Author: pixelkicks

Harley Street Hearing Partner, Matthew Allsop, not only has a passion for audiology and helping others but also a huge passion for skydiving.

He recently shared his love for the adrenaline-filled sport in this Hearing Tracker article, but he does have concerns for the safety of skydivers in the UK.

In this article, Matthew will cover the risks of hearing loss after skydiving and why hearing protection is essential yet often overlooked.

Skydiving safety measures

As you’re standing in the pen getting ready to jump, for your own safety British Skydiving enforces the following checks (which need to be signed off by another jumper before you can jump):

1. Legs straps
2. Hook knife
3. Small ring, middle ring, big ring, yellow thing
4. AAD on
5. Happy with your pull?
6. Helmet
7. Alti set to zero
8. Audible (if you’re a freefly hero)
9. Chest strap
10. Positive attitude (OK that’s only if I check you)

…and as a result, the safety record in the UK is exemplary, right?

However, there’s one critical safety check that isn’t made…

11. Hearing protection

Hearing risks associated with skydiving

Without protecting your ears, there’s the chance of developing permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, AND as a result (believe it or not): cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and dementia.

Recently I measured up to 105 dB in the plane on the way to altitude. Answer me this, why is the ‘Action level’ for noise exposure on the ground 80dB (meaning that hearing protection should be made available), yet nothing is enforced to protect skydivers’ ears when the levels can reach more than 25dB above this?

Due to the logarithmic scale that sound is measured, for every 3dB above the ‘action levels’, you can half the duration that you can be exposed to those levels before it will cause permanent damage to your hearing. In theory, this means that after around 2 minutes in a plane on the way to altitude you will exceed your daily ‘noise allowance’ and cause irreversible damage to your hearing.

Yes, there is an argument for ‘personal responsibility’. Those of you thinking “If people want to look after their ears they can do it themselves.” Yes, I get it, but there are another 9 checks outlined above that British Skydiving makes mandatory, so why not add another? There is ZERO education on hearing loss during skydiving training, so how should skydivers know about hearing protection and the dangers of noise exposure?

Working with those with hearing loss every day, I get to see the impact that it has. Let me tell you, it’s not pretty, and one of my missions is to protect the hearing of skydivers so they don’t end up sitting in my clinic room one day.

Matthew’s #hearforyears campaign

This is the beginning of my #hearforyears campaign. I’m pushing for the flight line check to include hearing protection before a jump and I’m reaching out to anyone at British Skydiving to lead the World on this and take our safety standards to the next level.

Get custom hearing protection

If you’re a keen skydiver or participate in any sport that may cause damage to your ears, investing in hearing protection is crucial. Custom hearing protection is superior to off-the-shelf products as they are moulded to the shape of your ear, therefore offering tailored protection.

Harley Street Hearing can offer custom hearing protection for any individual need. Concerns about your hearing? Get in touch with us to book an appointment.

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• What is hearing loss?
• Hearing health tips
• Why musicians should protect their hearing

Would you believe us if we said there are a total of 335 different Phonak Lumity hearing aids to choose from?

That can feel slightly overwhelming when it comes to finding the right fit for you, but fear not. Whether you’re just starting to explore the option of hearing aids and want to be armed with information before going to an audiology appointment, or perhaps you’ve already had your hearing tested and have been recommended Phonak Lumity hearing aids, by the end of this article, you should have a great understanding of which Phonak Lumity hearing aid is right for you.

Five different styles of Phonak Lumity hearing aids

Phonak has typically used the same names for their different styles of hearing aids:

• Slim – their receiver-in-canal slimline hearing aid
• CROS – their receiver-in-canal hearing aid designed to manage single-sided deafness
• Audéo – their standard receiver-in-canal model
• Naida– their power behind-the-ear hearing aid
• Sky – their behind-the-ear paediatric hearing aids

Within each of these styles, there can be various models too. For example, while there’s only one version of both the Slim and CROS, there are three different Audéo Lumitys – including the Audéo Lumity R, the Audéo Lumity RT, and the Audéo Lumity RL. Within the Naida style, we have the Naida Lumity PR and the Naida Lumity UP. Finally, the Sky Lumity also has two different models, which are also named the PR and UP.

So, the big question is, what do these letters mean after the different hearing aid models? It’s all about rechargeability, CROS systems, telecoil, and waterproof ratings.

Rechargeability

Most of the hearing aids we’re discussing today are rechargeable, which means that for a 3-hour charge when you go to bed, you’ll get a full day of use the following day. From a rechargeability point of view, one of these hearing aids stands head and shoulders above the rest, which is the Lumity Life.

To maintain the highest possible waterproof rating out of all of the hearing aids discussed today, Phonak has removed its titanium charging contacts and instead installed an inductive charging system. This requires a completely different charger, which happens to a) be easier to remove the hearing aids from and b) also contains a standalone battery, storing up to three full days of charge within the charger itself. So, your hearing aids can be charged on the go without always needing to be plugged into the mains.

This is great if you are someone who likes to go travelling when you may not have access to a power source. You can keep the hearing aids stored in the case, and they’ll be constantly charging. Both the Naida and Sky UP, however, are the only models which use a disposable 675 battery, and this only needs changing roughly once every one to two weeks.

CROS/BICROS

The Phonak CROS system is Phonak Lumity CROS/BICROS specifically designed for somebody with an unaidable hearing loss in one ear, i.e., no hearing at all, and either normal hearing or a hearing loss that requires a hearing aid in the other.

This receiver-in-canal style device is essentially a transmitter that detects any sound that arrives on your poorer hearing side and then wirelessly transmits the sound that reaches it to your better hearing ear, giving you access to the world of sound around you in 360°.

This kind of technology can make a huge difference when it comes to managing single-sided deafness. For example, if you’re a passenger in a car with your unaidable ear towards the driver, a cross-system would transmit their voice to a hearing aid in your better hearing ear, allowing you to hear them.

Now, not all of today’s hearing aids will work with the cros-system, so if you’re looking at wearing hearing aids to manage single-sided deafness, then you need to choose either the Audéo R or RT receiver-in-canal hearing aids or the Naida or Sky PR behind-the-ear hearing aids.

Telecoil

If you’re not completely familiar with a telecoil, you may, however, have seen this sign at various public venues such as the likes of a supermarket, lecture hall, church, or theatre.

This shows that the venue has a built-in loop system to work with a telecoil built into various types of hearing aids. When configured, this setup allows you to wirelessly connect your hearing aids with a click of a button to a microphone set at a distance, and you should be able to hear the person speaking into that microphone just as if you were standing next to them. It will completely transform your ability to hear speech at a distance.

Now, of all the Lumity hearing aids discussed today, the Audéo RT, Naida UP, and Sky UP all have a built-in telecoil, which means that Phonak has provided a wide range of styles to choose from. So as long as you can forgo the waterproof version, having the telecoil built-in is an invaluable option.

