INSIDE Essential insight New technology Meet the team and much more... Summer 2018
THE LATEST NEWS ON HEARING AND EYE CARE AT LEIGHTONS
Join the rechargeable revolution.
Care tailored to you
Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine, bringing you all the news and insight from the Leightons Hearing and Optical teams. In this issue, you'll find some expert analysis and tips to help you get the most out of life this summer.
inside the new issue of
We hope you enjoy this edition, and we look forward to seeing you in a branch again soon.
a
message
Ryan
FROM
A
s I write this, the South
looking at how our expert
which hearing loss can impact not
East has just basked in
audiologists will support you every
only your life, but the lives of those
the warmest May Day
step of the way from the minute
around you.
Bank Holiday on record. With winter
you walk in the door. You would
finally a distant memory, we wanted
never expect to receive “one size
to celebrate summer in this issue of
fits all” prescription glasses, and our
Talking Points, looking at everything
perfectly tailored advanced hearing
you need to help you make the most
aid technology is no different.
We always love hearing your thoughts on Talking Points, so please let us know what you think the next time you’re in your local branch. Happy reading!
of the sunshine: from the incredible view through Maui Jim sunglasses
As well as exploring one customer’s
to the sheer holiday convenience of
experience in moving from the NHS
rechargeable hearing aids, Leightons has
to Leightons’ own expert hearing
a solution tailored to you.
service, we also look at ways in which you can safeguard your vision on those much hoped-for hot
With bespoke care in mind,
sunny days. What’s more, we give
we take you on a guided tour of
you the inside track on coping with
a personalised hearing journey,
tinnitus and look at the ways in
Ryan Leighton, CEO
LEIGHTONS |
talking points 3
3 — TYMPANOMETRY Moving further into your ear, this tests the movement of your eardrum and assesses the health of your middle ear.
4 — PURE TONE AUDIOMETRY This is the classic “hearing test” that measures the quietest thing you can hear, from low to very high pitches (0.25 – 8kHz) — just like reading the lines of letters in an eye examination.
8 — ALL ABOUT AFTERCARE Our care doesn’t stop after the fitting — all our hearing aids come with unlimited aftercare, so we’re there whenever you need, for as long as you need. We recommend regular follow-ups in the first few weeks to help fine-tune your aids as you adjust to wearing them. Once you’re totally comfortable with your tailored technology, we’ll sit down with you every six months to check your aids, your ears and whether there are any changes in your hearing. Your audiologist will never stop listening and will always make sure your hearing is helping you live your life to the full.
4 LEIGHTONS | talking points
5 — SPEECH TESTING Problems hearing loved ones speaking quietly, or in noisy environments, can be one of the most psychologically isolating symptoms of a hearing loss. This test helps the audiologist to understand the difficulties so they can be addressed.
HEAR NOW, PAY LATER To help you spread the cost of your aids, ask about our Hear Now, Pay Later plan. It’s interest-free and means you simply pay a 30% deposit now, then spread the rest into several easy instalments.
Although it’s a perfectly natural part of life, accepting that you’re beginning to have difficulties with your hearing isn’t always easy. However, once you have, you begin a journey to help you manage any hearing loss. Our expert audiologists are with you every step of the way, making sure you can continue to live your life to the full.
1 — ALL ABOUT YOU In order to provide perfectly tailored care, we have to start with you! Your audiologist will discuss your lifestyle and hobbies, any hearing concerns (including tinnitus), ear-related history and general health, listening to any individual requirements you may have. It’s generally recommended to bring a friend or family member to help with this and support you, as a familiar voice in the assessment. As this is the beginning of a 90 minute appointment, you’ll get all the time you need.
2 — OTOSCOPY After getting to know you, your audiologist will look inside your ear with an otoscope, which allows them to see the health of the ear up to the eardrum and check for any blockages (such as ear wax).
6 — RESULTS AND SOLUTIONS We’ll draw all these threads together, including your history, to determine the best tailored hearing solution for you. If a hearing loss is detected, we’ll be able to help you find the best hearing aids to suit your needs — all our audiologists have access to the world’s most advanced hearing aids, including rechargeable and invisible options, which they will demonstrate in the appointment.
