TALKING POINTS INSIDE
Myths on hearing loss The newest hearing technology and much more...
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP
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elcome to the first edition of Talking Points; a magazine bringing you the latest news, expert analysis and tips from our team. We hope you enjoy this edition and we look forward to seeing you in practice again soon.
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message FROM
DERMOT & JOANNA
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e are pleased to introduce our new joint magazine, Talking Points, as part of our partnership with The Hearing Care Partnership (THCP). We believe in offering the very best in optical and hearing care which you can read all about.
The Hearing Care Partnership are an independent family-run business who put the customer at the heart of everything they do. With our two businesses in partnership and our shared values of patient-centred care, we are proud to provide the highest quality of care and clinical excellence to everyone who walks through the door.
This issue explores the newest in invisible hearing aids that contain some truly incredible technology that can help you hear to the best of your ability. You will also find a look into how stress can affect your eyes and ears plus much more. We hope you enjoy this issue and would love to hear your thoughts next time you visit us. Happy reading!
Our hearing services include complimentary hearing assessments, the latest in digital hearing aid technology, ear wax removal and much more.
Dermot Keogh
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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7
MYTHS ABOUT
hearing loss
and why they're NOT TRUE
Charlotte Jones is a THCP hearing expert who works across our network of practices. These are some of the most common misconceptions about hearing loss that she has encountered over the years.
MYTH: It’s easy to tell if you have a hearing loss. FACT: Many people notice the symptoms of hearing loss before the hearing loss itself. Indicators of hearing loss can include: •F atigue: your brain is having to work much harder to establish what people are saying. • L ower energy levels: when you have a hearing loss, listening effort is significantly increased. •S ocial isolation: many people will stop enjoying and attending social events because of problems hearing. •M ental decline: untreated hearing loss results in less stimulation of the auditory cortex (the hearing part of your brain). This accelerates mental decline, resulting in a higher risk of dementia.
“Hearing changes very gradually, so we get used to missing out on soft sounds.” MYTH: Hearing aids make your ears lazy. FACT: Hearing aids support your brain. If you have hearing loss, the earlier you are fitted with hearing aids the better. Untreated hearing loss results in auditory deprivation, where the brain loses the ability to interpret words due to a lack of stimulation over an extended period of time. Hearing aids provide regular stimulation of the auditory cortex, helping to prevent or reverse auditory deprivation. 4 THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
MYTH: If you have a hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear most sounds. FACT: Most people with a hearing loss don’t notice difficulty hearing in all situations. Hearing usually changes very gradually so we get used to missing out on soft sounds: leaves rustling, clocks ticking, soft breathing. For most people, hearing deteriorates in the high frequencies, such as ‘s’ ‘sh’ and ‘f’ sounds, resulting in a loss of clarity, rather than volume. This results in: •S peech sounding mumbled. •D ifficulty hearing in a restaurant (or any background noise) situation. •A bility to hear doors slamming in the distance, but problems hearing speech clearly.
MYTH: It’s better to leave wearing hearing aids until your hearing is worse. FACT: Hearing aids reduce deterioration of hearing. If you wear hearing aids, your auditory pathway is able to function more normally. This results in a slower rate of deterioration in your hearing. Therefore the longer you leave it, the quicker your hearing deteriorates and the more auditory deprivation develops.
Listening is as powerful as loving
Book your COMPLIMENTARY hearing assessment today
MYTH: There is nothing you can do to help tinnitus. MYTH: A hearing assessment is only for people FACT: Tinnitus is often a symptom of hearing loss. who have concerns about their hearing. Therefore, many people find that wearing hearing aids stops them from being aware of their tinnitus.
FACT: Hearing and ear health should be monitored at regular intervals, whatever your age.
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sound for which there is no external source. This is often a ringing, buzzing or hissing noise. Many people with hearing loss experience tinnitus because the auditory cortex receives less stimulation from your ear.
Like visiting the dentist, or having regular eye examinations, it is important to have your hearing and ear health monitored to detect any changes. Every hearing assessment that you have with us is recorded, allowing us to identify and inform you of any changes over time. It is never too early to have your first hearing assessment.
Tinnitus often occurs at the same frequency as the hearing loss. In fact, 90% of tinnitus occurs as a result of hearing loss. Many people find that wearing hearing aids prevents them hearing tinnitus. Many hearing aids are now fitted with a tinnitus relief system – speak to our audiologist who can advise you on the best hearing aids to help you.
