More People Need Ear Protectors Than You’d Think: Are You One of Them?

Excessive noise and prolonged exposure to dirt or moisture can all cause irreparable damage to the delicate structures in your inner ear, so it’s important to consider the impact that your lifestyle, work and hobbies may have on your hearing and ear health. Though many people wrongly assume that they don’t do anything that would put them at risk of damage. 

Identifying the activities you do that may harm your hearing doesn’t mean you have to stop doing them, rather you can put preventative measures in place to prevent causing unnecessary damage. This often involves the use of ear protection, but not all ear protection is created equally!

So, let’s take a look at when ear protection is needed and what’s available. 

When Might I Need Ear Protection? 

You probably won’t be surprised to see me list activities such as going to loud concerts, taking part in gun sports or working in the motorsports industry as the kinds of situations where you should use ear protection. However, many activities with much lower sound levels can damage your hearing, especially when you’re subjected to the noise for extended periods of time. 

I’ve previously written about the causes of hearing loss and discussed how prolonged exposure to sounds over 70dB can damage the inner ear, whilst even one exposure to any noise over 85dB is enough to potentially cause permanent damage. 

To put this in context, heavy traffic can register at 70dB, the noise from many power tools often registers around 90dB and sporting events can reach 110dB. 

Additionally, environments with high levels of dirt or moisture can mean your ear’s natural defence mechanisms become overwhelmed, affecting the health of your inner ear. This can include spending time in dusty environments, such as construction sites, or swimming often. 

What Protection is Available?

Ear protection can be in-ear, such as earplugs or canal caps, or over-ear, such as ear muffs (commonly called ear defenders). 

Which you choose will depend on your personal comfort preference, but you should also take into account the level of noise, how long you will be exposed to it and whether you’ll need to communicate with other people while wearing them, as they each work in different ways. 

Why I’d Recommend Opting for Custom-Made Ear Protection

Over-the-counter earplugs are often seen as a quick fix for many people, but they pale in comparison to the tailored comfort and efficiency of custom-made ear protection. 

As custom ear protectors are moulded to your unique ear shape they are able to block out loud frequencies more effectively, providing a bespoke solution that works with you and your lifestyle. They’re also comfier than their generic counterparts, so you can wear them longer. 

Plus, there is a wider variety of options available with custom ear protection, each suited to different environments and activities.

Many people also like that you can personalise them so they won’t get mixed up with anyone else’s earplugs. You can make them as individual as you by choosing the colour and adding a tag with your name or initials on it. 

Opting for custom ear protection isn’t as expensive as you may think either, ranging from £80 to £900 depending on what you require. 

The Different Types of Custom Ear Protection

1. Custom Ear Noise Protection Plugs

Tailored to reduce sound levels by up to 30dB, these are perfect for noisy work environments or bustling social spaces.

2. Custom Sleeping Plugs

Discreet and comfortable, these reduce sound by around 25dB, helping you to get a restful night's sleep without disturbances.

3. Custom Swimming Plugs

Ideal for keeping water out of the ears, especially for those with perforated eardrums or prone to wax-related issues during swimming sessions.

4. Custom In-Ear Monitors for Musicians

Offering a direct, clear music experience while blocking ambient noise, these monitors come with a 3.5mm jack plug for ease of use.

5. Motorsport Ear Protection

Specifically designed for motorsport enthusiasts, reducing engine noise while enabling clear communication.

You should view ear protectors as an investment into your health and well-being. Once the damage is done, it’s too late. Yet it needn’t have happened at all.

If you’d like to chat about what protection you may need and which type would suit your lifestyle, get in touch. 

Why Do We Have Ear Wax?

Ear wax is a natural and necessary bodily secretion that serves a crucial role in protecting our ears. It’s produced by glands within the ear canal so that it can trap any dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles that could potentially harm the delicate structure of the ear. 