Waterproofing

Whilst we’re on the subject of how waterproof and how robust the Lumity family of hearing aids is, every model that we’re covering today has a minimum standard of an IP68 rating. This means that they can technically be submerged in a metre and a half of water for 30 minutes, and they should still function afterwards.

The IP68 rating isn’t just reserved for hearing aids. You’ll find it built into a lot of the technology that you use daily, such as your phone. Unlike other manufacturers, the IP68 rating is the minimum standard that Phonak has set for their hearing aids. This means that they’ve set the bar even higher than that.

So if you’re someone who spends a lot of time in or near water, or perhaps you sweat a lot
when you’re doing exercise, or maybe you’re just concerned about the reliability of hearing aids, then there’s one hearing aid from today’s list which has been tested to its limits.

The letters in the Audeo Lumity RL stand for rechargeable and life, which Phonak boasts as being their “Life Proof” hearing aid. It’s their most robust hearing aid to date. With this model, they’ve added additional microphone protection, sealed the seams with silicone, coated the components with a Paraline coating (which is the same protection system that NASA uses on their spacecraft), and there’s a different charging system too.

With all of that done, they have brutally tested this technology in the lab to ensure that it does what they promise. This robustness testing includes a simulated sweat test, representing two workouts a week for a 5-year period, a seawater test, a saltwater test, a chlorinated water test (simulating two swims per week over a 5-year period), and finally freshwater testing, which is performed in a pressurised container testing down to a depth of 50 cm, 520 times.

So if you’re someone who’s had issues with either moisture or reliability in the past, then the Audeo Lumity Life may well be the right hearing aid for you from today’s list. But remember, this does come at a cost, and you’ll have to sacrifice both a telecoil and CROS compatibility.

Phonak Lumity colour options

Another thing that we’re spoiled for choice with is the different colours of the hearing aids, which vary depending on the style that you’re choosing.

The Slim is available in these four different colours.

All of the Audéos, so the R, RT, and L, including the CROS, are now available in 11 different colours, including some new, more vibrant colour options too.

The Naida PR and UP are available in eight different colours, and then finally, whether you’re a child or not, you may well be interested in these incredible colours for the Sky family.

Which is the most suitable for your hearing loss?

Each style of hearing aid also has its very own fitting range, which is the degree of hearing loss that it’s capable of dealing with. Press play on the video below to find out more about the suitability of each device:

Which one uses ActiveVent?

ActiveVent is a feature unique to Phonak’s receiver-in-canal styles of hearing aids. It’s compatible with both Slim, Audéo R, RT, and then the Life models.

ActiveVent is a specific type of receiver with a built-in moving piston that changes its position depending on your listening environment, and it can either divert more or less sound naturally down your ear canal or, on the contrary, via the hearing aids. This, in turn, will change a few different things, such as:

• how well you hear in noise
• how your own voice sounds
• how clearly you hear
• how music sounds when it’s being streamed from your phone

There are both positives and negatives to having your ear canals either open or closed, and depending on your hearing loss, sometimes it’s beneficial to have a hearing aid that can do both on different occasions, which until ActiveVent was released, wasn’t possible. For example, in a quiet environment, you may well want the vent to be open, allowing natural sound in and out, giving you a nice, natural feeling connecting you with your environment. Yet when in noise, it’s better to have your ears completely closed so that all of the sound that you hear is via your hearing aids, having been cleaned of background noise. And the same thing goes for music and streaming.

So when you’re streaming from your phone, the ActiveVent would close, both blocking sound in and also blocking sound out, which would enhance music further still, giving you greater fullness, richness, and depth with any sound being streamed from your phone.

Bluetooth compatibility

All of the Phonak Lumity hearing aids have classic Bluetooth built-in, no matter what the style, and they can be paired with your phone, and not just an Android or iPhone device, but in fact, any Bluetooth device whatsoever.

In fact, you can pair with up to eight Bluetooth devices at one time, with two of them being able to be connected simultaneously. This means that you can stream phone calls, music, and the radio or podcasts directly to both of your ears. Plus, there’s even an app called the MyPhonak app, which allows you to make manual adjustments to the settings on your hearing aids. Not only that, but if you can’t make it to the clinic one day, your audiologist can dial into your hearing aids via your phone and make adjustments while you’re sat in the comfort of your own home. Pretty clever, eh?

Technology levels

So that pretty much covers all of the feature differences between the various styles of Phonak Lumity hearing aids. Yet, what it doesn’t cover are all of the features built into the different technology levels too. Each style is available in different technology levels too, which are represented by the number that you can see after the style of the hearing aid.

So, all Lumity hearing aids are available as either a 90, 70, 50, or 30, with the 90 being Phonak’s premium technology, the 70 the advanced, the 50 is the standard technology level, and then the 30 is Phonak’s essential technology level.

Building on that, let’s explain how these different technology levels affect your ability to hear. Every hearing aid manufacturer tends to do something, and this isn’t just limited to Phonak: they create the best possible hearing aids they can with the technology and the research and development that’s available at that particular moment in time. Then, they’ll brand this as their premium hearing aid, which in this instance is the Lumity 90. There are various technology levels beneath that, with certain features stripped away. So, let’s cover which technology levels have which features.

AutoSense 5.0

This is Phonak’s artificial intelligence, machine learning feature that scans your environment 700 times per second and then calculates the most appropriate setting for your hearing aid to switch over to. With the premium technology level, the L90s will choose between the following different settings based on the environment it detects you’re in. Once the hearing aids have recognized the environment, they’ll then choose from over 200 different setting combinations in order to optimise your hearing in that situation.

You can see here that as the technology levels decrease, the options that the AutoSense setting is able to switch over to also decrease.

If you’re looking for the most appropriate technology level for you, you’ve got to think about not just your hearing test results but also your lifestyle. If you’re somebody who interacts with other people in varied environments, then the premium technology level may well be the most appropriate for you and your hearing loss.

Speech technology

Phonak’s Smart Speech technology is their built-in system designed to optimise hearing speech in all listening situations, from quietly spoken people to those in a noisy environment. The Lumity hearing aids have a few different impressive features that make this work.

Again, with the premium technology level, the L90s run all of these features, and we’ll show you which are stripped away depending on the technology you step down to.

First, we have their clever built-in Speech Sensor feature which will enhance your hearing in background noise and is designed to improve your hearing of conversations from the right, left, or behind you. Phonak states that while the majority of conversations generally come from in front of us, around 20% come from either the side or from behind. One downside of older directional microphone technology is that it can focus so aggressively in front of you that it may miss somebody speaking to you from other angles.