MYTH: Hearing loss only affects older people. FACT: Our hearing changes from a young age. Our hearing becomes less sensitive to high frequency sounds from as early as our twenties. 50% of people have a high frequency hearing loss by the age of 50. This can particularly affect the ability to hear in background noise or group situations.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP If you have any questions or concerns about your hearing, or would simply like more information, you can book a complimentary hearing assessment online at www.thcp.co.uk, call us on 0800 52 00 546 or visit your nearest practice.
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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Joanna Keogh BSc(Hons) DipBCNH MBANT CNHC Joanna Keogh is a Registered Nutritional Therapist and Functional Medicine Practitioner.
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e are suffering from a hidden epidemic, one that is contributing to the rise in chronic disease and poor health. This article is not about poor nutrition or lack of exercise, it’s about sleep. Many of us underestimate the importance of sleep and do not realise how crucial it is to our overall wellbeing.
Poor sleep can have a major impact on health, affecting us both physically and mentally. Even if we are eating well and exercising, if we are not getting adequate, quality sleep, we are at a higher risk of poor health. According to the NHS, one in three of us suffers from poor sleep, which can increase risk of chronic disease and shorten life span.
Why is sleep important We spend a third of our lives sleeping and there is good reason for that. Sleep is vital for biochemical, physiological, psychological and neurological function and without it, we would not survive very long. Sleep is like a performance enhancing drug, linked to increased productivity, longevity, increased mental clarity and improved physical health. It is a time when our body repairs and builds tissue and muscle, produces hormones, consolidates memories, regulates blood sugar, clears toxic waste from the brain, up-regulates immune cells, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, to name but a few.
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What makes us sleep Sleep is governed by our circadian rhythm, our internal body clock, which runs on roughly a 24-hour cycle. Certain chemicals are involved in the sleep wake cycle. One of these is ‘Adenosine’ and another, ‘Melatonin’. While we’re awake, Adenosine slowly builds up in our brain making us feel sleepy (by slowing down brain activity) and when we sleep, this compound is broken down. One of the reasons that caffeine can keep us from falling asleep is that it can block the action of Adenosine so we feel more alert. The other chemical Melatonin is released in a daily rhythm and is controlled by light and dark. Melatonin rises at night after sunset and falls in the morning after sunrise. This helps us feel sleepy at night and awake and energised during the day. This is one of the reasons why screen time or bright light in the evening can impair sleep, by disrupting Melatonin production, which can affect our body’s ability to fall asleep.
TOP TIPS FOR OPTIMISING SLEEP
• Establish a regular sleep wake pattern (even at weekends)
The negative effects of poor sleep Just one night of poor sleep can increase insulin resistance, and disrupt hunger hormones (ghrelin, the hunger hormone increases, and leptin, the hormone that tells us we are full, decreases), causing us to have higher blood sugar levels and increasing our cravings and food intake the following day. This can lead to weight gain and an inability to shift those extra pounds. Sleep literally clears the mind. During deep sleep the glymphatic system kicks into action. This causes the brain to shrink so there is more space between the cells allowing the fluid surrounding the brain to flush out toxic waste that has built up during the day. This includes removing traces of amyloid plaque that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. We need to allow sufficient time for the brain to carry out these vital functions. Is it just a coincidence that both Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, who famously boasted about needing very little sleep, developed Alzheimer’s disease? Sleep is a time when your immune system is busy releasing protective molecules which patrol the body, to help fight off infections and kill cancer cells. Studies have shown that even a single night of just four hours of sleep reduces the number of these protective immune cells by around 70%. Sleep is also essential for a healthy heart as it lowers blood pressure and heart rate, reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar control. Sleep deprivation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. These are just a few of the amazing health benefits of sleep. However, many of us are sleep deprived and therefore deprived of the vital health benefits that sleep provides. Every system, tissue and organ in the body suffers when we deprive ourselves of sleep. It's time to make sleep a priority.
• Get exposure to daylight at least 30 minutes a day (in the morning)
• Avoid heavy meals up to 3hrs before bed • Reduce exposure to bright light in the evenings (or try blue light blocking glasses)
• Enhance sleep environment – dark/cool/quiet. Consider black out blinds and cover over any lights (from clock/tv/etc)
• Reduce caffeine intake or limit to the mornings only
• Reduce/avoid alcohol – even a glass of wine
can affect sleep quality and reduce deep sleep
• Try Meditation/deep breathing exercises before bed for relaxation
• Consider switching off the Wi-Fi at night.
