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.

At WS Hearing, we pride ourselves on helping people get back in the conversation and reconnect with the world. We do this with the help of our premium hearing aids. Today, we’d like to shine a spotlight on some of the top Phonak hearing aids we provide.

Read on to find out more about the best Phonak hearing aids we have available at our clinics in Stratford-upon-Avon and Worcester.

The Impact of Phonak Hearing Aids

First, why Phonak?

Phonak are considered to be one of the premium hearing aid manufacturers, and they consistently work to improve their technology. Our customers are very impressed with the benefit that their solutions provide alongside our bespoke hearing care.

Phonak is one of the primary hearing device manufacturers we use because we know that we can trust their quality and reliability. They deliver outstanding solutions for people with all types of hearing loss. They measure their success by the positive impact that their technologies have on people’s ability to communicate in noisy environments.

The top Phonak Hearing Aids of 2023

Phonak Slim

The Phonak Slim is their most discreet hearing aid yet. This device provides exceptional sound quality while being virtually invisible in the ear canal. Built on the Belong platform, the Phonak Slim delivers rich, clear, and full sound quality, allowing for a much more immersive and comprehensive hearing experience.

For people who value aesthetics and discretion, the Phonak Slim is an unbeatable choice. It is designed to sit invisibly in the ear canal, making it virtually indistinguishable from a natural ear. But don’t let its small size fool you, the Phonak Slim packs impressive technology in its tiny frame.

With automatic adaptation to surroundings, the Phonak Slim allows you to enjoy the finest audio quality, regardless of the noise level in your environment. Its advanced noise cancellation feature eliminates background noise to ensure clear communication, whether you are in a crowded restaurant or at a busy workplace.

Phonak Audeo Lumity

The Phonak Audeo Lumity is a rechargeable hearing aid that takes advantage of the advanced sound processing capabilities of the Marvel platform. The primary feature of the Lumity is its SoundSense Adapt technology, which uses artificial intelligence to adapt to changing environments in real time.

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.

Not only does this device offer remarkable sound quality, but it also excels at speech clarity, especially in noisy environments. With the AutoSense OS, the Lumity automatically adjusts its settings based on the soundscapes you are in, allowing for a seamless listening experience.

Moreover, the Audeo Lumity offers a suite of connectivity features. With built-in Bluetooth, it allows for direct streaming from iOS, Android, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. You can enjoy phone calls, music, and TV shows directly through your hearing aid, bringing clarity and richness to your audio experiences.

Phonak Audeo Paradise

Audeo Paradise is the flagship model of Phonak, offering unrivalled sound quality, universal connectivity, and personalised digital solutions. Built on the PRISM sound processing platform, it provides an immersive sound experience with dynamic features.

With Crisp Natural Sound, Paradise allows users to enjoy the subtleties of sound in all their glory. Whether it’s the crunch of leaves underfoot, the pitter-patter of rain on the window, or the soft murmur of loved ones, the Paradise helps users truly revel in the richness of sound.

Its unique Speech Enhancer technology boosts speech understanding by amplifying soft-level speech sounds in a quiet environment. Plus, with the Personalized Noise Cancelling feature, you can adjust the noise cancellation to your preference, ensuring you have the most comfortable and clear listening experience.

Furthermore, the Audeo Paradise supports seamless connection with virtually all Bluetooth-enabled devices, and with the myPhonak app, you can personalise your hearing preferences and access real-time hearing aid adjustment.

Why WS Hearing?

Understanding that every person’s hearing needs are unique, our team of experienced audiologists is always on hand to guide you in choosing the most suitable device for you. We provide comprehensive hearing tests and personalised fittings to ensure your Phonak hearing aid offers the best possible hearing experience.

We understand that private hearing care can be considered expensive, but the on-going service required to keep your ears maintained and devices programmed efficiently can’t always be appreciated until it is required.

Our bespoke patient care plans are tailored to your needs and include the most suitable technology for you. Delivering 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.

Whether you value discretion, connectivity, or high sound quality, we offer Phonak hearing aids to cater to all your needs. Get in touch today to book your consultation, and experience the difference for yourself.

“The Silent Struggle: Coping with Hearing Loss”

Hearing loss is a common yet often overlooked condition that can have a significant impact on our quality of life. For many people, the gradual loss of hearing can be a challenging and emotional experience, affecting not only our ability to communicate but also our relationships, our work, and our overall wellbeing.

At WS Hearing, we understand the emotional toll that hearing loss can take, and we’re here to help. As a team of experienced audiologists, we’ve worked with countless patients to address their hearing difficulties and improve their quality of life.

If you’re struggling with hearing loss, you’re not alone. Here are some common experiences and emotions that many people with hearing loss go through:

• Frustration and Isolation: Difficulty hearing conversations or following along in group settings can lead to feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and social isolation. It’s common to withdraw from social activities or avoid situations where hearing might be challenging.
• Anxiety and Depression: The stress and frustration of living with hearing loss can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression, affecting not only our emotional wellbeing but also our physical health.
• Strained Relationships: Communication is a key component of any relationship, and hearing loss can put a strain on our ability to connect with others. It’s common for partners, family members, and friends to become frustrated or resentful when communication becomes difficult.

But there is hope. With the help of an audiologist, hearing aids, and other assistive devices, many people are able to improve their quality of life. At WS Hearing, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, don’t suffer in silence. Call 01789 264111 or email stratford@wshearing.co.uk today to book an initial assessment with one of our experienced audiologists and take the first step towards improved hearing and wellbeing.

“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

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!

Is it a hearing aid or a wellness device?

It can be both!

Well-Hearing is Well-Being

 

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

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.

 

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.

In support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

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

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.

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

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?

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

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.

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:

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