Leightons Talking Points (Spring 2017)

Spring 2017

THE LATEST NEWS ON HEARING AND EYE CARE AT LEIGHTONS

INSIDE Essential insight New technology Meet the team and much more...

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FOR BETTER CARE, FOR LIFE MyLeightons care plans are the easy way to look after your eyes and ears, for life.

We'll deliver the highest quality care you need, along with peace of mind, convenience, and a range of valuable benefits and exclusive money-saving offers.

For only ÂŁ12 per month, receive an annual Ultimate Eye Exam with OCT, unlimited access to specialist assessments for dry or gritty eyes and free contact lens fitting and upgrade appointments. Plus 20% off optical products, 30% off a second pair of glasses and 10% off digital hearing aids. leightons.co.uk/myleightons

Better connected living with the new issue of

W

e're delighted to bring you the new edition of our magazine highlighting all the latest news from the Hearing and Optical teams here at Leightons. Inside you'll find a wealth of features, from important insights about your hearing and eye health, to a roundup of the latest technology we offer.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and we look forward to welcoming you into our stores very soon.

a

message

Ryan

FROM

H

ere at Leightons we always keep a close eye on the latest news in eye care, and we listen carefully for all the developments in hearing technology. Talking Points is our quarterly magazine that brings it all to your attention, and this latest issue is packed with the latest insights and interesting features from our world.

These devices truly are the future,

We'll tell you all about our exciting

offering incredible life-changing

new TV advert, featuring hearing

features such as rechargeable batteries

expert Glyn James, the first member

that last days on a single charge, and

of Leightons' hearing care team.

the ability to stream music, television

And with a profile on our newest

or telephones to your ears. We also

hearing expert, plus much more,

discover the latest developments in

it's another action packed issue.

multifocal contact lenses that can help you see better at all distances.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on Talking Points – please give us your

On the health side, we discover the

feedback next time you visit us in

importance of vitamin D, take an in-

your local branch. Happy reading!

depth look at glaucoma, and suggest As always, we've explored the cutting-

ways to protect your eyesight and

edge innovations available to our

hearing. We also talk to Leightons’

customers, with a focus on the new

customer Tudor Davies about his

generation of smart hearing aids.

experience of living with asymmetric

Ryan Leighton, CEO

hearing loss.

LEIGHTONS |

talking points 3

Tech

TOP

All the latest innovations from the world of hearing technology.

Revolutionary rechargeable hearing aids Time to take charge - Phonak Audéo™ B-R Busy people will appreciate the time-saving technology of Phonak's Audéo™ B-R. This high-performance hearing aid features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery capable of providing 24 hours' use on a single charge. With a choice of smart charging options available, it's ideal if you're on the move. What's more, you'll be saving around 100 batteries a year per hearing aid, so the Audéo™ B-R is environmentally friendly too! With effortless listening quality that automatically adjusts to your environment, it's a solution built to suit your busy lifestyle.

“I love my new rechargeable hearing aids. They are very comfortable and I never have to worry about the batteries running out.”

The Phonak Audéo™ B-R and its smart charging options available

Mr B., a Reading customer

Introducing induction charging - Sivanto Signia Cellion With the top of the range new Cellion by Sivantos Signia, recharging your hearing aids is easier than ever. No more fiddling with tiny batteries; simply place your hearing aid onto the inductive charging tray to recharge. A single four-hour charge gives 24 hours' use, while an express charge of just 30 minutes provides seven hours of listening pleasure. Small and highly effective, the Cellion comes with a range of innovative features, including the ability to connect to a system that detects everything from doorbell monitors to telephones and smoke alarms.

The new Cellion by Sivantos Signia with charger

4 LEIGHTONS | talking points

The latest 'smart' hearing aids A world of possibilities - Oticon Opn™ The groundbreaking Opn™ from Oticon lets you focus on what's important to you.

