Lynne Fernandes Optometrists Talking Points Spring 2019

TALKING POINTS Issue 2

INSIDE

Holistic hearing health Communicating for success Digital Eye Strain and much more...

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP

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elcome to the second edition of Talking Points; Our magazine that brings 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

GERARD & LYNNE

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e are delighted to present the second edition of Talking Points, our joint magazine with The Hearing Care Partnership.

With 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. Our hearing services include free hearing assessments, the latest in digital hearing aid technology, ear wax removal and much more.

We take care of both yours ears and your eyes, so we’ve also included an in-depth look into the causes and symptoms of a very common eye condition, Digital Eye Strain. Plus, we’ve included some guidance on myopia management to help look after young eyes too.

In this issue, we have explored the communication network and how to manage communicating in a range of settings.

We have also examined the impact untreated hearing loss can have on an individual’s social life and included some health tips to keep you and your hearing healthy.

We hope you enjoy this edition, and we look forward to seeing you in practice again soon.

Gerard & Lynne Fernandes

THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS

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e all want to grow old gracefully (or disgracefully). Whatever your style, you want to keep your hearing in peak condition. Here’s our must-read guide to maintaining the best possible hearing as we age.

The health of your hearing, like your eyesight, is linked to your general health and wellbeing. Having a hearing assessment should be treated in just the same way as having an eye test or a check-up at the dentist. The earlier we begin to look after our ears, the better your chances of keeping your hearing healthy as you get older. There’s one thing that should never hold you back: your hearing.

The social side

The statistics speak for themselves, 42% of people over 50 suffer from hearing loss, rising to 70% by the age of 70.

Our hearing sensitivity changes slowly over time, making it easy to miss the tell-tale signs: turning up the TV, missing words in conversations, and often a reluctance to take part in social events.

It’s all too easy for anyone with hearing loss to stop taking part in social gatherings. The enjoyment is lost if you can’t hear what’s being said. But when you relinquish all social activities, you run the risk of a much darker cloud: loneliness.

“ It’s never been more important to get your hearing tested” Hearing loss can slip under the radar. Increasingly, it’s others around you who notice your hearing loss before you do. Take heed of what your loved ones are telling you. If they suspect your hearing is getting worse, don’t dismiss them – book a FREE hearing assessment.

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Missing a snippet of conversation here and there might not seem like a problem at first, but we’re all social animals. We like to be around other people, whether we’re discussing current affairs or guessing whodunnit in an onscreen murder mystery.

Social isolation carries a real health warning. It’s not just a case of missing gatherings or yoga, real loneliness has the same health impact as smoking four cigarettes a day.

People living with hearing loss are between two and five times more likely to suffer from depression, depending on the intensity of their hearing loss.

Hearing has now been identified as the most significant modifiable risk factor for dementia (The Lancet, 2017), ahead of hypertension, obesity and lack of exercise.

It’s never been more important to get your hearing tested.

Get some exercise…

You don’t have to be giving Mo Farah a run for his money to be healthy. A little exercise goes a long way, as long as it’s regular. Your ears, like most other body parts, will benefit from improved blood flow.

The best thing to do is start by making small changes to your diet, this makes sticking to your new plan more realistic.

• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking

between 6 and 8 glasses of water a day

Light exercise such as yoga and pilates can work wonders for both your physical and mental health. Introducing exercise at any time of life can place you on a positive health trajectory.

• Making time to exercise is really

…and eat your greens!

• Remember your 5-a-day, whether

There are said to be three main factors influencing healthy ageing; staying active, eating healthily and participating in activities that make you feel positive. In an era of eat this, don’t eat that, it can be confusing to know if you’re on the right track, but eating a balanced diet does have a positive effect on your overall health.

Registered Dietitian, Helen Bond, recognises how tough it can be to decide what types of food are best for your body: “There's no one type of food that can provide all the nutrients a body needs – so it's important that we eat a wide range of foods. We should be eating more plant-based foods: fruit, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and starchy, fibre-rich foods taking centre stage in our diets, and eating less sugary, salty, fatty and processed foods.”

important

it’s fruit or veg

• Where possible, choose wholegrain versions of carbohydrates

• Lower fat, unsweetened dairy products (or dairy alternatives) are best

• Try to include a protein-rich food in each meal (fish, eggs, chickpeas, etc.)

• Limit foods which are high in saturated fats and refined sugars, such as crisps, takeaways and sugary soft drinks

She acknowledges how a balanced diet is the key to getting the most from our bodies: “It’s good for every part of the body including our brain, eyes, ears, heart, bones and skin, and is linked with protecting us against a wide range of diseases.”