Usually, the wax moves slowly from the ear canal to the ear opening, drying up and falling away as it reaches the open air. However, this natural process can be disrupted by a whole load of different factors, which can then lead to a build-up of ear wax within the ear canal. 

Here I’m going to explain why this happens and what can be done about it.

Why Does Ear Wax Build Up?

A build-up of ear wax can be caused by a variety of factors and is a commonly seen issue which, it’s important to note, is not usually an indicator of a more serious health problem. Examples of causes include the use of earplugs or hearing aids, which can inadvertently push the wax deeper into the ear canal, as well as the use of cotton buds.

Additionally, as you age your ear wax can naturally become drier, which makes it less likely to move out of the ear naturally. There are also variations in the composition and texture of ear wax which can make it more likely to build up in some people rather than others.   

If you find that you repeatedly suffer from a build-up of earwax it’s important to regularly have your ears checked with your audiologist and discuss a wax management plan with them. 

What Happens When You Get a Build-Up of Ear Wax?

The symptoms you experience with an ear wax build-up will depend on the size of the blockage and where it is located within your ear canal. 

These symptoms can include:

• Reduced hearing or even complete hearing loss. This could affect your full range of hearing or just certain frequencies, and it can lead to conductive hearing loss if left untreated. 

• Discomfort and pressure. You may experience some discomfort or a pressure-like sensation in your ear, but in more severe cases it can cause pain. 

• Tinnitus. If you already suffer from tinnitus a build-up of ear wax can make the perceived noise more noticeable, and it can cause some people to experience it for the first time.

• Dizziness. In severe cases, the impacted ear wax can affect the sensitive systems in your ear that manage your sense of balance. 

How to Remove a Build-Up of Ear Wax

It’s important to see a professional if you have a build-up of ear wax, rather than attempt to remove it by yourself, as you can cause a great deal of damage to your ear if you insert anything into it. 

The most effective way to remove excess ear wax is using a method called microsuction. This involves using a small vacuum, by a registered practitioner, to remove the wax safely. This gentle process allows the troublesome wax to be precisely targeted and removed without scraping the ear canal or pushing it further into the ear.

Different textures of ear wax or the position of the build-up can pose varying challenges to the removal process, but very rarely to the point it can’t be dealt with. Darker wax often indicates that it’s been building in the ear for longer and is harder to remove than lighter wax. Additionally, wax may get trapped in the bends of the ear canal, exerting pressure on the eardrum and causing discomfort which requires extra care and skill to remove. Wax can also build up around dead skin or hair in the ear canal which can make removal more challenging. 

In these cases, I often recommend to my clients that they soften the wax using olive oil spray or drops before they come in for microsuction. However, I always recommend avoiding products that claim to remove the wax as they may leave it sticky and messy. Instead opt for olive oil-based products, such as Ceremol and Earol.

Olive oil or any other drops should not be used if you’re prone to ear infections or have a perforated eardrum though. In such instances, seeking professional advice is crucial to ensure the safety of the ear canal.

As an experienced audiologist, I’m able to perform micro-suction ear wax removal while simultaneously assessing the ear, so I can adapt my approach and treatment plan depending on your individual condition. This personalised approach enables me to reduce discomfort and identify any referable conditions related to your hearing health, whilst removing the wax. 

If you’d like to book an appointment or find out more about ear wax removal, contact us and we will be happy to assist!

Cleaning and Maintaining Hearing Aids

How to Clean and Maintain Your Hearing Aid

Hearing aids are incredible pieces of technology, transforming the lives of so many people with hearing impairments. However, in order for you to ensure your hearing aid can provide optimal performance and comfort, it's essential to clean and maintain it properly. 

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your hearing aid in top shape.

The Importance of Hearing Aid Maintenance

Before we dive into the specifics of cleaning and maintaining your hearing aid, it is crucial to understand why these tasks are so important.

Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your device but also ensures that it continues to deliver the best possible sound quality. 