By automatically scanning your environment more than 100 times per second, it's able to distinguish speech from unwanted background noise, even in loud environments where lots of people are talking. With the Oticon ON app, you can connect your Opn™ hearing aids to your smartphone and use this to easily adjust the volume, check the battery and switch programs. There’s even a handy ‘find my hearing aids’ feature and a function for tinnitus relief.

The Opn™ is also the world’s first internet-connected hearing aid, so the ON app also allows you to of Things' home devices connected to your system. Oticon's recent Opn software update means it can fit

As seen on TV

even more profound hearing losses. Additionally, two new levels of open sound hearing technology have

(see p. 10)

easily stream audio from mobile phones, music players and televisions – and control any other 'Internet ™

been introduced, ideal for the more cost-conscious customer.

A sense of direction - ReSound LiNX2 ™ ReSound's latest offering, the LiNX2 ™, uses pioneering technology that works with your brain's sound processing ability to provide a completely natural sense of sound direction. Even better, these 'smart' hearing aids are 'Made for iPhone®'; by wirelessly linking them to your Apple devices, they act as Bluetooth™ headphones. They even have a button you can press to activate the tinnitus relief function. With an app offering a personalised listening experience and remote controls, plus a range of styles available, it's a forward-thinking fusion of technology and design.

The halo effect - Starkey Halo 2 The groundbreaking new Halo 2 from Starkey is a ‘Made for iPhone®’ hearing aid which enables you to stream audio directly from your iPhone®, iPad® or Apple Watch®. The Halo 2 is also compatible with some Android technology and products. It's all thanks to the easy-to-use and free to download TruLink Hearing Control app, which enables you to remotely control your hearing aid using your device. Halo 2's high processing power delivers pristine sound and exceptional listening clarity, plus a host of features including feedback cancellation and adaptive noise management. It also features a tinnitus relief function, available at the touch of a button.

Get personal - Widex BEYOND™ With its exceptional sound quality and customisable settings, the Widex BEYOND™ is a cutting edge hearing aid solution.

What's more, the BEYOND™ connects easily with the world around you, streaming audio from telecoils, audio equipment, telephones, mobiles and televisions. Using the downloadable app you can personalise your listening preferences to suit different environments, and make easy adjustments to your settings – all from your iPhone® Widex BEYOND™ with customisable settings in app

or similar device.

LEIGHTONS |

talking points 5

Tech

TOP

World's smallest RIC A small miracle - Unitron Moxi Now Tiny in size but big on innovation, the Unitron Moxi Now is the smallest Receiver in Canal (RIC) hearing aid on the market. Featuring sophisticated technology that enables it to automatically transition between seven programmes, it automatically finds the best speech quality without any need for adjustment by you – enabling you to effortlessly follow conversations in any situation, from small groups and quiet environments to noisy crowds and hectic situations.

Waxing lyrical Everybody has earwax – it's a

earwax near the entrance to your ear

headset. A clean and safe system,

perfectly natural secretion that helps

canal, we remove it manually, while

microsuction is the latest method,

keep your ear canal clean, lubricated

for a deeper build-up we use water

but can be unsuitable for customers

and moisturised. However, when

irrigation or microsuction.

with some ear complaints.

allowed to build up, earwax can cause a blockage which can lead to temporary hearing loss – and even itchiness, dizziness and pain.

Water irrigation is a gentle, safe and effective method which uses controlled low-pressure water at body

HERE TO HELP

temperature (37°C) to flush out larger

All these methods are gentle and effective, but the most appropriate one for you will always be discussed with you first. And with prices starting from just £40, ear wax removal is affordable, too. For more information or to book an appointment, please call us on 0800 40 20 20 or visit your nearest branch.

While it's essential to have your

quantities of ear wax in the ear canal.

earwax regularly removed,

This method is more suitable where

remember that cotton buds

there is wax further down the ear

can be part of the problem – they

canal or against the eardrum.

may remove some superficial wax,

Where there has been sensitivity to

but can often push the rest of it

irrigation in the past or a previous

deeper into your ear canal.

history of surgery or infection,

Clearly it's a job best left to the experts, and at Leightons we offer a

the microsuction method can be more appropriate.

wax removal service that's carried out

Microsuction effectively uses a small

by trained professionals. Firstly, we

vacuum to clear out debris or wax

use the latest technology to assess

from the ear canal. We gently insert

your hearing, then we choose the

a fine suction tube into the ear canal

most appropriate removal method

while ensuring progress is viewed

for you. For a small build-up of

and monitored through a magnifying

6 LEIGHTONS | talking points

life focus BRING INTO

With multifocal contact lenses.

