearing hearing aids but unsatisfied with their performance, our challenge provides personalised solutions for a more enjoyable hearing experience. Picture a life where speech is crystal clear, frustration replaced with confidence, all made possible by world-leading hearing aid technology.

What if I don’t wear hearing aids?

You can book a FREE initial assessment as part of our Better Hearing Challenge.

Why take the Better Hearing Challenge?

  • Banish Background Noise: Struggling with speech in noisy settings? Our challenge targets background noise frustrations, delivering crystal-clear conversations.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Elevate your hearing experience with world-leading hearing aid technology.
  • Expert Audiologists: Our highly qualified audiologists tailor solutions to your unique needs, ensuring a personalised and effective journey to better hearing.
  • Transformative Results: Bid farewell to dissatisfaction with your current hearing aids.

What happens during the consultation?

Your appointment will last approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, our friendly receptionist will greet you and guide you to the relaxed lounge area. Unwind, watch TV, or chat with our reception staff. Before testing begins, we’ll discuss your hearing, asking questions about your lifestyle and health.

 

Real Ear (REM) Measurement

Elevating your hearing experience

Real Ear Measurements (REM) are exactly what they sound like – measurements taken in your ear in real-time.

Used to assess hearing aid function, REM ensures appropriate and individualized hearing aid programming.

 

Why is REM important?

This calibration guarantees your hearing aids amplify sound according to your individual needs, optimizing performance across various environments, particularly in challenging background noise. This meticulous process provides a bespoke auditory experience. By choosing REM, our audiologists ensure your hearing aids amplify sound with unparalleled precision, enhancing speech clarity and overall hearing satisfaction.

How does REM work?

A tiny microphone is placed in your ear canal to measure the exact sound levels reaching your eardrum when wearing your hearing aids.

Did you know?

Surprisingly, less than 30% of audiologists use REM to verify hearing aid fittings, even though it’s an established best practice protocol.*

You can rest assured that you will receive REM during your consultation at Stratford Hearing Centre.

*Source: Auditdata

Your journey to better hearing starts here

Don’t miss out on a life-changing opportunity. To reserve your place, contact your nearest branch today.

Make 2024 the year you hear the world in all it’s clarity.

Request an Appointment
Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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Essential Tips for Summer Ear Care, Including Hearing Aid Users

2 Min read

30th Jun 2023

As the summer season brings forth outdoor adventures and warmer weather, prioritising ear care becomes crucial, especially for individuals who wear hearing aids. The combination of increased moisture, exposure to water activities, and higher temperatures can pose unique challenges for maintaining ear health. In this article, we will explore essential tips for caring for your ears during the summer, with a particular focus on those who rely on hearing aids.

Shield Your Ears from Excessive Moisture:

Moisture can lead to ear infections and other complications, particularly for hearing aid users. Protect your ears from excessive moisture during rainy or water-based activities by using hats, headbands, or umbrellas.
Additionally, consider waterproof hearing aids!

Phonak Audéo Life™ Lumity is the second generation of the world’s first waterproof rechargeable hearing aid. Ideal hearing solution for anyone who has an active lifestyle and puts their hearing aids to the test:

  • Waterproof*
  • Sweatproof
  • Health data tracking**

Practice Safe Swimming:

For water activities like swimming or diving, it’s crucial to shield your ears from water entry. Use custom-fit swim moulds or water-specific earplugs to prevent water from entering the ear canal. Avoid diving into shallow water to prevent ear trauma and potential damage to your hearing aids.

Maintain Hearing Aid Hygiene:

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids are essential for optimal performance, especially in summer. Clean your hearing aids daily with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, dirt, or debris. Consider using a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier overnight to eliminate moisture buildup, reducing the risk of damage.

Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises:

Summer festivities often involve concerts, fireworks, and other loud events. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can be detrimental to your hearing, regardless of wearing hearing aids. Minimise the risk of noise-induced hearing loss by wearing earplugs or protective earmuffs when attending loud events.

Be Mindful of Allergies:

Summer allergies can exacerbate ear-related issues such as itching, inflammation, and excess wax production. Manage allergies by consulting an allergist or using appropriate medications. Avoid inserting objects into your ears to relieve itching, as it can lead to injury or infection.