This new Speech Sensor feature is designed to identify those conversations happening close by and then open up that beamformer to a more omnidirectional setting, allowing you to pick up that speech without necessarily needing to turn your head and face the person speaking to you. We all know that person in our lives who speaks incredibly softly, and even with normal hearing, it’s not easy to catch what they’re saying.

The Speech Enhancer feature very simply looks out for those softly spoken people and gives them the boost they need to bring them within your audible range.

So, of those two features, both the Speech Sensor and Speech Enhancer are only available in the L90 premium technology level.

Stereozoom 2.0

The next two features are built into both the L90 premium technology level and the L70 advanced technology level.

Starting with Stereo Zoom 2.0, this is Phonak’s directional microphone technology. Stereo Zoom 2.0 is very simply designed to focus the microphones of your hearing aids forward when you’re in a noisy environment, such as a restaurant for example.

This is all with the hope that you want to hear whatever you’re looking at. Phonak boasts that this should give you a better signal-to-noise ratio by up to 2.5 dB, resulting in a 16% better speech understanding compared to fixed directional settings of previous versions of their Stereo Zoom.

Secondly, with Dynamic Noise Cancellation, you have the ability to set the strength of the noise reduction settings in real-time based on your personal preferences. This is all done using the MyPhonak app, which means you can set this feature to your preference of comfort or audibility in a particularly challenging and noisy environment.

Motion Sensors

Phonak has included the motion sensors in the premium, advanced, and standard technology levels respectively: the L90s, L70s, and L50s.

It allows AutoSense 5.0 to calculate the direction that you most likely want to be hearing from. So in practice, if you’re sat down at a table, you’d normally want to hear the sound in front of you. However, if you think about it, as soon as you stand up and start walking away, you’d want to be able to hear the person by your side. The motion sensors help the hearing aids recognise this and adjust the directionality of the microphones accordingly.

This is all happening automatically, without you needing to make any adjustments to the settings.

Compatible accessories

Phonak has been great at recognising where hearing aid technology alone will struggle to overcome certain hearing challenges. As a result, they have a wide range of different accessories from the TV connector to their Roger range, which includes the Roger On Version 2, Table Mic 2, Touchscreen Mic, Roger Select, and Roger Neckloop.

If you’re interested in more details on Phonak’s accessories, watch this video. You’ll be pleased to know that all of these accessories will work with all technology levels discussed today.

Tinnitus Balance Feature

If you’re one of the 10% or 25 million people in the US that suffers with tinnitus, then you may also benefit from Phonak’s Tinnitus Balance feature, which is also available across all technology levels. These are a selection of noises ranging from being tailored to your hearing loss to white noise and pink noise, which can be further adjusted to help you overcome your tinnitus.

So, as you can see, there are a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to the Phonak Lumity family of hearing aids, with various advantages to different styles and
different technology levels.

Phonak Lumity feature review

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video where he shares his opinions on the Phonak Lumity features below.

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This may well surprise you. Until the release of the Signia Silk Charging Go IX, the only rechargeable hearing aids on the market were the ReSound Omnia and the Phonak Lumity Receiver in Canal hearing aid.

So if you wanted a more invisible option, then the only technology available used a disposable battery, and this needs changing roughly once a week.

The good news is that this is all about to change as Signia has just released the world’s first rechargeable CIC hearing aids, introducing the Signia Charge&Go IX.

Signia Charge&Go IX technology & features

Now, rechargeability is one of the many unique features built into this incredibly small new technology from Signia.

Released this autumn, the Signia Silk IX has superseded the Signia Silk X, which is now 3 years old and long overdue for an update. So let’s look at the physical side of things and show you how they look in the ear. Then, we’ll take a good look at how clever the technology is that’s working inside these hearing aids.

This new family of hearing aids doesn’t look any different in shape and size to the previous model. We’re amazed that they’ve been able to make this new rechargeable version with the same physical specifications as the battery version, and for the battery to perform as well as it does. The only difference that you’ll spot between the two of them is that there’s no longer an openable battery door on the rechargeable version.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Signia Silks, they’re shaped in this torpedo way and ergonomically designed to mirror the shape of an average ear canal, measuring 50 mm long, 10 mm tall, and only 4 mm in diameter.

Quite differently to other CIC hearing aids, these are ready-to-wear devices and therefore, they don’t require an impression to be taken of your ear by your audiologist. Instead, they have a semi-customisable design with interchangeable domes for the end to suit the shape and size of your ear canal. The dome selection isn’t something that you need to worry about as your audiologist would measure and select the most appropriate fitting for your anatomy and your hearing loss, with plenty of options to choose from.

It’s important to note that the tip on the end of a hearing aid isn’t solely designed for comfort. It plays an incredibly important role in the way that a hearing aid sounds, influencing factors such as the hearing aid’s clarity and its ability to cope with background noise, and it also has an impact on the way that your own voice sounds. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to get the correct setup for you.

Colour options

The devices themselves come with two different colours to choose from, with the bodies of the shell always being either red or blue for easy identification of which is the left or the right.
The outward-facing part, the faceplate, is available in either a mocha or a black matte surface. The majority of our patients at Harley Street Hearing prefer the black colour, as it looks like the shadow of the ear canal and just makes them that little bit more inconspicuous than trying to match your skin tone.

Battery life & wireless charging abilities

With the Signia Charge&Go IX, a single 3-hour charge will give you 24 hours of life. So, each charge will last you for a full day. The case itself is neat and pocket-sized, and rather impressively, given its size, has a built-in battery which provides you with an additional 3 days’ worth of charge before it needs charging again.

This is particularly useful if you happen to go away for a long weekend somewhere and power isn’t easily accessible, say for example a camping trip for 3 days, then all you need is the case and you can charge on the go.

As these hearing aids are the gift that keeps on giving, in another world first, the case itself has Qi charging. This essentially means that you don’t need to plug it in to charge it but instead can place it on a wireless charging pad for inductive charging. Or, if you prefer, you can still use the USB-C port on the back of the case.

A new world of hearing aid technology

As with all hearing aids, the Signia Silk IX isn’t suitable for all degrees of hearing loss. However, it does have a pretty broad fitting range, meaning that it’s designed for those with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. In some cases, it could be pushed to compensate for those with severe hearing loss in some of those higher frequencies.

In practical terms, that means that if your hearing loss falls within the shaded area on this image, then technically they could be suitable for you.

They’re available in three different technology levels: the 7IX, 5IX, and 3IX, with the former being the most advanced of the three. The more advanced the hearing aid, the greater the number of features and automation that you have access to.

The new IX chip runs all of the same features as the Silk’s predecessor, the X chip. However, along with a few key developments such as Signia’s Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0.

This feature integrates various processes within the IX chip for hearing aid optimisation based on your surrounding environment, analysing 192,000 data points per second relating to your specific situation, and then deciding on the most appropriate way for this hearing aid to react.