I

f you ever find yourself squinting at a text message or holding a letter at arm’s length to focus on the words, you may be developing presbyopia (longsightedness). A natural and perfectly normal age-related change for the over 40s, presbyopia makes small print harder to read as your eyes gradually lose their ability to focus on close objects. Thankfully, it can be easily managed with reading glasses, varifocals and contact lenses.

Flexible and convenient The newest generation of multifocal contact lenses lets you live your life to the full without worrying about your eyewear. Multifocal or varifocal lenses allow you to focus at near, middle and far distances, saving you the hassle of

to dry eyes. Plus these innovative lenses even come with built-in UV protection to keep your eyes safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. And as they are daily disposable, these comfortable and convenient lenses require no rinsing or washing – you can simply pop in a fresh pair whenever you choose to wear your contact lenses instead of your glasses.

Want to try before you buy?

The innovative 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL Contact Lenses from Johnson & Johnson and Alcon’s Dailies Total 1 Multifocal are now available for a free trial without obligation.

using reading or varifocal glasses. At Leightons we supply both daily disposable and reusable contact lenses that are designed to suit your lifestyle. Whether used several days per week, or just now and again to complement

Tailor made for you

your favourite glasses, multifocal contact lenses give you

Your comfort is our number one priority, and at your free

complete flexibility.

contact lens consultation our highly trained contact lens

Wearable all day long

experts will find the best solution to suit your eyes and your lifestyle. And because we're truly independent, we're able

The latest multifocal contact lenses keep working

to offer you the very latest and most advanced contact lens

throughout the day, just like you. With their soft, smooth

technology, from the world's most renowned brands, for a

and wettable lens surfaces, they’re completely comfortable

totally bespoke contact lens solution that's tailor-made to

to wear from morning to night, so you can say goodbye

your exact requirements.

IN SAFE HANDS When it comes to multifocal contact lenses, you’re in safe hands with Leightons.

Contact your local branch for a free contact lens trial today, call us on 0800 40 20 20 or book your appointment online now.

LEIGHTONS |

talking points 7

Spring D TIME to

into with

ACTION

By Helen Bond, State Registered Dietitian

W

ith spring just around the corner, there are even more reasons to make the most of any early sunshine – to start boosting levels of vitamin D, which are low in many people by the end of the winter. So why is vitamin D so important? How much of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ do we need to stay fit and well, and keep our eyes healthy, without raising our odds of developing skin cancer? And how can we safely boost our body’s stores to see us through the year?

Why do we need vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is stored in the body. It is well known for its role in building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. That’s because vitamin D helps the body to absorb and use calcium and phosphorus. This essential nutrient also promotes healthy muscle function and helps keep the immune system healthy[1].

On top of this, vitamin D may have many other vital roles in the body, with new and exciting research suggesting it may help protect against some cancers, diabetes, heart disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and even cognitive decline[2].

“Outside these months, UK sunshine does not provide enough UVB rays needed to make significant amounts of vitamin D in the skin – even if it is a sunny day,” says Professor Adrian Martineau, an authority on vitamin D at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

The Vitamin D Dilemma For years, public health advice has been to stay out of the sun and to wear sunscreen to cut the risk of getting skin cancer, and to protect against premature ageing – and for good reason. However, if we also spend most of our time working or playing indoors during the summer daylight hours, our skin won’t be exposed to the stronger UVB rays that are needed to make vitamin D either, with the result

Why the sunshine vitamin?

we may not make enough to stay healthy all year round[3].

Dubbed the 'sunshine vitamin’ because most of the

Be Sun Safe

vitamin D we get is made when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B rays (UVB) from sunlight during the months of April and September - not from food.

