What happens at a hearing test appointment?

At WS Hearing, we understand that hearing loss can be a challenging and frustrating experience, and we are here to help. If you are experiencing hearing loss, you may benefit from a hearing test appointment. In this blog post, we will take you through what happens during a hearing test appointment in our Stratford-upon-Avon & Worcester clinics to put your mind at ease before your appointment.

Signs you may be losing your hearing

• You find hearing conversation in background noise/group situations is difficult, directly impacting your enjoyment of social situations.
• You often find yourself asking people to repeat themselves.
• You are unable to distinguish soft tones and high pitch sounds (whispers, children’s voices, birds singing).
• You find it hard to understand speech (sounds like “s” and “th” are hard to hear).
• You’re always being told you have the TV on too loud but you don’t realise.

What is a hearing test?

A hearing test, also known as an audiometry test, is a non-invasive test that measures your ability to hear sounds. During a hearing test, you will be asked to wear headphones and listen to sounds at various volumes and frequencies. The test will measure your ability to hear different tones and pitches, and it will determine if you have any hearing loss.

​​The 5 stages of our Hearing Tests in Stratford-upon-Avon & Worcester

Stage 1: Pure Tone Testing

During this stage, you will listen through headphones and wear a bone conduction vibrator attached to a headband. You will listen for the softest level of pure tones you can detect and push a button or raise your hand in response. This is to determine your hearing thresholds. If asymmetry, tinnitus, or dizziness are found, additional tests may be performed.

Stage 2: Speech Testing

Words will be presented through headphones, and you will have to repeat them. This test is performed in both quiet and noisy situations to assess the impact your hearing loss has on your understanding of speech sounds. This test can also help diagnose nerve damage or deterioration and indicate if hearing aids would benefit you.

Stage 3: Tympanometry

An ear tip is placed in your ear canal that is connected to a machine that briefly varies the pressure. The movement of the eardrum is measured, and any congestion behind the eardrum is identified. This test reveals abnormalities that could explain hearing loss or pressure in your ear.

Stage 4: Acoustic Reflex

When we hear a loud noise, our ear protects itself with a reflex that stiffens the eardrum. This test measures how the muscle contracts in response to a loud sound. You will hear beeps that get progressively louder, and the machine will automatically measure the response.

Stage 5: After the test

Your results will be viewed together with the audiologist. They will then discuss any recommendations for you to improve your hearing. If you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids, we will then move on to a hearing aid benefit scheme.

What is our premium care plan?

Our Premium Care Plans provide you with the highest standard of audiology and ongoing support like no company on the high street or internet.

We deliver you everything you need to benefit from your hearing aids, that would likely cost up to £510 per year if you purchased hearing aids from other providers.

To find out everything included in our hearing aid care plan, click here: https://www.wshearing.co.uk/pricing/ 

5 facts about WS Hearing

• Your appointment will take approximately 1.5 hours in total
• The actual hearing test will take around 60 minutes.
• Real ear measurements to account for individual ear canals
• We give bespoke hearing solutions tailored just for you.
• You’ll get a 100% refund for your hearing aids if we don’t meet your needs.

Tips for maintaining healthy hearing

There are several things you can do to maintain healthy hearing. First, you should protect your ears from loud noises by wearing earplugs or earmuffs when you are in a noisy environment. You should also avoid inserting anything into your ears, such as cotton swabs, as this can damage your eardrum.

If you have good hearing, it can be easy to overlook the importance of this vital sense. Whether it’s chatting with friends, enjoying music, or hearing warning signals, we often take our hearing for granted. It’s only when our hearing begins to deteriorate that we recognize how crucial it is in our daily lives, and how much we miss it when we no longer hear well. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late to address your hearing health – schedule a hearing test today at our Stratford-upon-Avon & Worcester hearing centres, to ensure you’re not missing out on the sounds that make life so enjoyable.

“Discover the Life-Changing Benefits of Hearing Aids”

Hearing loss can be a difficult and emotional journey for many people, especially as it affects our ability to communicate with loved ones and participate in daily activities. However, there is hope with the help of hearing aids, which can change your life in ways you never imagined.

At WS Hearing, we understand the impact hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are committed to helping you find the perfect hearing aid to meet your unique needs.