This feature, combined with Signia’s Ear-to-Ear Wireless 4.0 and their binaural one-mic directionality, means that these hearing aids are working together rather than as two individual units, which is quite unique to Signia.

For their in-the-ear hearing aids, this feature is beneficial for two different reasons:

1. For identifying the direction of those speaking to you and focusing the microphones in the correct position.
2. It employs their speech stabiliser feature which targets speech in a noisy environment and preserves the acoustic cues that are important for you to be able to follow and understand speech clarity and distinction. This can be helpful in a few situations such as dining in a restaurant, driving in a car or walking down a busy street.

Another feature unique to the Signia Silks is their wireless functionality. Now, we’ll preface this by saying that wireless functionalities are of course not exclusive to Signia. However, it is certainly a unique feature for hearing aids of this size and discretion.

This gives you access to the Signia app and the mini pocket remote control to make basic adjustments to the settings and also to access their tinnitus features, which is a nice feature.

Signia’s tinnitus management features

When it comes to tinnitus management, Signia offers three different strategies against tinnitus, depending on what’s the most appropriate for you: static noise therapy, ocean wave therapy, and Signia’s unique Tinnitus Notch Therapy.

Both the static noise and ocean wave therapies are different types of noise to mask your tinnitus, all with different characteristics, and different frequency responses which means some of them are more likely to be effective than others in drowning out your tinnitus.

Finally, Signia’s Tinnitus Notch Therapy is specifically designed for those experiencing tonal tinnitus such as ringing, buzzing, or whistling. This approach is quite different from using a masking sound. Signia claims that the concept behind Notch therapy isn’t to drown out tinnitus but to teach the brain how to ignore it completely. Unlike both the ocean wave and static noise sound therapies, this method is presented at an inaudible level, so you won’t even be aware of the tinnitus sound therapy that you’re being exposed to – it’s pretty clever.

Signia Silk Charge& Go IX CROS/BICROS

CROS or BICROS systems are designed for individuals with an unaidable hearing loss in one ear, i.e., no hearing at all and either normal hearing or a hearing loss that requires a hearing aid in the other.

A CROS system is essentially a transmitter that detects any sound that arrives on the poorer hearing side, and then it wirelessly transmits the sound to your better-hearing ear, giving you access to the world of sound in 360°. For example, if you’re sitting on a bus with your unaidable ear towards a friend, a CROS system would transmit their voice to a hearing aid in the better hearing ear, allowing you to be able to hear them clearly and comfortably.

The Silk wins another point here for not only being the only CIC CROS system that’s out there but also the world’s first rechargeable CIC CROS hearing aid.

What to know before buying

The Signia Silks have a lot of positive features, but in order to give a balanced review it’s important to share our thoughts on what’s missing from the devices.

There are three features that other hearing aids offer, which the Signia Silk IXs don’t which are worth considering before buying.

Let’s start with how they function in background noise. Signia utilizes its One Mic directionality technology and the Pinna effect, which is the part of the ear that gathers sound from in front and behind and determines what’s in front of you versus what’s behind you. Despite this, the Silks won’t cope as well as a receiver in canal BTE hearing aid which has multiple microphones built into it, which can help you identify whether you’re in background noise or not and the direction that sounds will be coming from. If background noise is one of your biggest challenges, then we would recommend looking at the Pure Charge&Go IX.

Secondly, yes, the Signia Silks do have wireless connectivity, but they don’t have Bluetooth built into them. So the discretion of the Silk IX does come at a cost. And again, if you’re interested in streaming phone calls or media, such as the radio, music, or podcasts to your hearing aids directly from your phone, then the Pure Charge&Go receiver in the ear canal version may be more appropriate for you.

The third thing that’s important to consider when looking at these hearing aids is that while it is a positive to be able to customise these hearing aids by changing the tips on the end rather than going through the process of having an impression taken of your ear as you would do with a conventional set of CIC hearing aids, at the same time, this also does mean in reality that they don’t fit quite as well as a custom-made set of hearing aids.

This is not an issue for the majority of ears. However, there are instances that we, as audiologists, may want to have things made in a very specific way for example, with venting to allow your ears to breathe and to prevent what we call the occlusion effect. And we don’t have that same degree of control as we would do with a hearing aid specifically tailored to the shape and size of your ear canals.

If you’re somebody with a hearing loss and you’re conscious of cosmetics, ask your audiologist for advice on whether these hearing aids are good for you. If you’d like to book a hearing consultation at Harley Street Hearing – London’s leading independent hearing clinic, please call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below.

Signia Silk Charge&Go Review

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video where he shares his opinions on the Signia Silk Charge&Go below.

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

• Best Hearing Aids for Background Noise 2023
• Signia’s IX Hearing Aids Excel in Speech Clarity
• Phonak Lumity NEW hearing aid models added to their platform

At Harley Street Hearing we prioritise ensuring that our patients are hearing to the very best of their abilities in all environments, especially public spaces.

For hearing aid users, improving their hearing in public spaces will often begin with making adjustments to the hearing aid to improve the quality of sound, alongside utilising good communication tactics. However, we recognise that in some cases, this might not be enough and further assistance may be required.

Hearing loop systems

You may have seen the hearing loop (also known as the telecoil) symbol in many public places which instructs customers that there is an assistive listening system available. In settings such as banks, supermarkets and places of worship, you’re required to own an assistive hearing device such as a hearing aid to be able to access the hearing loop for better quality sound.

However, in theatres and other performance spaces, there are ways for non-hearing aid users to benefit from the assistive listening devices during the performance (such as devices on loan with headphones, or the ability to connect your mobile to the system to use your own headphones).

We realise that this may not be common knowledge for everyone with hearing loss, so we have put together a comprehensive theatre hearing guide to share accessibility information on all London theatres.

Assistive listening devices in London Theatres

Due to the upgrade in technology since the hearing loop was first designed, we will be using the term assistive listening devices to allow us to include a whole variety of technology (and ensure we can include any changes we might see in the future) rather than focusing on the traditional hearing loop alone.

The set-up of the assistive listening devices can be slightly different for each theatre, so in our London Theatre Hearing Guide we’ve created a space where you can search through theatres to see what options are available, and how you should access it.

We hope that this resource can be used by our patients and anyone with hearing difficulties who wishes to attend performances in London theatres. From experience, we know that these systems are not always perfectly functional; the technology is often restricted by being retrofitted to listed buildings instead of being included in the initial design stages.

By ensuring you have the easiest access to the information in one place, we hope to highlight to theatres how important it is to have fully functioning equipment and are happy to collaborate with them to ensure everyone is appropriately catered for.

The exciting development and future roll-out of Auracast LE Audio (a design of new low-energy audio connectivity), should further enhance the quality of assistive listening devices for hearing aid users attending theatre performances.

If you have any feedback or updated information based on your experience at a London theatre, please do get in touch so we can update the details accordingly. Call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below.