Schedule a Check-Up with Your Audiologist:

Regular visits to your audiologist are crucial to assess your hearing health and ensure optimal functioning of your hearing aids. Consider scheduling an appointment before the summer season to address concerns or make necessary adjustments to your hearing aids.

Caring for your ears during the summer, especially if you wear hearing aids, requires a proactive approach. Follow these essential tips to protect your ears from excessive moisture, practice safe swimming, maintain hearing aid hygiene, avoid loud noises, manage allergies, and schedule regular check-ups with your audiologist. By prioritising ear health, you can fully enjoy the summer season while preserving your hearing and overall well-being. Visit WS Hearing for comprehensive audiological services and expert guidance.

Contact your preferred centre and book an appointment today.

Request an Appointment
Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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Phonak Slim

4 Min read

22nd May 2023

Hearing never looked better

Phonak Slim combines a modern, never-before-seen design with state-of-the-art hearing performance. The unique ergonomic shape of Slim is contoured to naturally nestle behind the ear – even if you wear glasses. Its personalised features enable you to confidently immerse in conversations and effortlessly manoeuvre through life’s numerous listening situations.

  • Unique left and right design
  • Improved speech understanding1,2,3
  • Universal connectivity
  • Fully rechargeable

 

Stylish on the outside. Smart on the inside.

Phonak Slim makes no compromise between design and performance, enabling you to hear and to be seen when and how you want to.

Sleek & Smart Technology

Phonak SmartSpeech™ Technology is a collection of features that AutoSense OS™ 5.0 seamlessly adapts, each feature proven to provide either improved speech understanding or reduced listening effort in many listening environments.1,2 This technology not only highlights Phonak’s dedication to providing the best possible solution for speech understanding but benefits your well-being as it has been shown from scientific literature to reduce listening effort that can free up cognitive resources.4

Boost speech understanding in noise and over distance with Roger™ microphones

Confidence, versatility and elegance come together with Roger microphones. Combining Phonak Slim and Roger On provides a unique solution to fully participate in conversations. By improving speech understanding in group conversations 4, Roger On allows you to be you, wherever you are.

Unique. Elegant. Connected. Just like you!

With Phonak SmartSpeech™ Technology, Phonak Slim hearing aids provide features to improve speech understanding while boosting your confidence with its unique look and feel.

Color options to match your lifestyle

 

Charger options

The Phonak Slim Charger is a compact charger with a sleek appearance that perfectly complements the Phonak Slim, charging the hearing aids in just three hours to offer a full day** of hearing.

  • Charges Phonak Slim in just 3 hours
  • Conveniently shaped with a solid stance
  • Easy to clean; easy to carry
  • Optimized charging and usability

 

Positive impact on your social life

The appearance and design of traditional hearing aids is often reported as one of the main reasons for low hearing aid adoption.

With Phonak Slim, we have redefined hearing aid design. Its elegant form is made to perfectly embody your lifestyle and confidence

60% of people say that Phonak Slim would make them feel more confident wearing hearing aids.6

 

Connects to smartphones and other devices

Phonak Slim pairs with the myPhonak app and Bluetooth® enabled devices to help you connect with the world around you.

Key Features:

Monitor your well-being

With the myPhonak app, you can take control of your hearing aids wherever and whenever you like.

It also allows you to track health data, with key health performance indicators, such as step count and activity levels, enabling you to set health goals and achieve an improved sense of well-being.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Footnotes
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Sonova AG is under license
IOS is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
*In order to access health data, it is necessary to create an account within myPhonak app
**16 hours of battery on a single charge, including 8 hours of everyday listening, 4 hours of Bluetooth streaming and 4 hours of TV streaming. Battery life may be minimally reduced when using ActiveVent Receiver.
1. Appleton, J. (2020) AutoSense OS 4.0- significantly less listening effort and preferred for speech intelligibility. Phonak Field Study News retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence
Latzel, M. & Hobi, S. (2022) Receiver with mechanical vent provides benefit of open and closed acoustics for better speech understanding in noise and naturalness of own voice perception. Phonak Field Study News retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence
Thibodeau L. M. (2020) Benefits in Speech Recognition in Noise with Remote Wireless Microphones in Group Settings. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 31(6), 404–411.
2. Woodward, J. and Latzel, M (2022) New implementation of directional beamforming configurations show improved speech understanding and reduced listening effort. Phonak Field Study News retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence.
3. Latzel, M., Lesimple, C., & Woodward, J. (2023). Speech Enhancer significantly reduces listening effort and increases intelligibility for speech at a distance. Phonak Field Study News. Retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence.
4. Sarant, J., Harris, D., Busby, P., Maruff, P., Schembri, A., Lemke, U., & Launer, S. (2020). The effect of hearing aid use on cognition in older adults: Can we delay decline or even improve cognitive function? Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(1), 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9010254
5. Crystal Rolfe & Benjamin Gardner (2016). Experiences of hearing loss and views towards interventions to promote uptake of rehabilitation support among UK adults, International Journal of Audiology, 55:11, 666-673, DOI
6. Taphuntsang, D. (2021). Market research ID 4428. Please contact marketinsight@phonak.com if you are interested in further information.