7 — HEARING AID FITTING No hearing aid will work for you straight out of the box. Just like your glasses will need precisely measured lenses, your hearing aid must be expertly adjusted to give you the very best listening experience tailored to your needs. This bespoke fitting is usually a second appointment after your initial assessment.
LEIGHTONS |
talking points 5
your vision SAFEGUARD
summer
this
S
ummer is here and we can all bask in the glorious sunshine (and then run for cover when the rain arrives). We all think we know the dangers of the sun’s rays — slapping on sun lotion is almost second-nature — but few of us realise the damage sunlight could be doing to our eyes.
The best way to protect your eyes Sunglasses are much more than just a fashion accessory. Whether non-prescription or prescription they’re vital for protecting your eyes from UVA and UVB, helping to slow or even prevent the development of eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. When choosing your sunglasses, make sure they are rated
The sun is both vast and vastly far away: in fact, it takes
to block at least 95% of UV rays. Also, don’t think it’s safe
nearly eight and a half minutes for the sun’s rays to reach
on overcast days — 90% of UV rays penetrate cloud.
earth. Despite our distance from the sun, its light is still powerful, delivering light that is visible and invisible, harmless and harmful.
Be my sunshine
Look out for dry eye When out in dry or windy weather, if your eyes start feeling red, sore or watery, you might be suffering from dry eye. Some of the symptoms include redness, itchy eyes,
Alongside visible light and invisible infrared rays,
the sensation of having something in your eye or watery
the sun blasts us with three varieties of ultraviolet light:
eyes. All our optometrists can diagnose dry eye and discuss
UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is mostly absorbed by the
your symptoms and how best to treat it.
earth’s atmosphere before it reaches us, but we need to take steps to protect both our skin and eyes from UVA and UVB rays.
Here to protect your eyes If you’re looking for a stylish pair of sunglasses that also keep your eyes safe from UV rays, drop into your
UVA is harmful if our eyes or skin are exposed for too long. UVB is important for Vitamin D formation (and gives us a nice tan), so a little is ok. But too much causes sunburn. 6 LEIGHTONS | talking points
local Leightons. Plus, if you think you would benefit from a dry eye assessment, just call us on 0800 40 20 20.
ringing ears? IN YOUR
There are a number of conditions associated with hearing loss and one we hear about most frequently is tinnitus
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound for which
Perhaps you've heard about ‘sound enrichment therapy’.
there is no external source. This is often a ringing,
This is simply avoiding silence and surrounding
buzzing or hissing noise. It is often very temporary, due
yourself with sounds that help you ignore your tinnitus.
to exposure to a loud noise or having recently attended
An enhancement to this is to use advanced hearing aid
a music concert; however, it can be more persistent and
technology. We have a range of hearing aids with tinnitus
rather bothersome.
relief systems. These give you the option to play soothing
A common misconception is that ‘there is nothing you can do to help’. However, while there may not be any out and out cure for tinnitus, there is a lot you can do. We've helped to provide long-term relief for countless cases of tinnitus and we will be able to offer you plenty of advice on how to cope and make life that bit easier.
sounds in the background to help provide relief from tinnitus and enable you to listen to the more important sounds in your life. If you would like to explore these options, please contact us on 0800 40 20 20 to book your FREE tinnitus consultation.
JOIN MYLEIGHTONS TODAY FOR 10% OFF ALL HEARING AIDS www.leightons.co.uk/myleightons
We’re dedicated to helping you get the most out of life. With all the latest products from pioneering brands, we have everything you need to look great, feel great and be ready for anything.
HOLIDAY MUST HAVES
Whether you’re jetting off on your summer break or taking a long weekend away, make sure you have these summer essentials to look after your eyes and ears.
1 — Stay in the shade Keeping you looking good while protecting your eyes, Maui Jim sunglasses use advanced technology to reduce 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, whilst eliminating 99.9% of glare from above, below and behind each lens.