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that are designed to amplify sound and improve your hearing. They come in a variety of styles, including in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, and receiver-in-canal, and can be tailored to fit your specific hearing loss.

The benefits of hearing aids are numerous and can change your life for the better. Here are just a few of the ways hearing aids can improve your quality of life:

• Improved Communication: With hearing aids, you can enjoy clearer and more natural-sounding conversations with loved ones, colleagues, and friends.
• Increased Confidence: Hearing aids can help boost your confidence by allowing you to participate more fully in social activities, work meetings, and other events.
• Better Overall Health: Untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation, but hearing aids can help you stay connected, engaged, and active.
• Enhanced Safety: With improved hearing, you can stay alert to potential dangers, such as sirens, alarms, and other auditory signals.

At WS Hearing, we understand that hearing aids are an investment in your health and wellbeing, which is why we offer a wide range of options to suit your needs and budget.

Don’t let hearing loss hold you back from the life you want to live. Contact us today to learn more about the life-changing benefits of hearing aids and book an initial assessment with one of our experienced audiologists by calling 01789 264111 or email stratford@wshearing.co.uk

How to effectively manage Tinnitus

As a hearing centre, we frequently see patients who suffer from tinnitus, a condition that affects millions of people in the UK. Tinnitus is a condition that causes ringing, buzzing, hissing or other sounds in the ears that can be persistent or intermittent and can vary in loudness and pitch. For many, it can be a debilitating condition that interferes with their quality of life.

Although tinnitus cannot be cured, thankfully it can be treated so that the symptoms are lessened. Read on to find out more.

What Causes Tinnitus?

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of tinnitus. These include exposure to loud noise, high blood pressure, stress and anxiety, and underlying hearing loss.

More than 200 medicines, including aspirin, can also cause tinnitus. If you have tinnitus and you take medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine could be the cause.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

If you suffer from tinnitus, you know how frustrating and distressing it can be. The constant noise in your ears can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, and even communicate with others. It’s a condition that can leave you feeling isolated and alone.

If you are experiencing tinnitus, you may be hearing a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears. You may also hear a hissing, whistling, or clicking sound. Some people experience it constantly while others may only experience it occasionally.

Tinnitus can also be more noticeable in quiet environments, such as when you are trying to sleep at night. For some people, it can be so severe that it interferes with their ability to hear and communicate.

Tinnitus Statistics in the UK

Nearly everyone has experienced tinnitus at one time or another. For most, it is a passing incident. However, for some, it can be a constant companion. 

According to the British Tinnitus Association, approximately 10% of the population in the UK experiences tinnitus. That equates to approximately six million people. Of those people, approximately 600,000 experience tinnitus that is severe enough to impact their quality of life.

Managing Tinnitus

While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are several ways that it can be managed. One of the most effective ways to manage tinnitus is to seek treatment for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the problem, such as hearing loss or high blood pressure. You may also benefit from sound therapy, which involves listening to sounds or music to distract you from the tinnitus.

Our job, and indeed our focus, is to break that cycle and give you time to recover. Using sound therapy, in combination with informed counselling and hearing aids, we can bring you significant relief. We will help you to change your emotional response to the tinnitus, helping to relieve the stress you feel.

How we create your personalised Tinnitus profile

Through these diagnostic tests, we can help direct our treatments towards your specific needs.

• Video-otoscopy – We will examine your ear canal and identify any obvious obstructions such as wax and any problems with the ear canal or eardrum.
• Ear wax removal – If we determine there is any ear wax blocking the ear canal, this will be removed easily and painlessly using micro-suction.
• High frequency pure tone audiometry – This is performed in our soundproof booth and is used to look at how sensitive your cochlea is to sounds.
• Tympanometry – We test your middle ear function where we can identify any negative pressure, congestion or fluid in the middle ear.
• Speech Discrimination in noise testing – We will test your ability to understand speech with and without background noise, performed in our soundproof room.
• Pitch Matching – This is to understand the frequency of your tinnitus which can help in tailoring therapies for yourself.
• Uncomfortable Loudness level testing – This is used to identify any sounds which could be causing you discomfort. (this is not always performed)

The Treatment Options For You

After your diagnostic tests, we will tailor the following therapies to your individual needs. This will help treat the symptoms of tinnitus you suffer from effectively.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – This is to alter your perception of tinnitus. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, we will help you focus on the positive outcomes of coping with your ailment.