 

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Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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Is it a hearing aid or a wellness device?

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17th Feb 2023

Is it a hearing aid or a wellness device?

It can be both!

Well-Hearing is Well-Being

Phonak

 

Hearing health is about more than just our ears – it can affect our social-emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

That is why prioritising our hearing health and treatment can impact our quality of life and connection with the world around us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Fitbit for the ears, but better?

Traditional hearing aids focus largely on sound amplification; on the other hand, digital wellness hearing aids focus on enhanced communication, engagement, and overall well-being – through amplification as well as advanced sound processing, sensor technology, artificial intelligence and real-time health tracking.

 

What features can I expect from a wellness hearing aid?

Most importantly, the latest technology in hearing aid audiology. You can also track your heart rate, steps taken and distance walked or ran, you can also establish customisable goals and keep track of it all on your hearing aids app. All wellness hearing aids provide universal Bluetooth connectivity to all your devices and most of them are now waterproof and rechargeable.

Hearing Aids as Fitness Trackers

Hearing aid technology has advanced so much, nowadays hearing aids are also universal wellness devices, not only tracking steps, but monitoring social engagement, overall activity, and actual wear time.

When hearing aids become a lifestyle choice and not just a healthcare solution, they can have a more profound effect on well-being.

To many of us, earbuds, Apple Watches or Fitbits are already lifestyle devices. For those of us who also requite hearing assistance, hearing aids that combine lifestyle functions with leading-edge sound processing, clarity, and amplification create a more holistic approach to healthcare.

 

 

Take control of your hearing and well-being

While hearing loss can seem overwhelming, you can feel assured that there are solutions available to improve your quality of life.

Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres are here to get you or your loved ones back to living life to the fullest.

Contact your preferred centre and book an appointment today.

 

Source
Request an Appointment
Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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We are now AIHPP centres of excellence!

< 1 Min read

31st Jan 2023

We are thrilled to announce we are now AIHHP centres of excellence

 

 

In addition to being Consultant Approved, we are proud to announce that all of our audiologists at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres are now members of AIHHP.

The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP) is a professional association dedicated to promoting excellence within the UK Hearing Care profession.

As a consumer it can often be confusing to know where to start when it comes to hearing care. You realise how important your hearing is, and you want to be sure you get the very best professional advice and care for it.

AIHPP ensures that all of their members adhere to the best possible standards in hearing care available today.

 

 

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Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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New Year, New Hear!

2 Min read

3rd Jan 2023

Treating hearing loss can help you keep your New Year’s resolutions

The new year is here, and with it come all the new years resolutions. Making these resolutions comes easy, the challenge is making sure they don’t melt away with the snow as winter turns to spring.

Some resolutions might include stress management, spending quality time with friends and family, and doing more social activities or hobbies. For those who struggle with hearing loss, keeping these and other similar resolutions can be difficult. Treating your hearing loss in 2023 can help you achieve your resolutions and improve your life, here is how:

Stress management

Hearing related stress can make every day life challenging. It can present itself if you have to constantly ask people to repeat themselves in conversation, avoiding crowded or loud situations or even travelling. Finding a solution can help you hear better in these situations, therefore reducing some of your daily stress.

 

Social activities & hobbies

Thinking about volunteering work or joining a club but have been too self-conscious about your hearing loss? Don’t let your hearing loss keep you from making new friends and experience new adventures in the coming year. Likewise, starting a new hobby, whether by yourself or in a group setting, can be challenging. Having the confidence to address your hearing issues can lead to new talents and friends.