Some people are sensitive to the EMFs, which can affect sleep quality
• Track your sleep using a sleep device such as an Oura ring
I’ve tried all that but I’m still having trouble sleeping.
As a general guide, we should aim for about 7-8 hours
There may be other factors, such as hidden inflammation, infections, hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, overtraining and blood sugar imbalances
of sleep. Of actual sleep, not just being in bed. The most restorative ‘deep sleep’ happens in the first part of the night, so getting to sleep before 11pm is key to optimising the amount of this restorative sleep and increasing sleep quality.
that may be affecting your quality of sleep, which need to be investigated. See a functional medicine practitioner about your sleep so that you can optimise your sleep and optimise your health.
How long should we be sleeping for?
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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HearingFitnessTM
Now part of the Oticon ON App, this new data analysis feature helps fine-tune your hearing aid for even better performance.
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earing aids have come a long way in the last 20 years. Today, they pack incredible smartphone-friendly tech into ever-smaller devices. But what’s the next leap forward? Say hello to Oticon’s mind-bendingly small Opn Custom range, including the smallest in-the-ear hearing aid they’ve ever produced. In the past decade, hearing aids were cumbersome, difficult-to-use and not what you might call ‘smart’. Perhaps that’s part of the reason why only 40% of people who need hearing aids actually have them. But today it’s a different story. Modern hearing aids are small and unobtrusive, tiny technological marvels that are almost invisible when worn. There’s no better example than Oticon’s Opn range of receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. They were the first internet-connected hearing aids, fitted with super-smart software that helps cut out unwanted background noise and focus on what you want to hear.
BrainHearingTM
Uses localisation, noise reduction, speech clarity and access to all speakers in a conversation to reduce listening effort by as much as 20%.
Five colour options
Choose a colour to match your skin tone.
What Wishes? Our patients tell us that ease of listening in background noise is their number one priority and what they wish for most.
Small, smaller, smallest
Oticon has once again pushed the boundaries of what hearing aids can do. Oticon has expanded the Oticon Opn series to a Custom range, adding five new micro in-the-ear models.
“Invisible in 80% of ears” They’re the smallest Oticon models yet, with research showing that they are essentially invisible in 80% of ears. The smallest model – Oticon’s smallest ever hearing aid – is the diminutive Oticon Opn IIC (invisible in canal), which is completely hidden within the ear canal.
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FROM THE EXPERT
Melanie Gregory Clinical & Commercial Lead — Audiology
At The Hearing Care Partnership we firmly believe in patient-centred care – offering options, choice, care and technology you wish for most. We are really pleased to be able to work with the Oticon Opn, because it ticks so many boxes in our patients' wish list:
Being active and participating confidently are key to enjoying life. Most people would like to wear their hearing aids without thinking too much about them. They would rather have the simple pleasure of natural sound and easy focusing especially in noisier environments. Managing background chatter in a way that does not interfere with listening is important to prevent fatigue and enhance confidence in a social settings. Being able to connect seamlessly with everyday tech like mobile phones and the television.
As with their receiver-in-canal (RIC) models, Oticon’s Opn Custom range is available in multiple colours to suit different skin tones and preferences.
Optional ConnectClip
Enables hands-free calls and stereo music streaming, and works as a remote microphone.
OpenSound NavigatorTM
Multiple microphones and smart software help you hear everything without being overwhelmed.
The new Custom range comes with all the technology you’d expect from a modern Oticon device. Most importantly, they all have OpenSound NavigatorTM built in. This technology scans the local sound environment 100 times a second to block out background noise. Research has shown that it can increase understanding of conversations from 20% to 75%. Quite simply a life-changing difference.
“Increase understanding of
conversations from 20% to 75%” The Oticon ON App
Available for iPhone and Android – control your hearing aid’s volume and program with just a tap. Misplaced your hearing aid? Use the app’s ‘find my hearing aid’ feature.
Tinnitus SoundSupportTM
Built-in tinnitus relief features.
What Wows? The Oticon Opn really wows us, because it ticks all the boxes by bringing us the latest in hearing technology. The hearing instruments monitor your environment continuously and emphasise the voice you would like to hear most. This superfast chip (50% faster) and 360° monitoring of your environment literally opens your world of sound and provides seamless reduction of unwanted noise while still focussing on the voice you are listening to. Because of the speed of processing, Opn hearing aids can communicate with each
other, making sure hearing on both sides is optimised and synchronised in changing environments. What Works? Wearing these discreet hearing aids, whether behind your ear, or invisibly in the ear, helps to be confident with Opn hearing aids. Being able to adjust your hearing aids with your mobile phone adds to the ease of use. The most important thing is that 96% of people who wear Opn hearing aids hear more easily in background noise and listen with less effort – helping you live life to the full.