Hearing aids – These could help to control your tinnitus. Often the underlying cause of tinnitus is due to a hearing loss. We use hearing aids to correct the hearing loss and find that by increasing the ambient sounds, we have a dulling or total masking of the tinnitus.

Sound Therapy – Sound is used to partially/completely cover the tinnitus with the use of both wearable and/or non-wearable devices.

Biofeedback – This is a relaxation technique that tries to change your body’s reaction to stress. This encourages you to control involuntary bodily functions (such as pulse and muscle tension).

By seeking treatment for your tinnitus, you can improve your quality of life and regain control over your day-to-day activities. You can enjoy improved concentration, better sleep, and more fulfilling social interactions. Don’t let tinnitus control your life – take action and seek help today. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

A Peek into Our Clinics in Worcester and Stratford-Upon-Avon

We have two exceptional hearing clinics in the West Midlands, one located in Worcester and the other in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

At both our clinics, we understand the impact that hearing loss can have on one’s quality of life and are committed to providing personalised care that caters to your specific needs.

Our experienced audiologists use state-of-the-art technology to accurately diagnose and treat hearing loss. Read on to get to know more about our hearing centres and the services we provide.

Stratford-Upon-Avon Hearing Centre

Our award-winning hearing centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, which opened in November 2016, is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional hearing care. Our sophisticated interior design is a reflection of our professional attitude towards hearing care.

As soon as you step into our contemporary clinic, our friendly staff will warmly welcome you and provide you with a premium level of care. We prioritise your comfort and well-being while offering bespoke hearing solutions tailored to your unique needs.

With state-of-the-art diagnostic assessments and fitting equipment, our facility provides hearing care that is unparalleled. Our custom-made sound booth allows us to conduct detailed hearing tests, ensuring accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans. 

Worcester Hearing Centre

Our award-winning hearing centre opened its doors in November 2011 and is located in the heart of the city centre. Housed in a historic Tudor building, this picturesque location is renowned for its connection to King Charles II, who sought refuge here after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. From the moment you approach the building, its inviting and homely atmosphere will make you feel at ease.

You’ll be greeted by our friendly staff to discuss your hearing problems specific to you, to start the process of getting your confidence back. 

What hearing services do we provide in our Worcester & Stratford-Upon-Avon clinics?

With more than 35 years of experience in hearing aid audiology across Worcestershire and Warwickshire, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality hearing aids and hearing healthcare services. 

Here are some of the hearing services we provide to our patients:

Hearing tests

Do you find it hard to hear conversations when there is background noise? Do you often find yourself having to ask people to repeat themselves? You could be starting to lose your hearing.

Before you can know what treatment may be right for you, you need an in-depth hearing assessment. That’s why at Worcester and Stratford-upon-Avon hearing, we offer a hearing test that covers all bases on sale for just £35, saving you 63% from our standard price.

Our hearing tests take around 60 minutes and will allow us to provide bespoke hearing solutions that are tailored just for you.

Learn more about our hearing tests here: https://www.wshearing.co.uk/hearing-tests/ 

Earwax removal

Suffering with blocked ears? We can remove your earwax in one 30 minute appointment.

At both our hearing centres in Worcester and Stratford-upon-Avon, we provide a range of ear cleaning services to best suit your condition. These include: micro-suction, endoscopic and irrigation earwax removal.

Attempting to clear earwax from home could lead to further problems; leave it to our registered clinical specialists to prevent further problems in the future. 

Tinnitus management

Did you know that Tinnitus affects 1/8 people? We can help reduce your symptoms.

Although Tinnitus cannot be cured, it can be managed. Our initial assessment can help identify what could be causing your tinnitus so we can work on diminishing the symptoms and put your mind at rest.

Book your Tinnitus Assessment & Test at one of our hearing centres for just £295.

Bluetooth, Rechargeable and Invisible Hearing Aids

At both our hearing centres, we can offer you the finest selection of hearing aids from leading global brands. You can reconnect with the conversation, your family and the world.

Your hearing aids will be customised to your hearing loss. We will ensure that they will deliver the help you need in the situations you need it.