When maintenance and cleaning are neglected it can lead to a variety of issues. These not only include reduced effectiveness and the potential need for costly repairs but also physical discomfort, ear wax build-up and an increased chance of ear infections.

Daily Cleaning Routine

To help you maintain your hearing aid, it is best establish a daily cleaning routine. This routine can be quick and easy so that it becomes part of your daily habits. 

Here are some steps you can follow:

• Wash Your Hands: Always start with clean hands to prevent transferring dirt and oils to your hearing aid.

• Inspect for Debris: Check your hearing aid for any visible debris or wax buildup. If you notice any, carefully remove it with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Your audiologist may be able to provide suitable equipment and, if not, will be able to recommend them for you.

• Replace the Wax Filter: Depending on your hearing aid model, you may have a wax filter that needs regular replacement. Ask your Audiologist if you are not sure and for guidance on how regularly this will need to be done for your particular model.

  Here is a video example of how to change a wax filter on a phonak hearing aid:

  How to change the CeruShield wax filter of receiver - YouTube

• Open the Battery Compartment: If your hearing aid uses disposable batteries, open the compartment and ensure there's no moisture or corrosion.

• Wipe Down the Device: Gently wipe the exterior of the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth or tissue to remove any residue or oils.

• Check for Damage: Inspect the hearing aid for any visible damage, like cracks or loose parts. If you notice anything, contact your audiologist for repairs.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

In addition to your daily cleaning routine, a more thorough weekly cleaning routine is essential to maintain your hearing aid's longevity and performance. 

Here's what you should do weekly:

• Remove the Earpiece: If your hearing aid has an earpiece or earmold, remove it for a more thorough clean and check thoroughly for any signs of damage.

• Soak the Earmold: If your hearing aid uses an earmold remove it from the tubing and soak it in warm (not hot), soapy water for a few minutes. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to air dry.

• Clean the Sound Port: Use a hearing aid cleaning brush to clean the sound port, ensuring it's free from wax and debris. Again this is something your audiologist should be able to provide or, at least, advise on. 

• Inspect the tubing: If your hearing aid has tubing, inspect it for any visible blockages or damage. If you see any issues, consult your audiologist.

General Tips for Hearing Aid Care

Here are some additional tips to bear in mind to help you care for your hearing aid and protect its longevity:

• Store Your Hearing Aid: When you're not wearing your hearing aid, store it in a dry, cool place, away from dust, dirt, direct sunlight and moisture.

• Avoid Excessive Heat and Moisture: Never expose your hearing aid to extreme heat, like leaving it in a hot car, or to excessive moisture, such as wearing it in the shower or while swimming.

• Keep Extra Supplies: Make sure you have extra batteries, wax filters, and cleaning tools on hand, so you're prepared for any unexpected issues.

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your audiologist for professional cleaning and maintenance, ideally at least once a year. They can address any concerns and ensure your hearing aid is in top condition.

By following these simple cleaning and maintenance routines, you can keep your device in optimal condition, prolong its life, and enjoy the best possible hearing experience. But don’t be afraid to ask your audiologist to show you how to carry out any of these tasks or for more advice. You should view them as your partner in ensuring your hearing aid continues to serve you in the best way possible. 

If you’d like to book an appointment to discuss your hearing aid requirements or how to look after your hearing aids, then contact us here

 If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to your audiologist. They are your partners in ensuring your hearing aid continues to serve you well.

What to expect with a new hearing aid (and why it won’t work straight away).

Did you know that hearing aids aren’t an instantaneous fix? That they don’t instantly fix your hearing loss as soon as they’re turned on? Not many people do!

The fact is, whilst hearing aids are absolutely life-changing for many people, their full effect can take a while to kick in. Your brain has taken its time to adapt to your hearing loss, now it needs to re-learn to interpret the signals from your hearing aid, and the hearing aid needs to gather data about the environments you experience so it can adapt accordingly. 