So just how much summer sun do we need to top up our stores of vitamin D? What’s important is getting the right balance. “Sun exposure is a major source of vitamin

“Around 90 per cent of our vitamin D is made in the skin with the help of sunlight.”

D”, says Johnathan Major of the British Association of Dermatologists. “But, when excessive, it is known to be the main cause of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, which continue to escalate in number in the UK.” There is no ‘one size fits all’ recommendation on the precise level of sun exposure that will safely provide us with enough vitamin D, as there are so many variables

8 LEIGHTONS | talking points

- our personal skin type, where we live, time of day, weather conditions, and more. NHS Choices www.nhs.uk advises that exposing hands and face for about 15 minutes a few times a week during spring and summer is sufficient – taking care not to burn[4]. Indeed, you do not have to sunbathe to make vitamin D[5]!

“Enjoy 10-15 minutes of summer sunshine on your skin at least 3 times a week to boost vitamin D levels.”

WHO’S AT RISK? [2,7] • Those who cover most of their skin when outdoors • People who are housebound or confined indoors for long periods such as shop and office workers, night shift workers, and the elderly • Those who always wear sunscreen while outside (most sun lotions block UVB light rays) • People with darker skin tones • Those who are overweight and obese

Vitamin D – are you getting enough?

How can we eat more vitamin D?

The latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS)

There are only a few foods that naturally contain any

confirms that around 39% of 19 to 64 year olds and 29% of

vitamin D[10,11], including oily fish such as salmon, fresh

adults aged 65 years and older potentially have insufficient

tuna, mackerel and sardines, egg yolks, offal (kidney, liver),

levels of vitamin D circulating in their blood during the

wild mushrooms, milk and dairy products. Some breakfast

winter months[6].

cereals, fresh fruit juices and yogurts are also fortified with vitamin D, and although no longer a legal requirement,

What happens when you don’t get enough vitamin D? In adults, it can lead to called osteomalacia, a painful bone-softening condition that can hamper mobility[2,4].

Vitamin D for eye health.…

When it comes to your eye health, while it is important to be aware of the impact the sun has on your eyesight, exposure to UV rays can lead to both cataracts and AMD (the leading cause of sight loss in the over 60s, it leads to a loss of central vision). High blood vitamin D levels have been shown to be protective against AMD, whereas low vitamin D levels have been associated with late AMD[8].

most margarines and fats spreads are still voluntarily fortified with vitamin D[2]. The NDNS reveals that adults only get around 3 micrograms (µg) a day on average from food[6].

What’s new about vitamin D? In addressing concerns about the UK’s low vitamin D levels and its impact on health, the government's independent advisors, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is now recommending in its final report on ‘Vitamin D and health’[2], that individuals living in the UK consider taking a daily supplement of 10 μg of vitamin D during the autumn and winter months. This is because it is hard to get enough foods that naturally contain vitamin D and/or fortified foods alone during this time of year.

Prevention is better than cure….

While more research is needed to help us reach firm conclusions about the true importance of vitamin D, one thing is certain: with some potentially far-reaching health benefits, it has never been more important to focus our attentions on this vital vitamin and on safely getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, diet and supplements to protect us, all year round.

References available online at www.leightons.co.uk

LEIGHTONS |

talking points 9

hearing Screen ON

D

uring February you may have been one of the 4 million people to see Glyn (our hearing expert in Farnham) and Carol-Anne (featured on this cover) on your TV screen. As the first Leightons hearing aid dispenser over a decade ago, Glyn has helped countless people to hear better and live more fulfilling lives, so it was only fitting that he starred in our first hearing care TV commercial.

Shockingly, it’s estimated that 1 in 6 people in the UK suffer from some form of hearing loss, so as Glyn says, "if your hearing isn’t as good as it could be, at Leightons we’re here to help".

The advert opens with a family around a dinner table, an environment that those of us with a hearing loss can find difficult; it often brings feelings of isolation when conversations are hard to follow due to high levels of background noise.