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

• Best hearing aids for background noise 2023
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If you’d like to understand more about what a telecoil is please see this video below, as explained by Matthew Allsop, Partner at Harley Street Hearing. Matthew is the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on everything to do with hearing technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly-independent resource for hearing aid customers.

Ear wax is a natural substance that is produced by our ears in order to protect them from bacteria and germs, and keep them lubricated. It usually passes through the ear canal and falls out naturally, but this isn’t always the case for those who produce an excessive amount of ear wax.

If you’ve ever experienced a build-up of ear wax, you’ll know that it can lead to discomfort and sometimes hearing problems. Ear wax removal is the best solution for safely removing this build-up and alleviating these symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed insight into ear wax removal procedures and explain the do’s and don’ts of removing wax from the ear.

What can cause a build-up of ear wax?

Having excessive ear wax means that your ear is producing wax faster than your body can remove it.

There can be a number of different reasons why ear wax can build up, and a majority of the time this is down to the way your ears naturally function and is therefore typically unavoidable.

Some of the most common reasons for excessive ear wax are:

• The ears naturally generate a type of earwax that is firm or dry in consistency, making it less prone to easy passage through the ear canal.
• Having narrow or hairy ear canals which prevent the wax from moving through
• Ageing, which can lead to producing drier ear wax
• Certain health conditions and infectious diseases
• Objects repeatedly placed inside the ear, such as cotton buds

It’s worth noting that in some cases, there may also be no definitive cause for ear wax build-up. However, it’s easily resolved with ear wax removal.

Effective ear wax removal methods

Ear wax removal should always be performed by a qualified and experienced clinical audiologist. At Harley Street Hearing, there are two methods of ear wax removal which we perform on the basis that they are the safest and most effective, microsuction and irrigation.

Microsuction

Suitable for a majority of patients, microsuction is the most popular method of ear wax removal. The procedure is safe, gentle and effective when performed by a qualified audiologist.

During the procedure, a high-spec examination microscope with x20 magnifcation is used to provide full visibility of the ear canal and find the blockage. The ear wax can then safely be removed with the use of a gentle suction device.

Microsuction is a painless procedure, but should always be performed by fully qualified clinical audiologists.

Ear irrigation

In some cases, ear irrigation, also known as syringing, may be the preferred method of wax removal. Similarly to microsuction, this is a gentle and painless procedure that can successfully remove any excessive ear wax.

Using a specialised ear irrigation device, a controlled low-pressure flow of warm water is inserted into the ear to gently flush the wax out.

Ear Syringing

Ear syringing is an old-fashioned method of wax removal that is no longer considered to be best practice or safe. The modern alternative is electronic irrigation which uses a controlled, and variable, stream of water to gently dislodge and flush the wax out of the ear canal.

What not to do when you have a build-up of ear wax

When considering ear wax removal, it’s important to understand that not all methods are safe or effective. Attempting to remove ear wax at home or seeking the help of anyone who isn’t qualified to perform a procedure can be dangerous and lead to a series of complications.

Here are some things that you should avoid doing to prevent potential harm to your ears:

• Avoid using cotton buds: This is one of the biggest mistakes we often see people make. Cotton buds can be used to safely clean the outside of your ears, but should never be inserted into the ear canal. This can push the wax further inside, potentially damaging the eardrum or causing impaction.
• Don’t put sharp objects into the ear canal: Similarly, avoid inserting any at-home ear wax removal devices or sharp objects into the ear. Our ears are delicate and these types of objects can scratch the ear canal or puncture the eardrum – either of these injuries can lead to infection or further blockage.
• Never use ear candles: Despite a rise in popularity, ear candling isn’t an effective ear wax removal procedure, nor is it safe. They can pose risks such as burns, ear canal obstruction and even ruptured ear drums.
• Avoid excessive cleaning: Our ears are designed to clean themselves, and overcleaning them can disrupt their self-cleaning mechanisms. This can lead to dryness, irritation and even a higher rate of wax production.

Signs you might need ear wax removal

Ear wax build-up can sometimes produce no symptoms and go unnoticed, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms that you may need ear wax removal:

• Hearing problems: A gradual decrease in your hearing abilities or the feeling of having hearing loss, especially in one ear, can be a sign of ear wax blocking the canal.
• Earache: Pain or discomfort in the ear may be a result of wax pressing against the eardrum or causing inflammation.
• Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds in the ear can sometimes be linked to ear wax build-up. However, there are also many other causes of tinnitus.
• Dizziness or vertigo: Excessive ear wax pressing against the eardrum or irritating the ear canal can lead to dizziness and balance issues.
• Pressure in the ear: Feelings of increased pressure within the ear can be a symptom of accumulation of wax.

If you’re experiencing any of the above problems or similar, we would highly recommend booking an ear wax removal appointment as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening. But you suspect that you may have an infection, please seek the advice of your GP.

What to expect at an ear wax removal appointment

It’s not uncommon to feel uneasy or anxious about your first ear wax removal appointment, but we can assure you that there’s nothing to worry about. Here at Harley Street Hearing, we make sure that all of our patients feel completely comfortable and at ease before the procedure begins.

Here are some of the steps you can expect to take at an ear wax removal appointment:

• Visual assessment: Your audiologist will start by visually inspecting the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for an ear wax build-up and determine the extent of it.
• Discussion: We will discuss your results and find out more about any previous medical history or symptoms to better understand your condition so we can tailor your treatment accordingly.
• Procedure: The recommended procedure, microsuction or irrigation, will be explained to you and we will proceed to carefully remove the wax.
• Aftercare: We will ensure you feel comfortable and aren’t experiencing any side effects before leaving the clinic, whilst also providing guidance on post-treatment care and preventative measures to avoid future wax build-up.

Book an ear wax removal appointment

Harley Street Hearing is London’s largest independent hearing clinic, offering effective and professional ear wax removal appointments at clinics across London.

To achieve the best results apply olive oil or softening drops a few times a day prior to your appointment. This makes it much easier to remove any hardened wax.

If you wear hearing aids please bring these along to your appointment and we can check and clean them for you.

We believe it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your ears, so if you feel like you’re experiencing anything unusual or uncomfortable, get in touch with us to book an appointment.

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Having trouble with your hearing aids? Whether you’re experiencing more feedback than usual, a drop in sound quality or are simply struggling to adjust to a new device, most hearing aid problems can be fixed at home.

When relying on hearing aids every day to help alleviate the symptoms of hearing loss, we understand how frustrating it is when the device isn’t performing as it should. Fortunately, all it takes is a basic understanding of the common issues that can arise, how to troubleshoot them and what to do to prevent any problems in the future.

The below guide should help you to do all of the above effectively, so you can get your hearing back on track in no time.