• Bluetooth hearing aids use wireless technology to allow two devices to communicate with each other over short distances. This means you can handle calls, stream your music, listen to podcasts and connect to your TV by streaming the audio directly to your hearing aids.
• Rechargeable hearing aids are similar to how smartphones recharge. Instead of removing the batteries themselves, you simply place your hearing aids onto their charging unit overnight to make your life easier and hassle-free.
• Invisible hearing aids are deep fitting, custom-made hearing devices that sit within the ear or within the ear canal, providing effortless hearing with complete discretion.

Why choose WS Hearing?

• Over 35 years experience.
• We are a family run business with a passion for delivering better hearing solutions in Worcester and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
• As we are not tied to a hearing aid manufacturer, you will get independent and unbiased advice.
• Our premium care plans deliver you everything you need to benefit from your hearing aids, that would likely cost up to £510 per year if you purchased hearing aids from other providers.
• We have state-of-the-art facilities fully equipped with the latest technology ready to offer you a luxury patient experience.
• We have 2 audiologists and a team of hearing care assistants in attendance every day at our hearing centres to help you if you need to pop in.
• 1-1 appointments with the same audiologist to build patient continuity and care.
• You’ll get a 100% refund for your hearing aids if we don’t meet your needs

All of our hearing solutions are bespoke to you. We don’t provide anything off the shelf and pride ourselves on offering personalised care that addresses your unique hearing needs.

Request an appointment at one of our clinics today https://www.wshearing.co.uk/contact/

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our clinics!

What is the difference between wet and dry ear wax?

Earwax, also known as Cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the ceruminous glands in our ear canal. It plays an important role in protecting the ear from dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles – but not all earwax is created equal. There are two types of earwax: wet and dry.

In this blog post, we will explore the differences between wet and dry earwax and what causes earwax.

Wet Ear wax

Wet earwax is the most common type of earwax and is produced in larger amounts. It is soft, sticky, and yellow or brown in colour. Wet earwax acts as a lubricant and is important in trapping foreign particles and dust, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. This type of earwax is usually removed naturally as we move our jaw and when we talk, chew or yawn.

Dry Ear wax

Dry earwax, on the other hand, is less common and is produced in smaller amounts. It is flaky and brittle and can be yellow, grey, or brown in colour. Dry earwax is not as effective as wet earwax in trapping foreign particles and is more likely to cause blockages in the ear canal.

What Causes Ear wax?

The production of earwax is a natural process that is controlled by the ceruminous glands in our ear canal. The exact cause of earwax production is not known, but it is believed to be related to the pH level and moisture in our ear canal.

Some people produce more earwax than others, and this can be due to genetics or lifestyle factors such as the use of hearing aids, earplugs, or other objects that can block the ear canal.

What are the symptoms of earwax blockage?

When earwax accumulates in the ear canal and becomes impacted, this could cause a blockage. Some common symptoms of this include:

• Earache: The pressure from the buildup of earwax can cause pain or discomfort in the ear.
• Hearing loss: Earwax blockage can reduce the amount of sound that reaches the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss.
• Tinnitus: A ringing or buzzing sound in the ear can be a symptom of earwax blockage.
• Itching: The presence of earwax can cause itching in the ear canal.
• Dizziness: A blockage of earwax can disrupt the balance mechanism in the inner ear and cause dizziness.
• Fullness in the ear: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear is a common symptom of earwax blockage.
• Discharge: In some cases, earwax blockage can lead to discharge from the ear.

Suffering with blocked ears?

We can remove your earwax in one 30 minute appointment.

At both our hearing centres in Worcester and Stratford-upon-Avon, we provide a range of ear cleaning services to best suit your condition. These include: micro-suction, endoscopic and irrigation earwax removal.

What to expect at your appointment

1. You’ll be greeted by our friendly reception staff who will assist you with the registration process.
2. Our clinical audiologist will then assess your wax build up and decide the most appropriate method of removal.
3. Removal of ear wax via the appropriate method (microsuction, instrumentation, irrigation or endoscopy).
4. Application of cetrimide antiseptic cream (to ensure the ear stays calm and no dry skin irritation occurs).
5. A post procedure assessment to ensure all wax is cleared and a healthy ear is observed. 