BOOK A FREE HEARING ASSESSMENT Simply call us on 0800 52 00 546 or request an appointment online at www.thcp.co.uk

Helen Bond is a freelance State Registered Dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. She has 20 years' experience working in the NHS, in PR, within the media and across the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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Dealing with DIGITAL EYE STRAIN F rom our phones to monitors at work, we’re addicted to digital screens. But how much damage is it really doing to our eyes? We take a look at a condition known as DES – digital eye strain.

Most of us spend an alarming amount of time in front of a screen. Whether you’re a spreadsheet warrior in the office or catching up on Netflix at home, the chances are your eyes are working overtime. As a result, you’re at risk of developing ‘digital eye strain’. But what exactly is this condition?

Digital eye strain (DES) is a temporary change in visual function and comfort caused by prolonged focusing on a digital device. It’s similar to other repetitive stress injuries caused by carrying out the same activity over and over again without taking breaks.

A single plane of focus is to blame

When you use a digital device, your eyes constantly move across the screen, shifting from the keyboard to the screen and focusing on the display. However, all of these tasks are at a fixed close-range distance. They also cause us to blink less often.

Maintaining a fixed close distance for long periods of time can stress the ciliary muscles in your eyes, leading to DES. Most people who work with screens regularly experience some form of eye trouble. It’s important to emphasise that looking at screens isn’t a problem in itself (although the blue light most screens produce has been shown to suppress or delay the natural production of sleep-inducing hormone melatonin)1. It's looking at a fixed distance and position that causes the strain.

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Lisa A. Ostrin. Kaleb S. Abbott. Hope M. Queener. Attenuation of short wavelengths alters sleep and the ipRGC pupil response. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 2017; 37 (4):440 DOI: 10.1111/opportunity.12385

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What are the symptoms?

Combating DES

If you have DES you might experience a range of other symptoms. Some of the most common include:

When you’re deep into the fifth season of the latest transatlantic TV sensation, the thought of taking a break from the nerve-shredding tension may seem impossible. But, if you can manage to haul yourself away from the screen, your eyes will thank you.

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Headaches

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Dry or watery eyes

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Redness in the eyes

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Double vision

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Vertigo or dizziness

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Blurred vision

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Tired eyes

There’s a simple rule to remember: 20-20-20. After 20 minutes of screen viewing (the same goes for TV or computer screens), take a 20-second break and look at something around 20-metres away. This quick optical exercise will keep your eye muscles fighting fit and protect both your vision and your viewing pleasure. And don’t forget to blink too!

Beware of the goggle box Of course, it’s not only tablets and mobile phones that are to blame. Most of us think nothing of coming home and relaxing in front of our favourite films, but the television can also be a plight to the eyes.

The number one mistake we make is sitting too close to the telly. We don’t want to miss any on-screen action, but thanks to ever-growing TV screen sizes and high definition quality we don’t need to sit pupil-to-pixel. Remember, if you’re seeking to prevent eye strain, space is your friend.

For a 40-inch TV, position yourself around 6-9 feet (approx.

2-3m) from your screen. A 50-inch display will allow you to move slightly further back, to 7-11 feet (approx. 2-3.5m). Be pragmatic though – if you find yourself squinting at a distant screen, or you feel you’re so close your eyes are straining, adjust your spacing accordingly.

It’s also important to keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is vital for overall optical health (and our general health), as is eating a balanced diet. Even the most strenuous of box-set binging sessions requires rest and recuperation. Your eyes need time to recover, so getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep is highlty recommended.

“ There's a simple rule to remember: 20–20–20” ¨ 20 minutes' viewing ¨ 20 second break ¨ 20 metres away

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TALK TO US If you think you might be struggling with Digital Eye Strain, get in touch with your optometrist today.

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LORRAINE CELEBRATES FORTY YEARS IN OPTICS

ODE TO MY LORRAINE, GLOUCESTER ROAD I would first like to say, I have been a customer and advocate of

I also remember on a separate occasion, when I was late for an

optical eye care awareness for many years now. It started in the

appointment, I brought in some Jaffa cakes for her and the team.

1980s, which is where I first became aware of Lorraine.

It was much appreciated. Unfortunately, on my haste, imagine

When I first discovered I had issues regarding my sight, I was at school. And as we all know, kids can be cruel. It was then, much like with the GP and dentistry that I noticed empathy and sensitivity from a charismatic Lorraine. She showed warmth and compassion

my horror when she informed me the Jaffa cakes were out of date! With an injection of humour at the right time, she's great at dealing with potential problems. Plus, I know she wants to do things correctly and above board.

to a nervous kid entering the world of being ridiculed for being

Opticians come and go, but the rock that I have known as Lorraine

different, wearing glasses. She helped give me the confidence I

has stayed. And that's something that has given me huge comfort.

needed to understand a trip to the opticians wasn't just an eye test.

