Month: April 2024

Noise-induced hearing loss through music is prevalent, as highlighted by this recent article on famous musicians with hearing loss.

The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme aims to support and educate musicians nationwide, safeguarding their hearing health. Founded by Musicians’ Hearing Services, in collaboration with Help Musicians UK (HMUK), the Musicians’ Union (MU), and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), it’s committed to making a difference in the lives of musicians everywhere.

It’s been eight years since the launch of the scheme, and so I thought now was a good time to reflect on some of the remarkable work we’ve done so far.

What we’ve achieved so far

In just eight years, the scheme has helped over 18,500 musicians across the UK, from guitarists and drummers to DJs and singers.

Here’s an insight into what the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme offers:

Comprehensive hearing assessments tailored specifically for musicians

Conducted by our expert audiologists at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians Hearing Services, these assessments are designed to detect early signs of hearing damage and provide personalised recommendations for protection and preservation.

Heavily subsidised hearing protection

The scheme is committed to ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to safeguarding the hearing of musicians, recognising the financial restraints they may face. Through our partnership with industry-leading manufacturers, we offer top-quality earplugs and custom-made ear moulds at accessible rates, empowering musicians to protect their most precious asset: their hearing.

Education & raising awareness

Education lies at the core of our initiative. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss and empowering musicians with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their hearing health. Workshops, seminars, and online resources serve as invaluable tools in this endeavour, equipping musicians with practical strategies for mitigating risk and promoting long-term auditory wellness.

The importance of the scheme

The dangers of excessive noise exposure have been highlighted in recent news articles where renowned musicians such as Dave Grohl have shared their battles with hearing loss and tinnitus, serving as a reminder that no musicians are exempt from poor hearing health.

Reflecting on our achievements so far, we find inspiration in the profound impact of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. Behind the statistics, we have helped to safeguard the careers of countless numbers of musicians, preserving their passions and securing their futures. We couldn’t have done this without the unwavering dedication of our team and the support of our partners.

Thank you for your support

Our journey continues, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing the hearing health of musicians nationwide. Together, we can ensure that future generations of musicians continue to share their gifts with the world, unencumbered by the looming threat of hearing loss.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. Your support, dedication, and advocacy are the driving forces behind our mission, and it is through our collective efforts we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of musicians everywhere.

Matthew Allsop, Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• Why musicians should protect their hearing
• Musicians’ Union – Hyperacusis Case Study
• The interview all musicians should see

Welcome to the latest edition of Hearsay, your gateway to the latest advancements in hearing technology and insightful articles. At Harley Street Hearing, we’re dedicated to keeping all of our hearing aid patients informed on news on everything to do with hearing and our hearing clinics. In this edition, we have an array of exciting updates and resources tailored just for you. Including:

• State-of-the-Art Hearing Technology
• Rail User Discounts
• Our very own Theatre Hearing Guide
• Testimonial from Musician Alison Beck – sharing her hearing journey to overcome the taboo of hearing loss in the music industry.
• Hearing Health Seminars – discover how our seminars and workshops can empower you and your team with valuable knowledge on protecting and managing sound levels and promoting hearing health in your organisation.

To see the full issue click below

Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’ll be delighted to discuss any issues with you.

If you’ve found this interesting please see some of our other blogs click here.

Protect Your Ears, Skydivers: A Call to Action from Matthew Allsop

Matthew Allsop, Partner of Harley Street Hearing, and a passionate advocate for audiology, is thrilled to see his #hearforyears campaign gaining momentum. This initiative aims to safeguard skydivers from noise-induced hearing loss, a risk that currently lacks sufficient awareness in the skydiving community.

A few months ago, Allsop began his crusade to enlighten skydivers about the dangerously high noise levels they encounter during their thrilling descents. The #hearforyears campaign, born out of a brainstorming session with Kevin Dynan, the Safety and Training Officer for British Skydiving, targets skydivers first, with plans to gradually reach higher authorities.

This month, Allsop’s first awareness-raising attempt was featured in the British Skydiving publication, reaching 6,600 UK-based skydivers and 60,000 students.  You can read the full article here.

Join the campaign here #hearforyears and contact us for your own custom made hearing protection.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• Skydiving and Hearing Loss
• Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
• What is Tinnitus

Have you ever wondered if having a hearing loss means you’ll suffer from dementia? And can hearing aids help to prevent it?