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2 — Take charge Never again will you miss a conversation after forgetting to replace your batteries. With a wide range of rechargeable hearing aids from top manufacturers including Oticon, Phonak and Unitron, we'll find the right fit for you. The Oticon OpnTM offers convenient overnight charging, along with adaptors for most holiday destinations.
2
Forgot to charge your hearing aids? Don’t worry, you can also use traditional batteries — simply pick up a set at your local Leightons branch before your holiday.
3 — Make a splash With a pair of custom-fit swimming ear plugs, you can enjoy your dip in the pool or ocean, safe in the knowledge that your ears are protected.
3
8 LEIGHTONS | talking points
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS With better weather on its way and a host of outdoor activities to enjoy, these will help you make the most of those long sunny days and warm evenings.
1 — Try contact lenses
1
Bringing freedom to your everyday life, contact lenses keep on improving and becoming more comfortable and easy to wear. Why not pop into your local Leightons branch and ask for a free trial?
2 — Go invisible
2
Today's innovative hearing aids are easier to wear and less intrusive than ever. The smallest aids are so tiny that the people around you won't even know they're there. But don't be fooled by their small size — they’re still packed with power.
3 — Get the perfect prescription To protect your eyes and look great always, check out our prescription sunglasses. We stock a wide choice of frames from all the leading brands, and we'll custom fit the perfect lenses to suit your prescription.
3
4 — Be protected To prevent noise-induced hearing loss, it's important to protect your ears when you’re out and about. We offer custom-fit ear plugs that are ideal for any situation or lifestyle, whether you’re a motorcyclist, musician or work with loud machinery. Come and talk to our expert audiologists.
4
At Leightons we stock a wide range of hearing accessories from all the top manufacturers. To find out more about how we can make life easier and more enjoyable for you and the people around you, simply give us a call on 0800 40 20 20 and speak to your local Leightons branch. LEIGHTONS |
talking points 9
NHS to LEIGHTONS:
difference? WHAT’S THE
D
avid Brodley has previously used NHS hearing aids, and is now a hearing customer at Leightons Egham. He shares his experiences with the different services and describes how his personalised care from Leightons has helped him get back to being part of the conversation.
“I’ve suffered with hearing problems for about forty years, and during that time I’ve had many different NHS hearing aids. I felt that with the service provided by the NHS, although adequate, I was just a number in a very long list. The devices I had could not cope with all the sound that
The actual hearing aids I now wear, Oticon Opns TM, are a great improvement over those from the NHS, and Rachid was even able to tailor the frequency response to my actual hearing requirements.
“The service provided by Leightons was so different to that of the NHS — it was tailored to me and not the many.” I’ve had my Leightons hearing aids for several weeks now, and during that time Rachid has given his full and undivided attention to finding the best possible solution to my personal hearing requirements.
came from all directions in a noisy environment. This made for a frustrating time when I went out for dinner, with the
I’m delighted with my new hearing aids and so thankful
clattering of china, clinking of glasses and many individual
that I’m able to finally be part of the company I keep
conversations around the table — it made it all very
instead of sitting struggling to follow what’s being said".
difficult to follow.
Rachid Id Bihi said, "Mr Brodley had been struggling
Recently I realised a colleague had a similar hearing
to join in with conversations in situations with loud
problem, and although he used his hearing aids all the
background noise. Although he already had hearing
time, he didn’t experience the same problems as me when
aids, they weren’t proving successful in these more
in difficult environments. It came to light that he obtained
difficult environments. I introduced him to our advanced
his aids not from the NHS but from a private provider,
hearing technology and explained how it would allow
and so I was introduced to Leightons.
him to hear speech clearly even in the most challenging environments. During the fitting, I fine-tuned his new
I attended a talk on hearing loss given by Rachid Id Bihi, one of the Leightons audiology team, and after considering everything he spoke about, decided to take advantage of a
Oticon Opns TM hearing aids to ensure listening effort and speech understanding were optimised for all environments, making conversations effortless."
free hearing test at Leightons’ Egham branch. The service provided by Leightons was so different to that of the NHS — it was tailored to me and not the many. Rachid’s expertise and attention to my individual needs was the solution I was searching for.