 

Quality time with friends & family

If being able to stay in touch with loved ones is a priority, addressing your hearing concerns can be a step in the right direction. Being able to communicate easily in person, over the phone or over zoom, will help put your mind at ease.

 

Visit Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres

If being healthier was on your new year’s resolutions, take a few small steps towards healthy hearing too. Seeking help, advice and ultimately treating your hearing loss will benefit your quality of life.

Whether you have hearing aids or you’ve never even had a hearing test before, at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres we will look after all your hearing needs, from your initial assessment to fittings and continued bespoke care.

Consultation

Request an Appointment
Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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Is Your Hearing Christmas Ready?

3 Min read

19th Dec 2022

5 TIPS FOR MANAGING HEARING LOSS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Santa can’t bring you hearing, but Stratford Hearing Centre can

 

Christmas is the most magical time of the year, but it can also be the most challenging one for people with hearing loss. All the socialising around the festive season can bring up a lot of challenges which can make for an isolating or stressful experience if you can’t hear very well.

 

Seek out 1-to-1 interactions

Instead of trying to keep up with everyone at the same time over loud music, one-to-one conversations can help you enjoy the social interactions on your terms and with less stress. This can also give you the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people you perhaps have not seen much during the year.

Best seat at the table

Where you sit at the table can impact how you hear. By sitting near a wall, you can block out excessive background noise behind you to help you hear the people at the table better.

 

Partner Up

If you’re attending an event on your own, see if you can find a friend, relative or colleague who can repeat or clarify things you may not have fully grasped. At dinner, seat yourself next to a person you have the least difficulty hearing or someone who usually clues you in on missed pieces of conversation.

Communicate your needs

Why not ask for help? Instead of nodding along with a conversation you have trouble following, be honest and ask your family to repeat what they said. And if you are a guest at someone else’s gathering, they’ll want you to have an enjoyable and entertaining time, it doesn’t hurt to let your host know in advance that you have hearing challenges and what they can do to make sure you’re able to keep up with the conversation. Such as lowering the volume on Christmas music or consider the lighting so you can engage with guests in a well-lit area so that you can read people’s lips and visual clues if necessary.

 

Get your hearing tested

Your hearing is not just for Christmas, it’s for life. Contact your nearest branch to book an Initial Assessment, let us help you enjoy the sound of this festive season and all the ones to come.

Request an Appointment
Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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10,000 Active Patients!

2 Min read

2nd Dec 2022

 

We are delighted to share that we have now over 10,000 active patients across both practices.

 

We are very proud to attract patients from not only the local areas to our practices but through word of mouth recommendations we have now patients who travel from all over the world to come and see us.

At the heart of WS Hearing Centres we are a family. Our journey started 11 years ago, when Victoria Dixon and Tom Dixon founded Worcester Hearing Centre. Since then, six years ago we founded Stratford Hearing Centre and we have been able to help over ten thousand people in the journey to better hearing across both our independent consultant approved practices.

Our team has grown in numbers and in professional development, which is something we firmly believe in. We continue to train and progress with new technology and audiological advancements to make sure we remain the hearing centres of excellence we have been for the past eleven years, therefore bringing the best hearing aid technology and patient centred hearing care to all our patients in our practices.

As we continue to grow, we want you to know that one thing will never change: We offer so much more than just hearing aids, we are the team and the practice that looks after you.

Thank you all for choosing us as your hearing care provider, for putting your trust and confidence in our whole team. We look forward to continuing to offer the very best level of bespoke hearing care and tailored solutions for many years to come.

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Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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In support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

5 Min read

5th May 2022

In support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Tom and Victoria Dixon of Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres with Merleen Watson, Vicky Ryan and hearing dog Grace of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at the Worcester Hearing Show 2015

Since 2011, Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres have been in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. When we used to run our Hearing Shows in Worcester and Stratford-Upon-Avon, they were always present creating awareness by doing presentations about what Hearing Dogs for Deaf People do and how the dogs are trained.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People train dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds they would otherwise miss –  sounds that many people take for granted like the doorbell, alarm clock and even danger signals like the fire alarm. Being aware of these – thanks to a hearing dog – makes a real difference to deaf people’s lives, and can even save them.

 

Hearing dogs help deaf people reconnect with life
Deafness can be very isolating. A hearing dog can give a deaf person a newfound sense of independence and confidence now they have a loyal companion and a true friend by their side.