Even more like normal hearing
Anyone who suffers from hearing loss will know how exhausting it can be. Oticon Opn Custom hearing aids understand that we hear with our brains, not with our ears. When we can’t hear clearly, it’s our brain that takes the strain. To help, Oticon has developed BrainHearingTM – five separate features that all work together to help reduce the tiring neurological burden of struggling to hear conversations. The result is a 20% reduction in listening effort (and a happier brain).
“96% of users say they hear better with Oticon Opn” Just when we all thought Oticon couldn’t fit any more technology into their products, they’ve gone and upgraded their essential smartphone app: the Oticon ON App now gathers real-world hearing data through its HearingFitnessTM feature, helping you and your audiologist fine-tune your hearing aid so you can hear better than ever.
Like what you hear?
Why not come in for your COMPLIMENTARY hearing assessment and talk to our audiologist. Alternatively you can call 0800 52 00 546 or visit www.thcp.co.uk to book an appointment.
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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n summer time, it's normal to see crowds of sun- seekers with the latest trend in sunglasses on, but in the colder months not so much. Not only do they look great, but they benefit the health of your eyes by protecting them against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, as research into the effects of UV increases, so does our understanding of how we should be protecting ourselves all year round. 10 THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
For your everyday
Daylight hours will always expose your eyes to UV. From bright winter mornings to cool spring dusks, harmful rays don’t discriminate against the time of year! In the UK we often overlook the amount of time we spend outside. This means it’s easy to forget the long term affects of UV damage to your eyes, as well as your skin. Long term exposure to UV is proven to increase the risk of eye conditions such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. The delicate skin around your eyes will also feel the impact, as UV rays have been linked to premature ageing of skin and even melanoma. According to the Skin Care Foundation up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning that even when you don’t feel the benefits of the sun’s warmth you reap the harmful effects of UV. Not only this, but more than 50% of the UV radiation our eyes receive is indirect, meaning that it comes from sources that reflect the light or cause glare. This could be a bright reflection from a shop window, or the glare from a wet road – all of which can cause damage to your eyes.
For your lifestyle
Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses don’t just make things darker – they can completely change the way your eyes receive light. The right lenses can enhance your quality of vision when doing the things you love most, whether that’s a day at the beach or skiing down some slopes! When browsing for your next pair of shades, you’ve more than likely seen the term ‘polarised lenses’ advertised on the most current frames. When light hits a surface, it is often reflected horizontally. Polarised lenses contain a special filter, minimising surface glare by acting as a Venetian blind to break up this horizontal stream of light, whilst still allowing light and colour through. Polarised lenses minimise surface glare, which is not only great for driving in wet conditions but also when sailing, letting you look across the water with ease.
If you would like to have a look at any of the sunglasses we have available, please pop into your local practice.
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
Models wear Rickman C1 and Pankhurst C3
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WHAT IS MYOPIA? And, why should you care?
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yopia, or short sightedness, is an eye health issue that every parent should be aware of but may not know about. If you are short-sighted your distance vision is blurred. A myopic person can see clearly nearby when reading or looking at a smartphone but whiteboards, TV and driving are blurred.
Cause and risks
Treatment costs as little as your daily coffee!
Myopia is caused when the eye ball grows too quickly. It usually begins in childhood and is more common in children with a myopic parent. The number of people developing myopia world-wide is increasing sharply and it’s now considered an epidemic. Myopia increases the risk of developing eye disease such as cataract, glaucoma and retinal detachment. This risk increases as the level of myopia increases. Myopia can’t be cured or reversed but it can be slowed down and the younger you start treatment the better the chance of success.
Our Myopia Control clinic is evidence based on the best research available. It’s patient-friendly while retaining the highest clinical standards. There is no NHS funding for this specialist work but treatment costs as little as £2.50 per day – the cost of a daily coffee!
Myopia control Traditionally, glasses or contact lenses have been prescribed to provide clear distance vision and this is how many high street opticians deal with myopia today. But, this doesn’t stop myopia progressing. There is now compelling evidence to show that by wearing specific contact or spectacle lenses and by making some lifestyle changes, myopia progression can be reduced or in some cases even stopped.