Attempting to clear earwax from home could lead to further problems; leave it to our registered clinical specialists. Request your earwax removal appointment today 

What are the best hearing aids available?

Hearing aids are designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss by allowing them to hear and understand speech more clearly, and reduce the negative impacts of hearing loss on their daily activities and relationships.

According to the World Health Organisation, around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. This number is even expected to double by 2050.

With the advancements in technology, hearing aids have become much more sophisticated, offering a range of features and benefits that can help individuals better their quality of life.

Read on for the different hearing aid types and for the best hearing aids available in 2023.

Rechargeable hearing aids and the benefits

Rechargeable hearing aids are designed to make your life easier and hassle-free. If you have dexterity issues, changing your hearing aid batteries can prove quite the task. Rechargeable hearing aids are easier to handle and allow for more independence. 

If you use your hearing aids frequently throughout the day, you won’t have to worry about them running out at a crucial time. Because you’ll charge your hearing aids overnight, you’ll have enough battery power to get you through the day to put your mind at ease.

Plus by recharging your batteries instead of buying new ones, you are creating less waste and helping the environment whilst also improving your lifestyle.

The top rechargeable hearing aids available in 2023

Phonak Audeo Lumity

The Phonak Audéo Lumity focuses on giving you improved speech understanding with its unique Phonak SmartSpeech™ Technology.

• Enjoy conversations in many challenging listening situations.
• Lumity has been trained with artificial intelligence-based machine learning to accurately identify a sound environment.
• It perfectly orchestrates the numerous comfort and speech understanding features in Lumity to adapt to your personal environment.
• Enjoy the benefits that this technology brings to you and your loved ones.

Signia Styletto Connect

These elegant state-of-the-art solutions replicate the natural experience of hearing everything in harmony.

• Improve your hearing to a remarkable new level and preserve the familiar sound of your own natural voice.
• Rechargeable for uncompromised living.
• Stylish charger that fits right in your pocket.
• Stay independent and connected with Bluetooth connectivity. 

Bluetooth hearing aids and the benefits

Bluetooth hearing aids use wireless technology to allow two devices to communicate with each other over short distances. 

If you’re a fan of walking and talking on the phone, you will no longer have to awkwardly hold your phone to access your hearing aid’s microphone. Your Bluetooth hearing aids connect directly to your smartphone providing clear audio directly through your hearing aids.

Instead of blasting the TV at a high volume, you can connect directly with your TV and watch your favourite shows at your preferred level. You can also listen to the radio, your favourite album or your podcast whilst out walking your dog.

The top Bluetooth hearing aids available in 2023

Starkey Evolv AI

The Starkey Evolv AI is a smart hearing aid that offers several benefits to its users.

• Its technology learns and adapts to the wearer’s listening environment, automatically adjusting the volume and sound quality to suit the situation.
• It filters out background noise, making it easier to hear speech in noisy environments.
• Stream music, phone calls and other audio directly to your hearing aids.
• Highly customisable, with adjustable settings to suit your individual needs.

Oticon More

A revolutionary hearing aid that gives the brain more of the relevant information it needs to make better sense of sound.

• Get better speech understanding with less effort and the ability to remember more.
• Effortless connections & two-way hands-free communication.
• Increase your speech understanding by 15%.
• Styles and options to fit your lifestyle.

Invisible hearing aids and the benefits

Get effortless hearing with complete discretion with Invisible hearing aids.

As the hearing aids sit within the ear or ear canal, they are extremely hidden. At the same time, they minimise the feeling of your ears being blocked and allow you to focus on conversations, even in disruptive background noise.

You can use your devices, such as telephone or headphones, with little to no feedback. Many Invisible hearing aids also have sophisticated technology such as Bluetooth, to stream your audio directly to your hearing aids.

Our Invisible hearing aids can be custom-made to your ear shape, size and structure to help keep them secure to suit an active lifestyle. With no external wires or tubes, they’re also extremely comfortable.

The top invisible hearing aid available in 2023

The Phonak Lyric

The Lyric is an invisible, extended-wear hearing aid. It is truly invisible, being placed deeply in the ear canal. 

• Designed to be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• No battery changes, no hassle and no fuss.
• Get a 30 day trial period to see if this is the hearing aid for you.

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. Get in touch today.