What should you expect with your new hearing aid?

When you have a new hearing aid fitted it can be quite an unusual experience at first. After being used to the reduced range of sounds accessible to you before, this range suddenly increases and the kind of noise you can hear changes. 

This is often experienced as echoing or sharp noises, which can be unpleasant or uncomfortable. It’s really important to not be disheartened if this happens for you though as it won’t last and there are things your audiologist can do to help reduce them in the meantime. 

This period of getting used to your new hearing aid and waiting for the full benefit to emerge is called acclimatisation. 

Does everyone have the same experience? 

Everyone’s experience will be different when they get a new hearing aid depending on their type and severity of hearing loss, as well as the style and quality of their new equipment. 

For example, if your hearing loss is caused by the natural wear and tear of the hairs in your ear that occur as we age (presbycusis) you’ll usually still be able to hear the lower bass frequencies as the higher frequencies diminish first.  This means that, due to dome-fit and custom-fit hearing aids completely filling the width of the ear canal, you may initially struggle to hear the tones you could clearly at first. 

When this issue is combined with the effect of the electronic receiver of your new hearing aid, it can commonly cause an echo type feeling to occur. 

The quality of the technology used in your hearing aid will also impact how long it takes you to acclimatise to your new hearing aid. A higher quality, premium hearing aid will often be able to adapt to different environments and situations more efficiently and more effectively than a lower quality one. This means that it will automatically be able to recognise when you are in a noisy environment and suppress the background noise for you better than a lower end product. 

Plus, higher end hearing aids have the ability for your audiologist to be able to find further room for improvement by fine-tuning the different frequencies they offer (often called Channels in hearing aid jargon!). 

What can my audiologist do to help me? 

Having regular follow-ups with your audiologist is important through the acclimatisation period, as they can help you with the transition. They will not only be able to give you advice on the model and make that will suit your hearing loss and lifestyle, but will be able to fine-tune the equipment to your personal requirements. 

In some cases, this may mean switching to a different hearing aid or even trying a few until you get the best result. For this reason, we offer free hearing aid trials. It can be really helpful and reassuring to have the freedom to try out as many different hearing aids as you need until you find the one that’s the perfect fit for you. 

Not all hearing aid dispensers offer free trials and some are contractually tied to specific hearing aid brands which means they will be limited to what technology they can offer you, so it’s worth shopping around a bit before choosing one to go to. 

As an independent hearing aid supplier, we’re able to offer a completely unbiased approach to finding you the right hearing aid based on your type of hearing loss, lifestyle, budget and personal preference. Plus, due to Kareem’s background in music and sound engineering we’re able to offer a level of understanding about audio that many others can’t.

(Not to toot our own horn!)

What should I do to help myself acclimatise to my new hearing aid?

The most important thing for you to do  is to be patient and be positive. The mindset that you approach this with really will make a difference to how well and how quickly you acclimatise to wearing your new hearing aid. 

As you are effectively teaching your brain to hear again, using your new technology practice makes perfect. Ideally you should wear the hearing aid for as many hours as you can each day as consistency will help retrain your brain as quickly as possible. 

It may feel strange or uncomfortable, or even disheartening, while you get used to your new hearing aid, but it will ultimately be worth sticking with it! 

When you cut to the chase, hearing aid acclimatisation is a balancing act between your patience and ability to persevere, and your audiologist’s ability to make the hearing aid as comfortable and effective as possible. It’s not always going to be a quick and easy process, but once you are through to the other end of it, you’ll be glad you made it. 

If you’d like a free trial of some different manufacturers or styles of hearing aids that you may not have tried before, such as Resound’s custom rechargeable hearing aids, then get in touch by clicking this link.

Everything you should know about hearing tests.

It is recommended that we visit the dentist for a check-up every six months, that we get our eyes checked every two years and we get a general health check every five years once we reach 40. But what about our hearing? 

