Treating me differently is no laughing matter

For our Now Hear This series, we feature another of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about how people treated him differently initially when he had hearing concerns. 

Michael from Stutton, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

Busy supermarkets with all the background noise can be tough

I’ve been with The Hearing Care Centre since October 2012. Previously to that I had National Health hearing aids for five years which to be honest weren’t really adequate. The hospital told me there was nothing more they could do for me so that’s when I turned to Karen and The Hearing Care Centre. She explained that my prescribed NHS aids were very basic and there was so much more choice to consider. We chose mid range aids to improve the quality of sound which are fully automatic so they greatly increase not only the volume but the quality of that sound coming into your ears. They are also extremely comfortable to wear compared to what I had before. I was becoming tired of the way people treat you when you have a hearing problem. I remember being at a supermarket checkout and having to say pardon to the cashier and she replied with ‘Are you thick or something?’ Even friends who mean well think its ok to poke fun at me because of my lack of hearing; its ok perhaps the first couple of times but NOT when they continually refer to it. When you think that the everyday things you take for granted are the things I struggle with, for example using a phone without my hearing aid would be impossible.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Once you reach say 55 I believe you need to regularly have your hearing checked, I mean you do for your eyes and think nothing of it. I got my father-in-law who couldn’t hear at all on the phone to go and see Karen and he’s very happy with his new hearing aids from The Hearing Care Centre. People say to me, yes but if I go privately I’ll have to pay -  trust me it’s worth it! If you go along when they are doing a free hearing test you have nothing to lose and they even let you try them out before you make a final decision.  You will be amazed at what you can hear again. I can now hear my grandchildren and walk safely with a pet or a child again as I can hear the traffic coming behind me. The biggest difference probably for my wife, is that the TV is now back to a normal and comfortable level for us both, although occasionally I have to tell her to turn it down!!

If any of Michael's or our other patients stories on this blog have struck a chord with you, we are here to help. Having a hearing test doesn't necessarily mean you'll need our help but at least you will know either way. 

May I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Until my next blog in 2014, regards Karen. 

Feeling isolated in a room full of people?

Here’s another story from one of our kind patients in our Now Hear This series, taking about why she chose The Hearing Care Centre.

Jill from Hadleigh, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

It was about 13 years ago now, I had two small children at the time and I realised they would be chatting away to me on the way to school and I couldn’t hear them properly. What was much more worrying was that I couldn’t hear the oncoming traffic as we stood waiting to cross the road. I was also a teacher at the time and teaching those with high pitched voices in a group, well to be honest it was becoming a nightmare. Saying that I did manage and the children didn’t seem to notice but I would be so tired by the end of each day from the sheer concentration needed. When I went to Karen she suggested also learning to lip read, I would never have given that a thought had it not been for her. The trouble is with hearing loss, people forget that you have a problem as it’s not obvious so they mumble or turn their heads away or worse – put their hands in front of their mouths when speaking! There are times therefore when you can feel very isolated in a room full of people; even just driving in the car, with friends all chatting away.

Hearing loss can make you feel isolated in a car full of people

I literally can’t hear - it’s just a noise which you can’t decipher. Oddly though it’s your own family who forget the most, they will ask me a question or continue a conversation whilst they have their head in the fridge or when the kettle is boiling!

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Go! I initially went to my GP as I knew I was struggling, he suggested I go to see The Hearing Care Centre for a test and to be honest I just sat on his advice for a whole year before I did anything. It was a massive shock when I finally did have it checked but Karen helped me to get over it. The NHS analogue hearing aids are completely useless for me as my low frequencies which they pick up are actually quite good it’s my high frequencies I can’t catch and they don’t help.  I’m very lucky in that my husband has also been very supportive and is a good communicator. Sadly most people are not and you find you are constantly asking them to slow down. I’m lucky in that my hearing loss is moderate and I have a job, it does worry me though that if that job were to end I would struggle in a normal interview situation, especially if they wanted me to answer the phone for them as I need a specially adapted one. Its situations like these people don’t think about when their hearing starts to deteriorate.That’s why it’s so important to get someone like The Hearing Care Centre to look after it. If everyone did as much as Karen and The Hearing Care Centre team do to help with peoples hearing loss, the world would be a much better place.

A hearing test at our offices around Suffolk is simple and comfortable, don't be left in the dark the sooner you come and see us the more we can help.

Until next time

Regards

Karen

Listen to the band

 Another story shared for our Now Hear This series, here we feature another of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about why he chose The Hearing Care Centre.