 

We are very happy to share that we are sponsoring 3 wonderful puppies in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People:

Cooper

The happy chappy

Sponsoring Cooper - Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Likes: Snoozing and running about
Dislikes: Any time he doesn’t have food

Cooper is content when he’s snoozing, thrilled when he’s playing in the garden, and blissful when playing with other puppies. Overall, he’s a happy chappy!

His Volunteer Puppy Trainer Clare explains: “Cooper loves playing with another hearing dog in training whom we’re looking after. They play together, run around lots, and then sleep cuddled up to each other. It’s so cute.”

Indeed, Cooper has a lovely life in which everything is a delight.

Sponsoring Cooper - Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Back to Clare: “He loves running off with our garden shoes – in fact, any of our shoes, especially those with laces, and especially those we’re about to wear, oddly enough.
“Outdoors, he adores watching the birds on the feeders, plus the squirrels, which fascinate him. Indoors, he even sleeps cheerfully, with little puppy snuffles as he dreams about, presumably, shoes, laces, birds and squirrels.”

Cooper’s favourite places are the garden, and his bed in the kitchen. So, between active times frolicking in the garden, and sleepy times all curled up in his fleecy bed, what else does Cooper like?
“Food,” says Clare. “Always food. He’s a Labrador after all!”

Ah yes, Labradors and their food. Cooper’s happiness is matched only by his love of food. This makes him a happy chappy with a bit of puppy fat. But don’t worry, he’ll grow into his skin. One day he’ll be magnificent, glossy and sleek, and will change a deaf person’s life, and spread his happiness far and wide.

 

Teddy

The cheeky little monkey

Sponsoring Teddy - Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Likes: Running around in circles
Dislikes: Staying still

Who calls Teddy a cheeky little monkey? Peter and Hazel, his Volunteer Puppy Trainers, that’s who!

When he went to live with them, he was all sweetness and light. “His first night was very good,” Peter tells us. “He cuddled his dog-shaped hot water bottle and went fast asleep, not waking up until six o’clock the next morning, which was quite amazing. Not a squeak all night.”

Since then, he’s made himself very much at home. “He loves visitors of all shapes and sizes,” says Hazel. “He has learned that ‘doorbell = visitor = fun.’” Who’d have thought a small puppy could do mental arithmetic like that?

Sponsoring Teddy - Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

And as he’s grown in confidence, he’s become a bit cheeky, a bit mischievous… but he’s so cute he can get away with it.

Peter explains: “Around tea-time, he’ll have a sudden spurt of energy. He races from one room to the next and back again, jumping around on our rugs. He repeats this several times before stopping, looking at us with the cutest of smiles, and then setting off again for more laps!”

So the rugs are all a bit of a mess now, but it’s alright, because Teddy’s cute!

He’s soft and cuddly, just like a Teddy bear – provided you can catch him as he does his circuits of Peter and Hazel’s house.

 

Lily

The good-natured little girl

Sponsoring Lily - Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Likes: Gentle cuddles
Dislikes: Being disturbed while snoozing

Lily is an absolutely gorgeous little Cocker Spaniel!

Her markings are so distinctive, with that classic blue roan ‘smoky’ look. She hasn’t quite got the hang of her ears yet, and tends to fall over them. Same with her gangly puppy legs. It’s so cute!

She’s also very cute indeed when she snuggles on your shoulder and falls asleep, emitting hot little puppy snuffles right into your ear.

Everything about Lily is soft, gentle and good-natured. She’ll go for a little explore in a new place and then, happy that everything is as it should be, will plonk herself down and have a snooze. She’ll play with her toys quietly to herself. She’ll meet new potential friends – dogs, cats, socks – in the same, peaceable way.

Sponsoring Lily - Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Did we say everything? Not quite! You see, she’s also a puppy with a sense of fun. She occasionally enjoys a bit of tug-o-war with her toys too, and she’s fascinated by her Volunteer Puppy Trainer’s own pet dog. She would like to play tug-o-war with his tail too! But don’t worry, it’s just a big, furry, waggy thing that fascinates her.

Back to the soft-hearted, sweet-tempered Lily. When you’re around her, there’s a sense of calm and peace. One day, a deaf person who may be feeling anxious or scared will really benefit from this little girl’s tender, patient love.

 

Would you like to support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People?

You can find a donation box in reception at Worcester Hearing Centre and Stratford Hearing Centre.