GLYN JAMES BA HAD Glyn is a former Electronics and Computer Engineer with the RAF and Eurotunnel, so he is used to seeing

Our ‘Top Tech’ section (pp. 4-6) highlights some of the latest

innovations in technology. Nevertheless,

and most advanced digital hearing aids. Some of them, such as

he is constantly amazed by the rapid

the Oticon Opn™, can help restore a natural hearing experience,

evolution in the size and functionality of

meaning social situations like our dinner table can be enjoyable

hearing devices. Also, with keen interests

once again. In fact, as mentioned in the ad, we’re so confident

in sport, literature cinema and theatre,

you’ll hear the difference that we're very happy to offer you a

Glynn understands that any technological

free trial of some of our latest hearing aids.

advances must be married to the varied

If you’re already a hearing aid wearer, suspect your hearing

lifestyle requirements of an individual.

isn’t as clear as it used to be, or even if you’d just like a check-

Glynn loves having the freedom to spend

up, our hearing assessments are completely free, so get in

time with a patient to explore their

touch today.

individual communication issues.

To book call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk

10 LEIGHTONS | talking points

5 glaucoma QUESTIONS about

Find out what you should know about this group of eye conditions, and what you can do if you think you're developing glaucoma.

1. What is glaucoma?

5. How can Leightons help?

Glaucoma is the collective term for a group of related eye

Our Ultimate Eye Exam includes the revolutionary 3D OCT

diseases categorised by damage to the optic nerve that

scan, which allows us to see beneath the surface of your

carries images from the eye to the brain. The most common

retina and identify the earliest signs of changes, up to five

type of glaucoma is chronic open angle glaucoma,

years before a traditional eye test. The sooner we detect any

which leads to a permanent loss of peripheral vision if

early signs of glaucoma, the sooner we can help you get

left untreated.

treatment– so don't delay.

2. How common is it?

In the UK about 480,000 people have chronic open-angle glaucoma. Glaucoma is the most common cause of sight loss amongst those of working age, and the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

3. What are the symptoms?

As chronic open angle glaucoma is symptom free, it’s really important to get a regular eye exam so your optometrist can check for the early warning signs.

In glaucoma the optic nerve becomes damaged by a buildup of pressure within the fluid in your eye. Unfortunately, most people generally don't feel this pressure, and changes occur so slowly and gradually that you’re unlikely to detect

WANT TO KNOW MORE If you're concerned about glaucoma and would like to talk to an expert optometrist or book an eye examination, please contact your local branch or visit our website.

them yourself. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check the pressure of this fluid and also assess for evidence of damage to the optic nerve.

4. How is it treated?

For the vast majority of people, glaucoma treatment involves the daily application of eye drops. Although any vision you've already lost is unrecoverable, a combination of early diagnosis, careful monitoring and regular treatment will ensure vision loss is kept to a minimum and enable most people to retain useful sight for life.

THE ULTIMATE EYE EXAM Detect sight-threatening issues up to 5 years before traditional testing.

The faster you act, the more you protect.

To book, call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk

LEIGHTONS |

talking points 11

Listening OUT better for A

FUTURE

F

or this issue of Talking Points, we have the pleasure of speaking to Leightons customer Tudor Davies about how the latest innovations have helped transform his daily life.

Another time, he remembers, “I spent two weeks enjoying my fancy new stereo system before someone informed me that I only had one speaker plugged in!” But despite his ability to see the funny side, he also understands how hearing problems can damage people's confidence, “I'd often be unaware that someone was trying to talk to me on my deaf side.” He recalls, “You can see how some people might withdraw from social activities due to the stress of not being able to properly follow conversations.” Here at Leightons, we know that many people often suffer in silence for a long time before visiting us for their initial assessment.