John from Upper Layham, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

Life is too short to only hear half of its music

My hearing was always checked by my employer as I used to work for BT and they used to check our hearing free of charge. Saying that, I first noticed I had a problem hearing female voices, they are softer and often higher and it was when a woman was speaking to me I found I was having to lean in or just not make out what they were saying properly. It was then that I went to see Karen and her team and afterwards I remember I went to a concert that same night at Woodbridge School – it was fantastic! I heard all the musical instruments properly and I hadn’t realised up until that point how much I was missing, it really made that much difference. I also started to notice other sounds at home which I didn’t realise I wasn’t hearing like the washing machine or the various sounds the car engine makes. The trouble is with hearing loss, it can be a gradual thing and therefore these sounds sort of slip off the radar without you realising it. When you get them back again you suddenly realise just how much you’ve not been hearing.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Definitely have it checked, I remember before I had mine checked I could never hear what my poor father-in-law said as he spoke so quietly and also in a crowd I literally couldn’t focus when I couldn’t hear. My hearing aids were a birthday present in the end and my wife notices the difference just as much as me; they are the first thing I do in the morning and they don’t come out until I go to bed. When you see how small the vast range of hearing aids The Hearing Care Centre has, its phenomenal and they just work – I’m over the moon with mine.

I do hope you're enjoying these personal stories shared with us by our patients if you'd like to get in touch with me at the Hearing Care Centre you can do so free by calling 0800 096 2637 from a landline.

Until next time, my best regards

Karen 

My whole world has been brought back to life again

In our Now Hear This series, we feature another of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about how much her life has been turned around by visiting the Hearing Care Centre.

Jenny from Ipswich, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

A whole new lease of life

I was 58 years old and I was working in a bank and from behind the glass I realised I was only seeing the customer’s mouths moving, so I knew they were talking but I didn’t know what they were saying. I found I was leaning in and talking through the slot in the glass but it didn’t help.  Initially I went to my doctors for some help but the length of the waiting list for the NHS was just ridiculous, so I went privately to see an ENT surgeon and they found I had a perforated ear drum. After four unsuccessful operations to repair it I was pretty down about the whole thing and then my manager at work suggested getting me some help from The Hearing Care Centre. The difference was noticeable straight away; Karen immediately fitted me with a different kind of hearing aid system that works automatically through multi frequency channels wirelessly transmitting to a tiny cros unit on the other side. The words just came flying at me it was wonderful, I no-longer had to bend right near to the person to hear what they were saying.

Before I got some help I tried not to let my hearing loss get me down but I know it was hard on my husband as we couldn’t go on holiday or to a restaurant in case I had to sit on a table with other people, I just couldn’t hear them. Even in the supermarket doing the weekly shop I literally couldn’t hear anyone. I remember being at the till and the woman actually being quite sharp with me and speaking to me as if I wasn’t quite all there if you know what I mean – it was so humiliating, people just don’t understand.  The other thing I found is how listening so intently all day just wears you out; by the end of the day I was exhausted. Simple things you take for granted every day become impossible, listening out for the doorbell or just watching the TV.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Don’t delay; the earlier you go there, the more you can save your hearing. Now I am so thankful for being able to hear even the smallest sounds like a bird singing it’s only now I can hear that sound again that I had forgotten how wonderful it is. I remember the first time I heard a bird I thought it must be someone’s mobile ringing! The most delightful sound though is my grandchildren voices, because their voices are high pitched it was impossible to hear them and join in their conversations. Thanks to Karen and her team she’s brought my whole world to life again.  

Christmas and Hearing Loss

Christmas isn't always a time of harmony

You will be forgiven for wondering what hearing loss has to do with Christmas, but in fact untreated hearing loss has a lot to do with it. I always associate the festive season with family get-togethers and while on the surface that’s supposed to mean happiness and joy, it creates serious challenges for those with hearing loss. When you are unable to hear as clearly as everyone else in the family, this time can often bring great frustration, misunderstandings and tension.

Take this scenario for example: Grandma sits staring blankly during Christmas dinner, not joining in the conversation and not responding when she’s spoken to. Could it be she has a hearing loss? Grandma cannot understand all of what is being said, so she shuts herself off from the conversation! A hearing problem can cause a person to appear unsociable, when they wish to interact but instead feel isolated. 

Someone who experiences hearing loss may not even be aware of it, or may not admit to it for fear of embarrassment. It’s worth keeping an eye out for some tell-tale signs. 
Does the person;

• Complain that people mumble?

• Ask for words to be repeated?

• Do they have difficulty hearing someone calling from behind or from another room?

• Ask for the TV to be turned up louder than others? 

• Not join in the conversation?

• Seem quiet and reserved?

In the UK, hearing impairment affects over 10 million people and it is estimated that three quarters of adults with a hearing loss never obtain a hearing aid and those who eventually do put up with declining hearing for approximately 15 years before seeking help.

As an audiologist I urge those with hearing loss to seek help. If you have a loved one that is struggling to hear, don’t be afraid to discuss this them, as Christmas is a time which should be enjoyed by all. 

A huge range of hearing aids are available to suit all budgets, so book a hearing test today and improve your or your loved one’s hearing.

For more information or to book an appointment please visit our website or Freephone 0800 096 2637.

See no evil, hear no evil?