Many will suffer from hearing loss to a certain degree in their life. Even if you avoid being affected by environmental conditions, age-related hearing loss is a fact of life (find out more about the causes of hearing loss here). Age UK report that around 40% of those over 50 are affected by varying degrees of hearing loss. 

Added to the fact that when a loss is detected earlier, it can be easier to slow down the decline, so why hasn’t it become a society standard to have hearing tests?

When should I have a hearing test?

If you are experiencing hearing loss then you should see a professional as soon as possible. When diagnosed with hearing loss and wearing hearing aids  it is recommended to have annual hearing tests to ensure that your hearing aids are working in the most optimal way for you. 

Even those who don’t feel that they are suffering from hearing loss should have regular tests as you may not notice a change to your own hearing in the beginning. I recommend that everyone over the age of 21 should have hearing tests every five years.

The reason behind this is that our hearing can decline by an average of 2-5db a year. This may go unnoticed at first but generally speaking we tend to notice 3db changes to our hearing. 

Who can do a hearing test?

Hearing care assistants can carry out some tests to check for basic hearing levels, or signs of conditions that can cause a temporary hearing loss, such as an ear wax build-up or ear infection. However in the UK only a HCPC registered audiologist can conduct a full hearing test and dispense hearing aids.

What should I expect at a hearing test?

The following applies to private hearing consultation and includes what should be done according to regulation, best practice and what I do with my clients to ensure they receive the best care that I can give. 

At the beginning of your appointment your audiologist will go through some admin activities to gain consent from you, so that they can create a confidential medical record to document your results. As part of this they will ask you a range of questions to check if there are any referable conditions and compile a medical history of the health of your ears and your hearing. 

They will then conduct a visual check of your ear, including the eardrum(s). This is a key step as blockage, such as a build up of ear wax, will mean that the hearing test can’t go ahead. As I’m also trained in ear wax removal, I’m able to remove earwax so we can then proceed with your hearing test at the same appointment. 

Not all audiologists provide ear wax removal though. If your audiologist is unable to remove the blockage you will need to get that seen to elsewhere before returning at a later date for your hearing test. 

The visual check also allows your audiologist to check for other conditions or issues, such as ear infections and helps them to gain an understanding of whether you may have a conductive hearing loss. 

The hearing test itself is done using calibrated audiology headphones or ear inserts. A series of sounds are played through these to test which frequencies you are able to hear. They are heard as beeps and are referred to as tones. Full hearing tests should include the frequency range of 250 hz-8000 hz which covers the frequencies used in everyday speech. 

The audiologist will play each tone between 1-3 seconds long and you press a button when you hear it. The results are recorded on a graph called an audiogram which will reveal your hearing range.

In some cases, a more extensive test is necessary which will cover a wider range of frequencies and/or a different type of hearing test called a bone conduction test. This will help them to determine the cause of the hearing loss and the full extent of it. Your audiologist should explain why they recommend this and what is involved. 

What do your results mean?

Hearing loss is measured in decibels, the unit of measurement for sound. The standard thresholds are:

• -10db-25db - no hearing loss

• 25-40db - mild hearing loss

• 40db-70db – moderate hearing loss

• 70db - 90db - severe hearing loss

• 90db+ - profound hearing loss

Having an idea of what your results are and what they mean can help you understand how your hearing is changing over time. 

If you don’t understand anything at any point before, during or after your appointment don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’m always happy to explain anything, as I want you to feel at ease and I hope other audiologists are the same. 

If you’d like to book a hearing test with me at Feel Clear Hearing click here to book an in clinic appointment or home visit and I’ll be happy to provide a full hearing assessment or free basic hearing check depending on where you are with your hearing journey!

What causes hearing loss?

The realisation that you are beginning to experience hearing loss, or deafness, can be devastating and scary. Many people feel isolated and afraid to let their loved ones know the full extent of what is going on. Or, are reluctant to discover the full extent of the problem themselves.