Alternatively, you can visit the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People website to donate or sponsor a puppy by clicking below:

Sponsor a puppy - Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

If you would like more information you can contact your nearest practice, we would be happy to help.

Request an Appointment
Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Hearing Loss

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Have you ever attempted to ignore a toothache? They can be rather tough. At some point, you’re unquestionably begging to go to the dentist.

The same thing takes place when your eyesight begins to blur. You’ll probably call an ophthalmologist when you begin to have trouble reading street signs.

But the problem is, when your hearing begins to go you might not show such urgency.

Untreated hearing loss can be responsible for significant health problems (specifically mental health problems). Naturally, you can only ignore your diminishing hearing if you’re actually aware of it. And there’s the second problem.

 

Signs you might be experiencing hearing loss

We typically don’t appreciate our hearing. A high volume music festival? No worry. Blaring ear pods? You like to listen to your podcasts like this. But your overall hearing will be substantially affected by each of these decisions, particularly in the long run.

It can, regrettably, be hard to detect these impacts. Hearing loss can sneak up on you gradually, with symptoms that advance so slowly as to be essentially invisible. 

That’s why it’s important to be familiar with some primary red flags (and to deal with them sooner than later):

  • Your short term memory tends to suddenly fail occasionally
  • You have an especially difficult time making out consonants when listening to everyday speech
  • It’s difficult to understand conversations in noisy or crowded environments
  • You have a hard time falling asleep at night and feel tired for no apparent reason
  • Voices of those around you (family, co-workers, friends) sounds dull or distorted
  • You always need to turn up the volume on your devices
  • You frequently have to ask people to repeat themselves

If your hearing loss comes on especially slowly, your brain will instantly begin to compensate for it, making you somewhat unaware, at first, to your symptoms. 

That is the reason why all of these warning signs should be taken seriously.

 

What happens if you ignore your hearing loss?

Your relationships could be negatively affected: When you have a difficult time comprehending what your friends and relatives are saying, something can change in the relationship: you start having fewer conversations with them. You quit saying hi, you quit checking in, you pull away. Some of those relationships will be damaged, particularly if the issue is hearing loss that you have kept secret (and not some unexpressed bitterness).

You could cause your hearing to get worse: If you don’t use hearing aids or increased hearing protection, you’ll keep cranking the volume on your television up. Or you’ll keep going to rock concerts without any earplugs. And your hearing will keep declining as you continue to do damage to your ears.

Depression and cognitive decline: You may start to discover symptoms of depression as your relationships are affected and socialising gets more challenging. You might also start to go through some mental decline without the auditory activation your brain is used to, your neural physiology starts to experience specific changes. This can lead to long term cognitive problems if your hearing loss isn’t dealt with.

 

Audiologist Advice:

If you suspect you might have hearing loss, don’t ignore it. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets.

Don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment for an Initial Assessment at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres and find out how we can help you on your journey to better hearing. 

Request an Appointment
Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon Director of Audiology

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Not sure where to begin?

Try our new hearing helper

If you are not sure where to begin with solving your hearing problems we have put together a few questions to help us tailor our support to your needs and guide you to the right place for information that might help.

Do you suffer from hearing loss?

Do you think your issue could be related to a build-up of ear wax?

From the information you have given, you may need Ear Wax removal treatment. An audiologist can asses your situation at your appointment and perform the treatment required. If no wax is present the audiologist will advise you accordingly.

Do the people around you seem to mumble and not speak clearly?

Do you tend to go out less because it is hard for you to follow other people's conversations?

Has anyone ever told you that they often have to repeat things to you?

Is it difficult for you to follow other people's conversations in noisy environments, for example, in restaurants?

Do you find yourself having to turn up the television or radio to hear speech better?

Based on your answers so far, it looks like you might be experiencing hearing loss

Do you currently wear hearing aids?

In order to provide you with the bespoke care we offer to all of our customers, we need to know where you are in your journey to better hearing.

Choose the option that best describes your concern with your hearing

Based on your answers, we will be able to help you on your journey to better hearing

Fill out the details below and we'll be in touch to arrange your appointment.

Thank you, we aim to contact you on the same day as your enquiry

Until we speak with you, from the information you have provided, the following pages may help:

Request Appointment

Call us to make an appointment on 01905 617803 (Worcester) or 01789 264111 (Stratford-upon-Avon) or complete the form below.

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