The ability to hear well helps us enjoy life to the fullest. It’s highly frustrating not being able to hear conversations with our loved-ones, listen to beautiful music or the sound of bird song, or enjoy favourite TV programmes.
In the UK alone, around one in six of us have some degree of hearing impairment. Such issues make it harder to enjoy time with family and friends, along with causing issues at work. A hearing aid can significantly transform your life if you’re battling with such issues.
Understanding Hearing Loss
There are three different types of hearing loss:
- Conductive Hearing Loss occurs when sound cannot effectively travel through the outer or middle ear. This often occurs due to ear infections, a buildup of fluid, or earwax blockage.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss is related to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It is generally caused by age, noise exposure, or certain medical conditions.
- Mixed Hearing Loss combines both conductive and sensorineural issues, typically due to a combination of the factors above.
If you’re suffering from hearing loss, you might struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy places. Perhaps you’re in a restaurant and have to keep asking people to repeat themselves. Or you feel that others are constantly mumbling.
Such issues can be incredibly frustrating and isolating. In some cases they can even lead to depression. If you suspect you’re struggling with hearing loss in Wilmslow, it’s important to have a professional consultation with professionals like our team at Clarity Ear Clinic.
How to Know It’s Time for a Hearing Test
Firstly, you might have problems following conversations. This is often even more difficult in noisy places, like restaurants, cafes and crowded venues. Often, this is an early sign of hearing loss. You might often ask others to repeat themselves, or mishear words (which can lead to all kinds of comic situations).
Secondly, others might complain about you turning the volume up on the television or radio. To you it might sound fine. To others, it sounds cacophonous.
Thirdly, tinnitus might occur. This is a persistent ringing, buzzing or whistling in the ears, which is often linked to hearing loss.
Over 50? Regular Hearing Checks are Important.
Experts recommend that adults over the age of 50 have regular hearing checks every two years. If you’re younger and have been exposed to loud noise, or have suffered an ear infection, testing is also a wise decision.
What to Expect During a Hearing Test
During your first visit in Wilmslow, our audiologists will gather background information on your medical history, lifestyle, and any hearing-related concerns you may have. This consultation helps to determine any potential risk factors and customises the test process to suit your needs.
The testing process is highly straightforward. Pure Tone Audiometry is one of the most common techniques, which involves listening to a series of tones at various pitches and volumes through headphones. You’ll be asked to signal each time you hear a sound, allowing the audiologist to determine the softest sounds you can detect.
Meanwhile during a Speech Recognition Test you listen to spoken words at different volumes and repeat them back. This test assesses how well you can distinguish speech from background noise, a key aspect of hearing health.
For some, the audiologist may conduct tympanometry or similar tests to examine how well the middle ear functions, which can identify issues like fluid build-up or eardrum stiffness.
After the process is finished, the audiologist will explain your hearing profile and discuss any potential treatment options. If hearing aids or other assistive devices are recommended, they will guide you on how to choose the right option for your lifestyle and budget.
Why Choose Clarity Ear Clinic if You’re Based in Wilmslow?
Clarity Ear Clinic boasts a team of experienced audiologists who cover all aspects of hearing health, from diagnosis to ongoing care.
We focus on evidence-based practices, with our team staying up to date with the latest research and technology. Our team ensures you receive the most accurate assessments and effective treatments.
A Comprehensive Range of Services
Our clinic provides a wide range of services, including:
- hearing tests
- ear wax removal
- tinnitus management
- custom hearing protection.
If you need a hearing aid, we offer a variety of choices from top manufacturers, along with fitting, fine-tuning, and aftercare services. Our hearing aids include the latest and most innovative technology on the market today.
Based in Salford, Clarity Ear Clinic is accessible for those in nearby Wilmslow, offering flexible appointment times to accommodate busy schedules.
The benefits of choosing a local clinic mean that you can easily return for follow-ups or adjustments, making it simpler to maintain optimal hearing health over time.
Find out more about our hearing tests in Wilmslow. Or don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information.