HERE TO HELP Book your FREE hearing assessment with your local Leightons audiologist today. Simply call us on 0800 40 20 20 or book your appointment online at www.leightons.co.uk
Brain teasers
We not only like to look after you eyes and ears, but your brain as well.
CROSSWORD ACROSS
DOWN
7 Provided with protective covering (8)
1 Quivered (8)
8 Speck (4) 9 Gather (5) 10 Boat race (7) 12 Type of variable electrical control (6) 13 Embarrass (5) 15 Stimulus (3) 16 Expiry (5) 18 Yield post (6) 20 Wool fat (7) 23 Crowbar (5) 25 Hardens (4) 26 Pertaining to a school (8)
SUDOKU
Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1– 9
2 Israeli intelligence agency (6) 3 Illustrative craft (3) 4 Verge (4) 5 Largest desert (6) 6 Wood (4) 11 Mischievous (4) 13 Relating to aircraft (4) 14 Sanitary (8) 17 Excite (6) 19 Scandinavian kingdom (6) 21 Second son of Adam and Eve (4) 22 Formerly Mesopotamia (4) 24 Grass (3)
WORD LINKS Each set of 3 words is linked or completed by a missing word. (Hint, the number of letters in the word is at the end of each set)
LINE. PACK. PLAY. 4 BREAD. OVER. BANK. 4 FORE. YARD. PIT. 3 FOOT. GRADUATE. GO. 5 The answers to these brain teasers will be published in the next issue of Talking Points, but if you can't wait, you can find the answers online or in your local Leightons branch.
LEIGHTONS |
talking points 11
hearing life BETTER
for a BETTER
Hearing loss not only impacts your life, but also those people around you. Find out how it works, and how you can get the help you need.
How hearing works
How to get help
When you hear sounds, it's the result of a complex process.
The first step is communication. Although it can be a
The sound waves travel through your ear and into your
sensitive subject to talk about, and a decision that many
cochlea, where they are transformed into electrical signals
people are often reluctant to take, speaking to an expert
which then travel up the neural pathways and into your
audiologist is the only way to begin the process of
brain for processing.
improving your hearing, your quality of life, and that of
When things go wrong If you have a hearing loss or a blockage in your ear, the pressure on these pathways is increased, putting strain on your brain and making it harder to understand what’s going on around you. This increase in listening effort can make you feel tired, isolated and depressed, and if left unchecked over time, can even lead to cognitive decline, developing dementias and Alzheimer's.
How hearing loss affects people
the people around you. If you or someone you know is struggling with a hearing loss, booking a FREE hearing assessment at Leightons will provide the insight you need. Your audiologist will focus on those areas where you think you might be struggling, whether that's dealing with tinnitus or hearing properly in situations with loud background noise. They will then be able to suggest the best course of action.
The benefits of hearing aids
Many research studies have shown that hearing loss affects
If your audiologist recommends that you require hearing
quality of life by leading to feelings of isolation. It's also
aids, you will soon notice the benefits in all kinds of ways.
well known that people with hearing loss tend to avoid
Hearing aids can improve your speech recognition and
social situations, especially those where background
understanding, so that you can follow conversations more
noise is likely to be a problem. This social withdrawal
easily. They can also help with organising and orientating
can sometimes lead to depression. It's also clear that
sounds in noisy environments, helping you become more
suffering from hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person
engaged in social activities. All these factors can improve
in question — it impacts the people around them too.
your energy levels, making you feel less tired and isolated from the world around you.
12 LEIGHTONS | talking points
The hearing aid revolution
BOOK YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT
Good hearing care is not just about making sounds
If you think that you or someone you know might be suffering from a hearing loss, don't delay. Simply give us a call on 0800 40 20 20 or book an appointment online at www.leightons.co.uk.
louder, it’s about helping your brain to make sense of those sounds, and preventing any further problems occurring. Some of the most advanced new hearing aids, such as the Oticon Opn™, uses Brainhearing™ technology which can provide you with a 20% reduction in listening effort and 30% better speech understanding in complex noise environments. This can help improve your cognitive function and help you become part of the conversations that matter.