Here is another in our Now Hear This series, featuring one of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about why he chose The Hearing Care Centre.

Robert from Ipswich, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

I work for Barclays and came to see Karen years ago and straight away she spotted something wrong with my hearing. At the time I didn’t want to hear it if you pardon the pun and so I ignored her advice and left!  I struggled on for five or so years, and then I came back to The Hearing Care Centre about two years ago and despite me ignoring them the first time Karen was brilliant and so I haven’t looked back since.

Sometimes we ignore good advice

My problems became noticeable particularly with my job – I’m a mortgage adviser. I talk to customers all day long and when they were facing me I could cope but I noticed as soon as I turned away or they did,  I realised I couldn’t hear them. The other thing was, I was finding I was constantly tired from just trying to listen. In my head I suppose I thought a hearing aid would look like a brick fitted to the side of my head! When I finally had hearing aids fitted by The Hearing Care Centre they  couldn’t have been smaller – at the tender age of 36 you care about that stuff. Finally at work I was able to become much more involved within the team again. I knew I  had valuable things to contribute in our team meetings but I didn’t say anything before as I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hear people’s responses. I found in a group situation it was even harder to make out what people were saying, especially if several people spoke at once. My poor Manager thought I was just being stubborn! I also found my lack of hearing affected my personal relationships at home and also with my friends. Unfortunately my wife and I split up, I’m not blaming my hearing entirely but I do think it was a contributing factor. I have found now that I have my hearing aids it’s actually helped my confidence. I used to find it difficult to make new friends but now I can hear I don’t feel like that anymore.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

I always share my story with people; I would always tell them to go and see The Hearing Care Centre and Karen.  When I went back again to see her she explained the process so effectively I wondered why I didn’t take her advice before, perhaps I didn’t want to believe how bad it was. I’m now happier and more confident and in a new relationship too, so yes I think it’s vital you look after your hearing and The Hearing Care Centre can help you do exactly that. 

If you've been struggling with your hearing at work, why not give us a call, we can arrange a hearing test and help you to decide what support works best for you and your own personal circumstances.

Regards

Karen 

Now hear this

In the first of our Now Hear This series, we feature one of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about why she chose The Hearing CareCentre.

Mum - don't you think your TV's up rather loud?

Daphne from Framlingham, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

Well to be honest it was my family, well my daughters actually, they persuaded me to finally go and get it checked, they said ‘You know mother your TV is up too loud!’ Up until that point I didn’t think I had a problem. I think it’s because with me it came on gradually.  I didn’t realise until I met Karen and her team how my life had changed and what I was missing out on. For the first time in well, to be honest I couldn’t tell you how long, I could hear things like my stomach rumbling! And, well I’m not sure I should say this but when I went to spend a penny it was like Niagara Falls! What I didn’t realise was how tired I was getting just trying to keep up with everyday conversations. You have to concentrate so hard without the hearing aids to support you that by the end of the day you feel absolutely wiped out,especially in a group of people. I volunteer in a charity shop and so hearing when there’s several voices all talking at once was becoming just a babble – now I can hear them again and it’s like I’ve come back into the picture. When you can’t hear properly you sort of fade into the background. My daughters are happy because when they come to visit me my television is also back to normal sound levels too!

The Hearing Care Centre, Upper Brook St, Ipswich

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked?  

I’ve had the hearing aids now since March 2013 as my granddaughter was due to marry in May 2013 and I was determined I’d be able to hear her say I will – and I could!! It’s as simple as that - you miss out on so much.  Events even if they are just everyday ones won’t happen again and I was determined not to miss out on anything else. It’s given me a new lease of life and my family are much happier too. It’s hard for them to understand why Mum can’t hear so well and so they either don’t speak clearly or just don’t bother to say it at all –  but now we are back chatting away together and it’s easier for us all.

If you'd like to talk to us about having your hearing checked or you know someone like Daphne who we can help get in touch. Call us for free on 0800 096 2637

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Welcome to our new blog: The launch of our Now Listen Up! campaign

Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA

Hi and welcome to our brand new blog. This is the Hearing Care Centre's blog where we are looking to study people's hearing once they reach their 50's. We are also featuring some of our patients who've been telling us  why they've decided to come to us to look after their hearing.

Did you know Hearing loss has been shown to have a huge impact on an individual's physical, emotional and social life. Studies have shown that it can lead to depression, isolation, fatigue and irritability. Just think, what would you do if tomorrow you woke up and you couldn't hear properly or even at all?!

If you are in your 50's with good hearing then we'd like to hear from you (excuse the pun!) As part of our Now Listen Up! campaign we'd like to see how hearing is affected once we reach our 50's, if you're happy for us to contact you to discuss this project further my contact details are below. In the meantime enjoy reading about other's experiences here on my blog.

To get in touch email karenfinch@hearingcarecentre.co.uk
 for more details.

Until I next blog ....... Karen. 
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