Hearing aid feedback and whistling

One of the most common problems encountered by hearing aid wearers is receiving feedback or hearing whistling sounds through the device. This often happens when sound leaks from the device’s receiver and is picked up by the microphone, causing a frustrating feedback loop.

Preventing and troubleshooting hearing aid feedback

Hearing aid feedback can happen for many reasons. Once you identify the root cause of it, you should be able to solve the problem easily. Here are some of the most common causes and what you can do to resolve them.

• Adjust the fit – Surprisingly, ears can actually change shape over time. This can lead to the earmolds becoming loose and not sealing correctly which can cause feedback issues. If this is the case, it’s wise to get your hearing aids re-fitted or replaced.
• Check for ear wax buildup – Excessive ear wax can block the ear canal, stopping sound from travelling through and causing it to bounce back into your hearing aids which can result in a whistling sound. The easiest way to fix this is to book an ear wax removal appointment with a professional audiologist.
• Adjust the volume – Excessive feedback or whistling can be a result of the volume on your device being too high. Try turning the volume down and see if this helps reduce the feedback or whistling.

Hearing aids can be subject to wear and tear over time which can lead to broken tubing, dislodged microphones or loose fittings. Any change to the device’s structure or fitting can lead to feedback issues which your hearing care provider should be able to resolve.

Hearing aid producing weak or distorted sounds

If you find that your hearing aids aren’t loud enough even at the highest volume, or the sound emitting from them seems distorted or muffled, you may just need to carry out some maintenance or adjust the settings.

Troubleshooting checklist

1. Ensure that your hearing aids are fully charged or replace the batteries if your device isn’t rechargeable. Low or weak batteries can cause sound issues, so it’s wise to ensure your device is always charged or carry spare batteries with you.
2. Clean the microphone and receiver openings regularly to remove any accumulated debris. A build-up of dust or dirt can block sound transmission, often resulting in weak or distorted sound. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and take great care when cleaning the fittings.
3. Change the wax filter. A blockage of the wax filter can reduce the level of sound reaching your ears.
4. If activated, use the volume and programme buttons on the hearing aid, or linked mobile phone application to adjust the settings. This can help to temporarily resolve the issues until you can arrange an appointment with your audiologist to discuss the issues further.

Hearing aids damaged by water or moisture

As with any electronic device, hearing aids and water don’t get along. Many hearing aids are designed to be water resistant but not waterproof. This means that they’ll typically be unaffected by a splash of water or a drop of rain but submerging them is a no-go.

Accidents do happen, and if you find yourself still wearing your hearing aids after jumping in the shower, you’re not the first person to do so.

Here are the most important steps to take if you get your hearing aid wet:

• Quickly remove the hearing aid from any water or moisture – If you suddenly notice you’re still wearing your hearing aid whilst showering or swimming, or have dropped it in water, remove it immediately and take it to a dry place.
• Turn the device off and remove the batteries – It’s likely that the water may have penetrated inside the device, so where possible, remove the battery and leave the compartment open to dry.
• Dry the device as quickly as possible – Start by soaking up any visible moisture and leave the device in a warm, dry environment. Air drying can take 24 to 48 hours, but investing in a hearing aid dryer is a great option to speed up the process. Alternatively, place the device in a bowl of dried rice to encourage the fast absorption of moisture.

If the above steps don’t bring your hearing aid back to life, get in touch with your hearing care provider as soon as possible for any repairs or replacements that may be needed.

Above all else, it goes without saying that undergoing a thorough hearing consultation and getting your device fitted by a qualified audiologist will stand you in the best position to get the most out of your hearing aid. Following that, undergoing regular maintenance and care procedures will help to prevent any potential issues later down the line.

If you’re really struggling with your hearing aids, it may be that they are no longer suited to your hearing ability. In this case, it’s important to get your hearing re-assessed to find a device that suits your current hearing loss.

Harley Street Hearing is London’s largest independent hearing clinic. Our professional audiologists can conduct a thorough hearing assessment and offer independent advice on the most suitable hearing aid for you. If you need any assistance with your current hearing aids we are more than happy to help. Contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053 to find out more.

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Gradual hearing loss and cognitive decline are common ageing factors, and studies have shown a strong association between dementia and hearing loss. Research suggests that you can decrease the risk of dementia by seeking hearing treatments as soon as hearing loss is noticed in middle age.

Whilst there is no way to completely avoid the decline in our cognitive abilities or the onset of dementia, there are ways we can slow the process down by having a better understanding of the link between our cognitive functions and hearing loss.

How are hearing loss and dementia linked?

Research has established a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including an increased risk of developing dementia. A study in The Lancet said there was an urgent need for more people to use hearing aids in their forties, fifties and sixties.

This landmark study looked at 438,000 people in the UK with an average age of 56 and followed them for 12 years. One in four people reported some level of hearing loss as they grew older; this group was 42% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

Another study conducted by the University of Exeter and King’s College London found that hearing aid use was associated with a 36% lower risk of developing dementia. The study analysed data from over 25,000 individuals with hearing loss and found that those who used hearing aids had a lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who did not use hearing aids.

Previous research has also suggested that hearing loss is linked to 8% of dementia cases, making it a more significant factor than smoking or alcohol consumption.

Whilst it’s understood that both conditions can impact each other, there is no solid evidence of why this link occurs. Researchers have shared several theories on why hearing loss may worsen our cognitive decline, and these theories include:

Brain structure

When the brain lacks stimulation, brain cells can shrink. For those with hearing loss, this can apply to the regions of the brain that struggle to receive and process sounds and can cause the cells to shrink over time.

Cognitive load

When hearing loss is left untreated, it can put the brain under unnecessary strain as it continuously struggles to process sounds. This can lead to the brain becoming overworked and not functioning efficiently.

Social isolation

Unmanaged hearing loss can lead to social isolation as the individual can withdraw from situations where they struggle to participate in conversations. Spending too much time in isolation can therefore lead to the brain not receiving enough stimulation.

Recent studies have concluded that hearing loss and dementia can promote an increase in cognitive decline because it leads to a degeneration of the auditory centres in the brain, due to a lack of auditory input. When this happens, the brain begins to compensate and uses more resources to process auditory information.

Can hearing aids prevent dementia?

There is currently an estimated 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. However, treating hearing loss through hearing aids and cochlear implants could potentially help prevent tens of thousands of dementia cases.

Hearing aid use has been shown to improve cognitive function and slow cognitive decline as they help to maintain connections between brain cells, therefore preventing the negative effects of hearing loss, such as lack of sensory stimulation and reduced social interaction. 

Tom Dening, a Professor of dementia research at Nottingham University, says that there is mounting evidence that hearing aids can help to fight dementia. He added:

“There has been a lot of interest in hearing conditions and their possible contribution to the risk of developing dementia in recent years, and it is estimated that hearing may account for about 8% of the potentially modified risk of developing dementia. 