“Good hearing care is not just about making sounds louder, it’s about helping your brain to make sense of those sounds.” At Leightons we stock a variety of hearing aids and our audiologists will be able to recommend the perfect pair to suit you and your lifestyle. New technology is constantly delivering revolutionary new hearing solutions, such as 'invisible' and rechargeable hearing aids, that are now available.
LEIGHTONS |
talking points 13
new Leightons WHO'S at
Meet the newest recruits to our team.
Camilla Jordan Trainee Hearing Aid Dispenser
Amanda Deveney BSc RHAD Clinical Audiologist
Camilla is currently completing her final months of
After graduating from the University of Southampton
training to become a Hearing Aid Dispenser. Camilla began
in 2015, Amanda spent three years working as a clinical
her career working in a private practice on Harley Street
scientist for the NHS. During this time, Amanda developed
for three years, before then moving on to work for both
valuable clinical expertise and gained patient-focused
the NHS and private practices. This broad range of
experience whilst working in adult rehabilitation, tinnitus
experience helped her to build her knowledge and work
therapy and assisting the ENT department.
on her degree.
“As I was born with a hearing impairment, I experienced
“I joined the Leightons team because I believe that their
the benefits of truly personalised hearing care first-hand.
patient-centred approach to care and individualised
It is the importance of continuity in someone's care that
service is what separates them from everyone else. I have
led me to Leightons. Working with Leightons is enjoyable
the ability to improve a patient’s everyday life by utilising
as I have the time to ensure all my patients’ needs are
the very best in hearing technology. The latest innovations
met to the best of my ability. Leightons also gives me the
see an exciting introduction of rechargeable hearing aids,
opportunity to work with and offer a wide variety of top
which means less time worrying about single use batteries
end hearing aid technology.
and more time focusing on hearing what matters to them.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball competitively
Outside of work, a lot of my time is spent studying for my
for two district teams, as well as walking my two dogs.
exams. However, I do enjoy exercising when I have time
I also have a passion for travelling and have been lucky
and going on too many shopping trips!”
enough to have visited Asia and Australia.”
14 LEIGHTONS | talking points
S T Y LE S H OWN : WI LD COA ST
YOUR PRESCRIPTION. RISK FREE TRIAL.
Try Maui Jim polarized prescription sunglasses.
‘Love Them or Return Them’ for a full refund within 60 days.* *Terms and Conditions apply (see store for details)
TO SEE. TO HEAR. TO LIVE…
B RAN C H E S
Peace of mind included
ADDLESTONE
LEWES (Spectrum Eyecare)
ALTON
MARLOW (Leightons Insight)
ANDOVER
POOLE (Leightons & Tempany)
BASINGSTOKE
PUTNEY
CAMBERLEY
READING
CHANDLERS FORD
SOUTHAMPTON
CIRENCESTER
ST. ALBANS
At Leightons, our care doesn’t stop the minute you walk out the door. We’re here 6 days a week, 52 weeks of the year, so if you need some advice, or you want to talk something over, we’re always here to listen.
COBHAM
SUTTON
EGHAM
SWINDON
EPSOM
TADLEY
FAREHAM
THATCHAM
FARNHAM
TOTTON
For total peace of mind, we provide a 60 day 100% money back guarantee. All our next generation digital hearing aids come with a 3–5 year warranty and 3–5 years of free batteries.
FLEET
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
HASLEMERE
WINCHESTER
HAYWARDS HEATH
WINDSOR (Leightons Eye Windsor)
HEMPSTEAD VALLEY
WOKINGHAM
We understand that hearing aids can be a big investment. To help you spread the cost, ask about our Hear Now, Pay Later plan. Simply pay a 30% deposit and spread the rest into easy-to-pay instalments, interest free.
HOVE (The Eyecare Centre)
WOODLEY
LEADENHALL STREET
FREEPHONE 0800 40 20 20
FREE HEARING ASSESSMENT Good hearing starts with regular hearing health checks
www.leightons.co.uk