Seeking qualified help “When the hearing in my right ear began to deteriorate,

A challenging start

it was time for action” says Tudor. He was already a customer of the optical services at Leightons, so he booked

Tudor Davies was born with asymmetrical deafness –

a hearing assessment, and we began helping him maximise

an untreatable condition with no hearing in his left ear.

his right ear hearing. He was impressed and encouraged by

Despite the complications it's brought to his

his hearing consultant Gemma

daily routine, Tudor learned to live with his

Gray's practical expertise.

handicap.

“She listened to my needs,

“I grew accustomed to standing to the left

understood the problem and

of people in order to benefit from the perfect

proposed a solution,” he says,

hearing in my right ear,” he says, “my

“and when she suggested I trial

deafness was just a fact of life that I had to

the Cros system which had just

deal with.”

been launched, I was keen to give it a go.”

Working with hearing loss Tudor forged a successful career as a

A bespoke solution

geophysicist with BP, a job involving

The Cros system is an

plenty of high stakes meetings in which his

innovative solution to

deafness could present difficult challenges.

asymmetrical hearing loss

“I'd often have sleepless nights beforehand,

which uses two wireless

preparing carefully to ensure that my

hearing aids, routing the sound

deafness wouldn't affect proceedings,”

wirelessly from his left hearing

he says, “but thankfully my work colleagues were generally

aid into his right one. For Tudor it's been a big step in the

very understanding, helping me make the necessary

right direction, and has given a real boost to his confidence.

adaptations such as moving my desk to ensure that my

“Now I know if someone's talking to me on my deaf side, and

'good ear' was facing the room.” Nevertheless, living with

I can turn and face them to follow the conversation. I wish

asymmetric hearing loss required constant compromises,

this technology had been available many years ago.”

adding an extra layer of worry to his already stressful life.

Embracing the future Deeper understanding

Having witnessed the pace of technological change,

Tudor can recall plenty of memorable moments related to

Tudor is excited by the possibilities offered by the latest

his hearing loss, including the time a friend donated him a

developments, and is currently trying out a range of

pair of headphones that had stopped working on one side.

innovations with Leightons. “These new highly connective

12 LEIGHTONS | talking points

devices are amazing,” he says, “I'm trying out a system that relays the sound from my TV straight to my hearing aid.

GET IN TOUCH

It's making watching television with my wife and family much more comfortable – with volume levels that suit everyone, and no more subtitles.” He's also interested in a new in-car system which will enable him to hear his wife talking when he's driving and she's in the passenger seat.

These exciting new developments promise to change his life in ways he never thought possible.

Experienced advice

If you have any concerns about your hearing, don't delay – get in touch with Leightons for your FREE hearing assessment today. You can book an appointment online, or simply call us on 0800 40 20 20 to speak to one of our hearing care experts.

As someone who's coped with hearing loss all his life, Tudor has some well-earned advice for people who are experiencing hearing difficulties. “Act sooner rather than later,” he says, “You'll be surprised at what the new technology can do.” At Leightons we're delighted to be helping Tudor discover the latest innovations that will help him live his life to the full.

Ormsby Williams BA RHAD Ormsby has had a successful career in hearing care for 12 years. Despite taking an unconventional route into audiology through a background in marketing, his approach has been universally based on a firm commitment to customer care. As a former mentor once

Meet the newest recruit to our team.

said to him, “you have two ears, one mouth – use them in that order!”

Ormsby takes pride in being able to understand each customer’s individual needs and exceed their expectations.

He loves that the culture and ethos at Leightons enables him to provide the best possible customer care.

With access to the latest technology and by applying his own technical knowledge and expertise, Ormsby is able to assist each of his customers in achieving their personal goals.

Outside work, Ormsby's interests include script-writing for radio, film and television, as he loves film and enjoys going to the theatre. Musicals are his guilty pleasure! Keeping fit is also important, so he plays rugby and football, as well as enjoying jet skiing, sailing and swimming. He also loves spending time with his three wonderful children.

LEIGHTONS |

talking points 13

senses

PROTECT your

A

t Leightons our motto is 'to see, to hear, to live', and here are some simple ways to help you protect your hearing and eyesight from UV damage.

Prescription goggles are available for swimming, along with protective goggles for squash, rugby and other sports.