What you may not realise is that hearing loss, to varying degrees, is incredibly common. People of all ages and from all walks of life are affected by it and I feel that it’s something we should talk about more.

Like with many things, understanding what is happening to you and why, is key to reducing your fears and helping you to live with your condition. 

Below I’m going to look at some of the most common causes of hearing loss. 

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the name used to describe different types of hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. The most common are age-related and noise-induced. 

Age-related hearing loss is due to the natural wear and tear of the tiny hairs, the cilia, in your inner ear. The hairs at the entrance of the inner ear begin to deteriorate first, which we refer to as the doormat effect, and this results in a decline in your ability to hear higher frequencies. 

Whilst you may think the loss of higher frequencies isn’t something that will affect your day-to-day activities, unfortunately it’s this kind of loss that affects the clarity and definition of speech. 

Whilst some of the causes of hearing loss below will exacerbate the damage to your cilia, age-related hearing loss happens to everyone to some degree and is a natural part of life that we all have to face. 

Noise-induced hearing loss, surprise-surprise, is caused by loud noise. This can be from a one-off very loud noise, or being exposed to high levels of noise repeatedly or over a sustained period. 

In fact, anything over 85db is enough to cause permanent hearing loss from one exposure and regular exposure to noise over 70db can also cause damage. To help you put this into perspective, power tools often register at around 90db and heavy traffic can register at 70db. 

Loud noise also reduces your hearing through damaging the cilia and so can speed up the process of age-related hearing loss. Whilst there is no cure once the damage is done, using hearing aids to amplify the affected frequencies can help to retain hearing levels and slow further decline. 

I’d love to see more people thinking about the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss as it would massively help reduce the rates of hearing loss across people from all walks of life. If you’re regularly subjected to sustained or loud noise through your job or a hobby it’s worth getting quality ear protection that has been fitted to your ear shape, as well as getting regular hearing tests. Get in touch if you’d like to know more. 

Conductive hearing loss

Hearing loss can also be caused by a wide range of issues with the middle or outer ear. These causes are referred to as conductive hearing loss and are, in some cases, only temporary. I’ll cover some of the most common ones here.  

Blocked ears built up of ear wax is a common and temporary cause of hearing loss. Whilst ear wax serves an important purpose in protecting the ear, if blocking the view of the eardrum it can prevent you from hearing clearly and in some cases can lead to bacterial infections. 

Thankfully a build up of ear wax is usually easily treated, though it should be done by a professional. Please do not put anything in your ear yourself such as cotton buds, as this can push the ear wax further in and cause more problems.

Otitis Media is a common infection of the outer ear, which can also be chronic (when it's often referred to as swimmers’ ear). It normally occurs through the prolonged or frequent presence of moisture in the ear, which damages the ear canal. 

You’ll often experience pain and redness with Otitis Media, as well as temporary hearing loss. It’s best to get treatment as early as possible with any ear infection to save yourself unnecessary suffering and to avoid permanent damage to your ear or the onset of serious conditions, such as cholesteatomas, which require surgery. 

Some people develop bony growths (surfer’s ear) in their ear canal which, in some cases, can cause hearing loss. Most growths are left untreated unless they cause discomfort or majorly affect your hearing. 

What to do if you think you’re experiencing hearing loss

Whilst I’ve covered some of the most common causes of hearing loss here, there are many, many more in addition. If  you feel like you’re not able to hear as well as you used to, it's really important that you seek professional help as soon as possible to discover the cause. Your first point of call to do this should be visiting your GP or a certified Audiologist. 

It may be that the cause of your hearing loss is something that is easily treated and the loss is reversible. And, if it’s not, help and equipment (such as hearing aids) are available that may be able to slow the decline down and help you feel like yourself again. 

If you’d like to find out more about hearing loss and how to live with it, type in your email below and I’ll send future articles straight to you.

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