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In expert hands Our clinic is respected nationally. We are one of 10 launch practices to trial the first licensed myopia control contact lens, MiSight® 1 day. This lens holds myopia change back, on average, by 60%. But managing myopia is more complicated than simply using a contact lens. There are different treatments that work for different people. We can help find the best solution for you or your child.
ACT NOW If you have any questions on Myopia or want to learn more about the options available for your child, book an appointment today with our expert optometrist Dermot Keogh.
IRRITATED
by DRY EYES? What is dry eye?
How we can help you
Dry eye is the most frequent reason why patients contact their optometrists, yet it is under-diagnosed and often incorrectly treated. Dry eye commonly causes discomfort, poor vision and damage to the front of the eye. It is normally caused by not enough fluid being produced in the eye or too much evaporation because the oil glands within the eyelids are not working properly.
Our optometrists are accredited Dry Eye practitioners, so you are in expert hands. We will:-
What are the symptoms? Your eyes may feel:-
• We may take a photo of the front of your eyes which we will show you to explain our findings and to use as a baseline for your bespoke treatment.
• Dry. • Irritated.
• Carry out a careful and accurate diagnosis - key to creating you a bespoke treatment plan. • We will measure the production, drainage, volume and stability of the tear film.
• We assess and grade the extent of the eyelid inflammation.
• Gritty, or you may experience a burning sensation. • a slight blurring of the vision. • You may be light sensitive.
• If you have Blepharitis, we assess and grade the amount of Blepharitis and discuss this with you.
• Contact lenses can feel uncomfortable.
• Blepharitis treatment is a painless procedure and involves cleaning the eye lids, controlling inflammation and increasing lubrication.
• Decreased tolerance of reading, working on the computer, or any activity that requires sustained visual attention.
• We clean the lids using the latest optical equipment - a surgical grade micro-sponge called BlephEx.
• Eye fatigue.
• By unblocking and expressing the oil producing glands this also improves the tear quality and we increase lubrication with your natural tears by controlling the outflow of tears.
•W atery eyes – yes, dry eye can ironically make your eyes water more.
• We can help you control further inflammation with dietary and lifestyle advice. • We will recommend lid hygiene wipes and tear supplements as appropriate for your eyes.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP If you think you have dry eye or Blepharitis, book an appointment today with our expert optometrist Dermot Keogh.
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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Meet THE audiologist
Elizabeth Newbould BSc(Hons) MSHAA RHAD
Elizabeth is a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, registered under the HCPC as a Hearing Aid Dispenser and holds a Degree in Health Sciences. Driven to care, her previous roles were working for the NHS as a Technician in Physio and Occupational Therapy. Elizabeth knows that at The Hearing Care Partnership, we’re with our customers for the whole journey. In her experience, the best results come from understanding a customer’s own unique circumstances and needs over a period of years.
“ The best part of my job is helping people to hear better,
to open up their world and improve their quality of life. This is most rewarding, not only for me but most importantly for my clients.” In her spare time she a keen yogi and has practiced this for many years. With a sporting background she is also a keen cyclist and can often be found on the golf course (mis-)hitting her way around the course!
To celebrate our new partnership we are offering 10% off * any hearing aid purchases when you bring this advert in to your COMPLIMENTARY hearing assessment
* Valid for 2019 and first purchase only
Available in prescription. STYLE SHOWN: SWEPT AWAY
The view’s better from here. Our lightweight PolarizedPlus2Ž lenses are as flexible as you are, adapting to different light conditions while reducing glare and enhancing colour. Try on a pair and see for yourself. Colour. Clarity. Detail.
At The Hearing Care Partnership, our care doesn’t stop after your consultation. We’re here for when you need us, so if you need some advice or want to talk something over, we’re here to listen. For total peace of mind, we provide a 60 day 100% money back guarantee, and all our digital hearing aids come with 3-5 year warranties, free servicing and maintenance, and free batteries for 3-5 years. We understand that hearing aids can be a big investment. To help you spread the cost, ask about our Hear Now, Pay Later plans.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE • Complimentary Hearing Assessments
• Tinnitus Management
• Hearing Aid MOTs
• Hear Now, Pay Later
• Lifetime Aftercare
• Ear Wax Removal from £40
The Hearing Care Partnership Keith Holland The Opticians 27 St George’s Road Cheltenham GL50 3DT 01242 801 383
0800 52 00 546 www.thcp.co.uk
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