Eat well The food you eat affects your eye health. Eating leafy greens, egg yolks, carrots and orange fruits, Vitamin C-rich fruits, Vitamin E-rich almonds and Omega-3 rich fish to help prevent everything from dry eyes to age-related changes such as macular degeneration.

Take a break If you often spend long hours in front of your computer screen, give your eyes frequent breaks to avoid eyestrain,

Looking after your eyesight

headaches and dry eyes. If you wear prescription glasses,

Mind the sun

coatings now available.

Exposure to the UV rays in bright sunlight can damage your eyes, so wear CE-marked sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Contact lenses with built-in UV filters are also available which block 99%+ of UVB rays and 95%+ of UVA rays – ask our experts in store.

ask us about the special anti-reflective and blue-protect

Kick the habit Smoking accelerates the formation of cataracts, increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and developing macular degeneration later in life. Cutting out the cigarettes can help save your sight – not to mention extend your life.

Think safety If you're keen on DIY or other practical pursuits, protect your eyes from dust, grit and debris – either with lightweight over goggles, or with a pair of custom-made prescription safety glasses.

Looking after your hearing Turn it down Reduce the volume of your TV, radio or portable music device, especially if you're listening through earphones.

Get active

Noise cancelling earphones will help protect your ears

Special prescription ski goggles deliver full visual correction

against noisy environments.

and UV/eye protection on the slopes. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to snow blindness (photokeratitis).

This painful, temporary loss of vision is caused when the cornea and conjunctiva, which are areas at the front of the eye, become sunburnt.

Wear earplugs Simple foam earplugs offer basic protection. But if you regularly engage in sports such as shooting and car racing, consider investing in a pair of custom fitted earplugs that are comfortable to wear for longer periods.

Snow reflects more than 80% of the UV light rays falling on it and because skiing, snowboarding and mountain climbing

Tune in

take place at relatively high altitudes, the sun’s UV rays are

If you're a professional musician, you need to take extra

stronger. This high level of reflection can double your risk

care. Bespoke custom-moulded hearing protection helps

of getting sunburnt eyes, when compared to being outdoors

reduce sound to safer listening levels while delivering

at lower altitudes during the summer months. For style and

exceptional musical clarity.

eye protection on the slopes, invest in a pair of high quality ski googles or close-fitting wraparound style sunglasses to block 100% of the harmful UV rays and prevent snow blindness.

Water and white sand are also highly reflective of the sun’s UV rays and increase the risk of photokeratitis, as do sun lamps and tanning booths, so proper eye protection should always be used.

14 LEIGHTONS | talking points

WE'RE HERE TO HELP To find out more about the products and lifestyle choices that can help protect your hearing and eyesight, arrange an eye exam or free hearing assessment at your local Leightons branch today.

A MORE COLOURFUL PRESCRIPTION

Available in your prescription.

STYLE SHOWN: CASTLES

Colour. Clarity. Detail.

Prescription sunglasses from Maui Jim with patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology help you see the world around you in crisp detail with amazing colour enhancement and clarity.

Recommended as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin.

©2017 Maui Jim, Inc.

Peace of mind included 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.

For total peace of mind, we provide a 30 day 100% money back guarantee, all our next generation digital hearing aids come with a 5 year warranty and 3 years of free batteries.

TO SEE. TO HEAR. TO LIVE…

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.

FREE HEARING ASSESSMENT Good hearing starts with regular hearing health checks

BRA N C H E S ADDLESTONE

FLEET

SUTTON

ALTON

HASLEMERE

SWINDON

ANDOVER

HAYWARDS HEATH

TADLEY

BASINGSTOKE

HEMPSTEAD VALLEY

THATCHAM

CAMBERLEY

HOVE (The Eyecare Centre)

TOTTON

CHANDLERS FORD

LEWES (Spectrum Eyecare)

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

CIRENCESTER

MARLOW (Leightons Insight)

WINCHESTER

COBHAM

POOLE (Leightons & Tempany)

WINDSOR (Leightons Eye Windsor)

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