Her smile has remained effervescent; her enthusiasm has always

It was more friendly and social, making it feel somewhat like family.

been infectious.

It helped me with the social stigma at that time.

If you value a personal service and someone that actually takes time

Ironically enough, my first pair of aviator style reactor light glasses

out her busy schedule to make you feel like a person – not just a

became a fashion icon and a hit thanks to the film, Top Gun. Well to

number, Lorraine goes over and above to make me feel welcome.

me, she was my top gun and helped give me strength with her

And, bless her she still continues to do so.

encouraging and positive outlook.

I would like to say our acquaintance has matured into an element

One poignant memory is Lorraine helping me with my purchase

of fun these days. I look forward to visiting Lorraine and the gang.

of prescription glasses. It really helped and suited my budget to pay

Being the first face you encounter, or the first voice you hear on

a large sum up front and then spread the remainder throughout

the telephone is very comforting to help retain the continuity of

the year. With little fuss, I just adjusted my monthly payments

an excellent high standard set and achieved every time I have an

accordingly and completed the transaction some months later. It

appointment. Lorraine puts you at ease if changes are necessary.

was dealt with a level of trust rarely seen that I have never forgotten

She seems to understand her customer base and instinctively act

and value.

in accordance. This inspires huge confidence in whatever task she

I remember once, I went in for my routine check up and Lorraine conducted an eye pressure test on me for the first time. I thought then, she can turn her hand at anything. She's willing to give

is completing. I recommend Lynne Fernandes opticians all the time when the subject arises. It is fundamentally because of Lorraine I choose to do this.

anything a try. She wants to help. She's very professional. Lorraine

I'm proud to know Lorraine in a capacity as a friend, and if I can

inspired confidence as she still does today.

impact on her life positively with just one percent of how she's impacted mine, I'll be very happy and satisfied.

Joe Weaver

Meet THE audiologist

Tash Swan MScw

After completing her audiology degree, Tash moved to Bristol to complete her Clinical Scientist training and then went straight into working for the NHS. During this time Tash worked across different areas in Audiology, including balance, cochlear implant assessment/fitting and more.

After leaving the NHS, she worked in a Harley Street END Clinic specialising in hearing and balance. During this time, she learnt the value of providing patient-centred care to each individual.

“ I am really excited to be working with The Hearing Care

Partnership team, who like me, value their patients and genuinely want to give them the best possible care. I have access to the best-in-market hearing equipment and the most advanced technology, which allows me to individualise each patient care plan.

Outside of work I love spending time with my husband and keeping fit. I can regularly be seen running around the streets of my home town, Nailsea.”

To celebrate our partnership we are offering 10% off * any hearing aid purchases when you bring this advert in to your FREE hearing assessment

* Valid for 2019 and first purchase only

We need to start thinking about our whole communication network…

Everyone needs to be part of a social network – real or digital – from our close family and friends to those we speak to less often but still play a critical role in our lives: doctors, hairdressers, shop keepers and many more.

These different circles of people form the structure of our lives, allowing us to grow and develop in good health and happiness. After all, where would the joy in life be without the emotional foundation our personal relationships give us to take on everyday challenges?

If you have hearing loss, your communication partner plays a vital role in your life. They’re often the first to spot a hearing problem and are likely to be the ones encouraging you to seek medical help. They are also generally the first to adapt their communication style to keep the conversation going. After you, they’re also the most affected by your hearing loss.

Their perspective really matters. You need to be sure they’re involved in your treatment or hearing rehabilitation and any related decision-making.

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Managing communication in a variety of settings can be challenging If you develop hearing loss, the way in which you manage and keep up these relationships can be slightly different – and sometimes more challenging. Communication is key to maintaining healthy family relationships and friendships, and this becomes easier when you hear better.

That is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) describes hearing loss as a ‘third-party disability’: the spouse or significant other also experiences more difficulty participating in social situations.

You probably have a natural ‘communication partner’ in your life, usually your spouse or other very close family member or friend. Hearing loss can have a real impact on both of you, where repetition causes frustration, fatigue and a loss of those spontaneous, tender moments like sharing a joke or a whispered secret. This is one of the lesser known effects of hearing loss – but it’s important to acknowledge the impact it can have on both of you as you will both be working harder to have the conversation.