As someone who has recently started to use hearing aids, I am greatly encouraged by these findings and, as a clinical researcher, I appreciate having better data on which to base my advice to patients. We need to use studies like this to encourage the public not to be embarrassed by hearing problems and to seek assessment and treatment sooner rather than later.” 

It is thought that the use of hearing aids may help reduce the risk of dementia by improving communication and social interaction, which can help maintain cognitive function. Hearing aids may also help reduce cognitive load by improving auditory processing and reducing the need for individuals to devote cognitive resources to hearing and understanding speech.

However, it’s important to note that while hearing aids may be beneficial in reducing the risk of dementia, they are not a guaranteed prevention method. More research is needed to fully understand the link between hearing aids and dementia, but current evidence suggests that the use of hearing aids may have a positive impact on cognitive function in individuals with hearing loss.

Managing hearing loss and cognitive decline

Hearing loss is a widespread and prevalent condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is not only a communication challenge but it can also have broad implications on your overall health and well-being. 

Additionally, hearing loss can lead to loneliness and social isolation due to reducing social engagement and communication, as well as depression, which are also risk factors for dementia.

It is believed that mild hearing loss can lead to a doubled risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss can lead to a tripled risk of dementia, and severe hearing loss can lead to a quintupled risk of dementia – that’s five times a greater risk of developing a decline in cognitive function.

Sometimes, individuals with dementia mistakenly attribute their hearing loss symptoms to the condition, causing it to go undiagnosed. This confusion can result in untreated hearing loss, which can worsen over time and aggravate dementia symptoms.

If you observe signs of hearing loss or increased cognitive decline in yourself or a loved one, it is crucial to seek professional help promptly. Caring for your ear health extends beyond participating in conversations. Timely treatment of hearing loss is the most effective way to slow down the progression of cognitive decline, and we are here to assist you.

Dementia and auditory training and speech therapy

In addition to hearing aids, auditory training is another intervention that has been shown to improve speech comprehension and cognitive function in individuals with hearing loss. Auditory training can help individuals improve their ability to process speech and other sounds, potentially reducing the cognitive load associated with hearing loss. It typically involves exercises and tasks designed to improve speech comprehension and sound localisation skills.

Speech therapy can also be beneficial for individuals with hearing loss, particularly those with speech discrimination difficulties. Speech therapy can improve speech recognition and language processing in individuals with hearing loss and typically involves exercises and tasks designed to improve speech recognition and language processing skills.

Conclusion

On average people wait 10 years before addressing issues of hearing loss, which in turn could also indicate possible cognitive decline. Fortunately, regular hearing tests and prompt treatment of hearing loss can help to preserve cognitive function, improve your quality of life and decrease the risk of developing dementia later in life.

Harley Street Hearing is a dementia-friendly hearing clinic, we are the largest independent hearing clinic in London. We treat every patient with care and understanding and pay particular attention to their individual hearing needs.

If you feel like you are experiencing hearing difficulties, act now and get in touch to book an appointment on 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below.

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Are you looking to book a hearing test and are wondering what happens? It’s natural to be curious, and sometimes worried, about how the tests are performed and what exactly is evaluated. 

In this article, we’ve outlined how a hearing test is carried out, how to prepare for a hearing test and what to expect after your test is complete.

What is a hearing test?

A hearing test is a non-invasive procedure that is used to evaluate how the ear is functioning and determine if there are any hearing-related issues or impairments. Hearing tests are carried out by an audiologist who specialises in the diagnosis and management of hearing loss. 

Hearing tests evaluate your ability to hear different frequencies or pitches of sound, your ability to understand speech, and the function of the middle ear and inner ear hair cells.

Our standard hearing test takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including an explanation of your test results. However, if you’re experiencing signs of hearing loss, we suggest an in-depth hearing assessment. Our 90 minute hearing assessments include a personalised lifestyle assessment and independent advice on the most appropriate hearing technology to meet your individual needs.

Harley Street Hearing has over 25 years of clinical experience helping others improve their hearing ability and quality of life. We are independent audiologists and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council which means you can book with us directly without the need for a referral from your GP or ENT consultant. 

How to prepare for a hearing test

To get the most out of your hearing test and ensure your results are as accurate as possible, there are a number of simple steps you can take prior to the appointment to prepare your ears. 

Clean your ears

Before a hearing test, we always recommend that your ears are clean and free of any earwax or debris that could interfere with the accuracy of the test. If you have any concerns about the cleanliness of your ears, you can book an earwax removal appointment with one of our highly trained clinical audiologists prior to your hearing test.

Check your medications

We also ask that you make a note of which medications you’re taking prior to your appointment. Some medications and conditions can affect your hearing capacity and your clinical audiologist will need to be aware of which medications you take or conditions you have.

Avoid loud noises

Where possible, it is best to avoid loud noises prior to your appointment. Loud noises that result in ringing of the ear can make it harder for you to accurately perform in our hearing tests which can change the outcome of your evaluation.

Rearrange if you’re unwell

It’s never a good idea to attend a hearing test appointment when you’re unwell. This is because illnesses such as colds and sinus infections can affect the way we hear. If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s better to arrange your appointment for when you’re feeling better.

The hearing test process

The hearing test typically consists of several parts, each of which evaluates a different aspect of your ears to fully understand the whole hearing pathway

Physical examination of the ear

The first step of a hearing test involves an examination of the ear using an otoscope. This device allows your clinical audiologist to inspect the ear canal and eardrum for any abnormalities, such as earwax buildup, infections or damage to the eardrum. 

If any issues are found, the audiologist may recommend additional testing or refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultant for further evaluation.

A pure tone audiometry test

Pure tone audiometry is a test that evaluates your ability to hear different frequencies and pitches of sound. During the test, you will be asked to wear headphones and listen to a series of tones at varying frequencies and volumes. 

Your clinical audiologist will ask you to indicate when you hear the sound by pressing a button. This test allows your audiologist to determine the softest sounds that you can hear at each frequency tested.

Other types of hearing tests

These tests are not a part of a standard hearing test and are sometimes requested if you have been referred by an ENT consultant or physician.

Speech audiometry test

Speech audiometry is a test that evaluates your ability to hear and understand speech. In this test, you will be asked to repeat a series of words or sentences that are presented to you at different volumes and in different backgrounds, such as in the presence of noise. 

This test allows your clinical audiologist to determine your ability to understand speech in different listening conditions.

A middle ear assessment

The middle ear assessment is a test that evaluates the function of the middle ear, including the eardrum and the three tiny bones (ossicles) that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. 

This test is typically conducted using a tympanometer, which measures the eardrum’s movement in response to changes in air pressure. This test allows your clinical audiologist to detect any problems with the middle ear, such as fluid buildup or a perforated eardrum.

An otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test

Otoacoustic emissions testing is a non-intrusive test that evaluates the function of the hair cells in the inner ear. This test is performed using a small probe that is placed inside the ear canal and a series of sounds are played to the ear. 

If the hair cells in the inner ear are functioning correctly, they will emit a sound in response to the sound stimulus. This allows your clinical audiologist to determine the integrity of the hair cells in the inner ear and detect any damage or dysfunction.

An auditory brainstem response (ABR) test

Auditory brainstem response testing evaluates the function of the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways that transmit sound information to the brain. For this test, electrodes are placed on the scalp and behind the ears, and a series of clicks or tones are presented to the ear. 

The electrodes detect the electrical activity generated by the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to the sound stimulus. This test allows your clinical audiologist to determine if there are any issues with the auditory nerve or brainstem that could be affecting hearing function.

What happens after a hearing test?

After the hearing test is complete, your clinical audiologist will review the results and share them with you. If you opt for a more detailed hearing assessment, your results will be discussed with you and there will be the opportunity to discuss any recommendations or management options that may be necessary. 

If the test indicates that you have hearing loss, your clinical audiologist can recommend hearing aids or other assistive devices to help improve your hearing function. Your clinical audiologist may also provide advice for effective communication strategies and lifestyle modifications that can help improve your quality of life with hearing loss.

How to book a hearing test

To book an appointment for a hearing test or hearing assessment, simply fill in the form below and a member of our staff will be in touch with you. There will be an initial telephone consultation to understand whether you would benefit from either a hearing test or hearing assessment, and then we’ll arrange an appointment for you with one of our audiologists. For any further information or advice, contact us here.

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Hearing loss is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can be caused by various factors, including ageing, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, genetics, and certain medications. 

The good news is that hearing loss can sometimes be prevented by taking certain measures. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of hearing loss and how to prevent it.

How hearing loss affects the ear

There is no single cause of hearing loss; it can come as a result of various factors that affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. Where your hearing loss occurs determines the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing, the severity and the best method of management.

Outer ear hearing loss

When the outer ear is damaged or blocked, sound waves cannot reach the eardrum effectively, resulting in hearing loss. This can be caused by earwax buildup, ear infection, or damage to the pinna or ear canal. In most cases, ear wax removal, surgery or hearing aids can help restore hearing loss caused by issues in the outer ear.

Middle ear hearing loss

The middle ear includes the eardrum and three small bones that amplify and transmit sound waves to the inner ear. When the middle ear is damaged or obstructed, sound waves cannot be transmitted effectively, leading to a loss of hearing. 

This can be caused by an ear infection, fluid buildup or damage to the eardrum or bones. In some cases, medication or surgery may be needed to treat middle ear problems and restore hearing.

Inner ear hearing loss

The inner ear contains the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ that converts sound waves into electrical signals that are then sent to the brain. When the hair cells in the cochlea are damaged or destroyed, the electrical signals cannot be transmitted effectively, resulting in hearing loss. 

This can be caused by ageing, exposure to loud noise, certain medications and genetic characteristics. Hearing aids or cochlear implants are often recommended to help people with inner ear hearing loss.

What causes hearing loss?

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is ageing, which leads to a gradual decline in a person’s ability to hear, known as presbycusis. This type of hearing loss affects both ears equally and typically starts around the age of 60. 

As we age, the hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for detecting sound waves become damaged, leading to reduced sensitivity to high-frequency sounds.

If you’re hearing muffled sounds, a high-pitched ringing in the ear or are finding conversations challenging to keep up with when in noisy environments, you could be experiencing a loss of hearing capacity. 

Book an appointment for a full diagnostic hearing assessment where our expert audiologist will test your hearing capacity and assist you in finding the right solution for better hearing.

Exposure to loud noise is another leading cause of hearing loss, particularly in occupational settings. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. 

This can be caused by exposure to noise from machinery, power tools, or loud music, and can affect people of all ages. In addition to damaging the hair cells in the inner ear, exposure to loud noise can also damage the auditory nerve, which carries electrical signals from the ear to the brain.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 aims to protect workers from excessive noise whilst at work and helps to protect against work-related hearing loss. This regulation requires employers to prevent risk and exposure to excessive noise and provide protective wear where necessary. We offer custom-made hearing protection earplugs to comfortably protect employees hearing whilst working in noisy environments.

Other causes of hearing loss include:

• Ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss if not treated promptly. Chronic ear infections can also lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Some types of hearing loss are caused by genetic factors which can be passed down from parents to their children.
• Certain medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and some pain relievers, can cause hearing loss as a side effect, known as ototoxicity.
• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes can also lead to a loss of hearing capacity when managed poorly or left untreated.

How to prevent hearing loss

While some causes of hearing loss, such as ageing and genetic factors, are beyond our control, there are several steps we can take to prevent or reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Wear hearing protection when exposed to noise

One of the best ways to safeguard your hearing is to protect your ears from loud noise. This includes avoiding prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels, which can be harmful to your hearing. 

When you’re exposed to loud noise, such as when attending a concert or working with noisy equipment, it’s important to wear custom earplugs or ear defenders to reduce the risk of long-lasting hearing damage.

Maintain good ear hygiene and care

Incorporating safe ear hygiene into your routine can also help prevent hearing loss. This means avoiding the use of cotton swabs or inserting other objects into your ears, which can damage the delicate skin and push earwax deep into the ear canal. 

Instead, use a damp cloth or tissue to clean the outer ear and let the body naturally expel excess earwax. If your ears are uncomfortable and itchy, and you feel your hearing has decreased, this could be a sign that you need your ears professionally cleaned. 

The safest and most effective way to clean your ears is to book an appointment for ear wax removal. We offer both ear irrigation and microsuction to remove wax buildup, alleviating discomfort and improving your hearing capacity.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Finally, adopting a healthy lifestyle can be a key factor in preventing hearing loss. This includes eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals that are important for hearing health, such as zinc, vitamin A, and magnesium. 

Regular exercise is great for improving blood flow to the ears and reducing the risk of hearing loss. Additionally, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help protect your hearing and overall health. Managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes will also help prevent long-term hearing loss.

Book routine hearing assessments

A hugely important step in protecting your hearing and ear health is to book regular hearing screenings. Doing so will allow us to detect hearing loss early on and ensure you’re given prompt treatment and management. 

If you are at risk of hearing loss due to age, noise exposure, or other factors, consider getting your hearing tested regularly by one of our expert audiologists. Routine checkups can help identify any hearing problems early on and allow for early intervention and treatment.

If you’re unsure if you need a hearing test, you can use our free online hearing test which takes as little as 5 minutes, all you need is a stable internet connection and headphones. This will give you an indication of your hearing but does not give an accurate hearing test. If it shows you may have a degree of hearing loss you should book in for a hearing test with an audiologist. 

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