Today’s blog is a deep dive into a topic that’s both concerning and intriguing: the connection between hearing health and cognitive wellness. And let me start off by saying, I’m no expert in dementia, but I’m passionate about sharing evidence-based information in a way that’s easy to understand.

Alzheimer’s fake news

Recently, a patient came to my clinic after a distressing experience at a national chain in the UK. They’d been told that if they didn’t wear hearing aids, they would, in no uncertain terms, develop Alzheimer’s.

This is a claim that’s not only misleading but downright infuriating. In my opinion, hearing loss alone and the disability that people experience due to having a hearing loss is a big enough reason to warrant wearing hearing aids.

So, let’s set the record straight.

What the evidence says on hearing loss and cognitive decline

There is growing evidence in the media linking dementia and hearing loss, which is becoming harder and harder to ignore, that is, if it’s interpreted correctly. Let’s take a look at some actual evidence:

• In 2011, Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins concluded that a mild hearing loss will potentially double the risk for cognitive decline, a moderate hearing loss will triple the risk, and a severe hearing loss will quintuple your risk.
• A huge 25-year study involving almost 4,000 people with hearing loss by Dr. Hélèna Amieva and her colleagues in France concluded that there is a strong link between hearing status and the risk of disability, dementia, and depression.
• More recently, in The Lancet in 2020, it was indicated that hearing loss is the number one modifiable factor for preventing dementia for people in their mid to later life.

These figures are alarming, but it doesn’t mean hearing loss guarantees dementia.

Globally, around 55 million people suffer from some form of dementia. However, while we all lose some degree of brain processing power as we age, it’s relatively rare or unlikely that you’ll experience dementia or Alzheimer’s, with only around 2% of the population between the ages of 65 to 69 actually suffering from dementia. This figure does increase to about 33% by the age of 90.

So, while cognitive decline is a natural part of ageing, it doesn’t have to lead to dementia.

How hearing aids can help with dementia prevention

There is a lot of time, energy, and resources being poured into this subject, with evidence continuing to grow around how you can improve your chances of keeping your brain sharp throughout your entire lifetime. And guess what? Maintaining good hearing health is one of them.

HearingTracker recently recorded an interview with four experts on cognitive decline, dementia, and hearing loss. Two of the researchers, Dr. Victoria Sanchez and Dr. Julia Sarant, are currently working on some pretty groundbreaking studies revolving around how hearing aids can improve your chances of staving off the effects of cognitive decline as you get older.

The first study, ACHIEVE (Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders), found that using professionally fit hearing aids cut in half the rate of cognitive decline for the less healthy group. For both groups, hearing intervention was found to improve communication, social functioning, and to reduce loneliness, which other studies have shown are all factors that have been tied to cognitive status.

The second study, ENHANCE (Evaluation of Hearing Aids and Cognitive Effects), supports those from the ACHIEVE study and suggests that hearing aids may be able to forestall cognitive decline by as much as 3 years.

Both of these studies are ongoing, meaning that in reality, 3 years isn’t much time to study an ageing and mental health status, and there’s a lot more research to be done and questions that need to be answered.

Why you should prioritise hearing health

Moreover, hearing intervention improves communication, social functioning, and reduces loneliness—all factors tied to cognitive health. So, hearing aids aren’t just about improving hearing; they’re about preserving cognitive wellness.

However, addressing hearing loss isn’t solely the responsibility of audiologists. Primary care physicians play a crucial role in identifying hearing issues and referring patients for appropriate care. It’s a two-way street that requires collaboration and awareness.

Now, in the age of advanced technology and heightened awareness, there’s no excuse for neglecting hearing health. Modern hearing aids offer incredible benefits, from improved functionality to sleek designs. And with ongoing research and discussions, the stigma surrounding hearing loss is gradually eroding.

So, if you’ve noticed changes in your hearing or cognitive abilities, don’t wait—seek help. And remember, taking care of your hearing isn’t just about hearing better; it’s about safeguarding your cognitive wellness.

Harley Street Hearing offers professional hearing tests that can effectively diagnose hearing loss, and our clinical audiologists can devise suitable treatment solutions such as hearing aids to prevent further decline in your hearing abilities.

To learn more about the latest advancements in hearing aids, be sure to check out our video on the best hearing aids of the year.

Until next time, take care of your ears and your brain!

Does Hearing Loss Cause Dementia? The Evidence Explained…

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinions on all things to do with hearing health and hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video on hearing loss & dementia below.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• What is hearing loss?
• Hearing wellness: Protecting your ears in 2024
• Best hearing aids available in the UK for 2024