Chatting among friends

What you can do

Group conversations can also become more complicated.

You can often struggle to hear every word when there are a number of people talking at once, or if there’s loud background noise.

If you experience hearing loss, or you are in a relationship with someone who does, there are some things you can do to make your situation, and theirs, easier.

In these scenarios your communication partner may instinctively and helpfully act as your ‘ear piece’, doing the listening and taking on more of the communication responsibility; for example, by getting the conversation back on track if a misunderstanding takes place.

“Loss of those spontaneous, tender, moments... like sharing a joke or a whispered secret.”

Helping out to stay involved in conversation is a natural instinct but requires effort and can lead to fatigue.

The WHO identifies the social impact of hearing loss as one of its most prominent consequences, explaining that exclusion from communication can cause feelings of loneliness, isolation and frustration. And this applies to the communication partner as well as the person with the hearing loss.

Did you know, people who bring partners with them: • Enjoy appointments more.

Are more confident with technology • and communication at home.

Experience enhanced quality • of life.

• Empathise. Acknowledge the effort you both make to ensure positive conversation and appreciate the opportunity for this to actually deepen rather than damage your relationship.

• Identify the positive steps that promote easy conversation which work for you.

• I nvolve your communication partner. Bring them along, provide them with the opportunity to describe their point of view and discover ways to enjoy conversation more together.

• S eek advice, both of you. It’s also an idea to talk to your audiologist about how to have easier conversations (yes, there are tips and tricks that can make things that little bit easier).

If you have hearing loss, make sure you consider your significant other and put them at the centre of the treatment process. It can make a real positive difference to your relationship, and to living a fulfilling life with hearing loss.

TALK TO US Request a FREE Hearing Assessment with our audiologist by calling 0800 52 00 546 or by visiting www.thcp.co.uk

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ne in three people in the UK are short sighted (myopic).

It often starts in childhood, but could a revolutionary new contact lens help slow the progress of myopia?

Myopia 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.

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Cause and risks 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.

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.

Treatment costs as little as your daily coffee!

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!

In expert hands Our clinic is respected nationally. We're 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.

Say hello to contact lenses If you would like to learn more about Myopia or the MiSight® contact lenses we have available then please call us in practice to speak to our optometrists or visit our website.

HOW LONG DO HEARING AIDS LAST? Hearing aids can do more than just help you overcome a hearing loss. They can help you beat loneliness and even ward off dementia. But they’re also a major financial investment, so it’s good to know how long they’ll be expected to last.

The lifespan of a hearing aid can be anything from three to seven years. Of course, this largely depends on the type of hearing aid you’ve been fitted with, the environment that you’re exposed to, its build quality, and how it works with your lifestyle.

Our top tips to help you conserve battery life: • Double check the hearing aid is turned off when not in use.

• Leave the batteries exposed overnight so any moisture can evaporate.

• Be aware that smartphone or TV streaming functions can wear down batteries faster than normal.

If you’re a fan of a tiny in-the-ear hearing aid, you can expect to get around four to five years of use. You may get an extra year or two from a behind-the-ear aid, but it’s also important to consider your changing hearing abilities during that time.

Hearing aid battery life As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the battery, the shorter the lifespan. Based on normal use over a 16-hour day, a battery can last from 5 to 14 days, with a replacement being relatively simple to complete.

Some hearing aids, such as the Oticon Opn, use rechargeable batteries. The hearing aid sits on a small stand on your bedside table while you sleep and is fully charged and ready to go the next morning. And if you forget to charge it, you can simply drop in a standard non- rechargeable battery.

GREAT RESULTS WITH NEW HEARING AIDS Latest reports1 show that people with hearing aids: Are more than 85% satisfied with their • new hearing aids.

Wear their hearing aids for more •

than 8 hours as the sound is natural.

Are less fatigued in group conversations.

• Participate more easily in group settings.

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Ehima, 2017

TALK TO US If you would like to discuss the hearing aids you currently wear or book a FREE hearing assessment then call us on 0800 52 00 546.

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NOW AVAILABLE AT

At The Hearing Care Partnership, our care doesn’t stop after your consultation. We’re here 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 • Free Hearing Assessments

• Tinnitus Management

• Hearing Aid MOTs

• Hear Now, Pay Later

• Lifetime Aftercare

• Ear Wax Removal from £40

The Hearing Care Partnership Lynne Fernandes Optometrists: Bristol Gloucester Road – 01174 057 335 Bristol Wells Road – 01176 112 307 Nailsea – 01275 772 279

0800 52 00 546 www.thcp.co.uk

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