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	<title>The Hidden Hearing Blog &#187; ear wax removal</title>
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	<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog</link>
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		<title>What Is Swimmer&#8217;s Ear?</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/what-is-swimmers-ear-2/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/what-is-swimmers-ear-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Aug 2017 08:20:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[swimmers ear]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=30247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you’re a swimmer, you will probably be aware that swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is a painful and frustrating condition. It is defined as an infection of the outer ear canal, between the outer ear and the eardrum. It </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/what-is-swimmers-ear-2/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/what-is-swimmers-ear-2/">What Is Swimmer&#8217;s Ear?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class=" size-medium wp-image-30249 aligncenter" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/swimmers-ear-300x272.jpg" alt="11122407 - swimmer ear, eps8" width="300" height="272" /></p>
<p>If you’re a swimmer, you will probably be aware that <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/home/ovc-20201440"><strong>swimmer’s ear</strong></a>, or otitis externa, is a painful and frustrating condition. It is defined as an infection of the outer ear canal, between the outer ear and the eardrum. It is a bacterial infection that affects the skin of the ear canal, as a result of moisture that has got into the outer ear area.</p>
<p>Swimmer’s ear can, if untreated, lead to <a href="/hearing-loss/"><strong>hearing loss</strong></a>. This means that it is very important to treat it quickly and to prevent it happening again. It is, as the name suggests, most common in those who do a lot of swimming. However, there are other causes of the condition, including the use of <a title="Whats the Best Way To Clean Your Ears" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-your-ears/"><strong>cotton buds</strong></a> in the ear canal, hair dye or spray, injury or skin infection such as eczema in the ear canal, and exposure to high levels of bacteria in hot tubs or polluted water.</p>
<h2>Symptoms Of Swimmer’s Ear:</h2>
<p>Recognising the symptoms of swimmer’s ear can help you to prevent a delay in seeking help. These include:</p>
<p>•    Itching in the ear canal<br />
•    Pain that worsens when the outer ear is touched<br />
•    A feeling of swelling<br />
•    Discharge that is colourless, whether or not it has an odour<br />
•    Fever<br />
•    Difficulties with hearing<br />
•    Swelling or inflammation around the ear<br />
•    Pain in the ear or the face, head or neck</p>
<p>If treated, swimmer’s ear usually resolves quickly. However, it is progresses, or is untreated, it can be very painful and could cause complications, including hearing loss or damage to the bone or cartilage, especially if the sufferer is elderly or immunocompromised.</p>
<h2>How To Treat And Prevent Swimmer’s Ear</h2>
<p>Swimmer’s ear is treated with antibiotic eardrops, as long as there is no perforation of the eardrum, and the affected area may be cleaned as well. The infection should improve within 3-4 days, and further medications will be considered if it does not.</p>
<p>Taking steps to prevent swimmer’s ear is especially important if you are prone to the infection. Try the following:</p>
<p>1.    <strong>Ensure ears are dry after swimming</strong>. Ensure that water is tipped out of both ears and dry with a towel or tissue.</p>
<p>2.    <strong>Prevent water entering the ears</strong>. Barriers such as earplugs can work well to prevent swimmer’s ear by stopping the water getting into the ears. Custom molded options are popular with people who swim a lot.</p>
<p>3.    <strong>Be aware of earwax</strong>. If earwax builds up, it can cause a blockage in the ears that makes infection more likely. Do not use cotton buds, but see a professional for an <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/services/free-ear-wax-removal"><strong>ear wax removal</strong></a> procedure.</p>
<p>4.    <strong>Be aware of any dry or cracked skin</strong>. If you have painful or cracked skin in your ears, you should see a professional to resolve this. It is best not to swim if you have a problem of this type.</p>
<p>5.    <strong>Take care with chemicals</strong>. When you are using hair spray, dye or other chemicals, you should ensure that none enters your ears.</p>
<h2>Book A Free Hearing Check-Up At Hidden Hearing In Ireland</h2>
<p>Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions, and our national network includes over seventy-five branches and clinics. Contact Hidden Hearing online today, or <strong><a href="/contact-us/find-your-local-clinic">pop into your local branch</a>.</strong></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/what-is-swimmers-ear-2/">What Is Swimmer&#8217;s Ear?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Whats the Best Way To Clean Your Ears</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-your-ears/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-your-ears/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:49:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=30234</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Our patients often ask our Audiologists about the best ways to clean their ears, and this is a very important question since incorrect care can cause or worsen hearing problems. Blockages in the ears, including ear wax, can cause many issues </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-your-ears/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-your-ears/">Whats the Best Way To Clean Your Ears</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our patients often ask our Audiologists about the best ways to clean their ears, and this is a very important question since incorrect care can cause or worsen hearing problems. Blockages in the ears, including ear wax, can cause many issues with hearing, so it is important to seek advice and treatment for these as soon as you notice problems developing.</p>
<p>Here at Hidden Hearing, we offer a <strong><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/services/free-ear-wax-removal">free ear wax removal service</a> </strong>for over 55s that can be booked via your<strong> <strong><a href="/contact-us/find-your-local-clinic">local branch</a> </strong></strong>and for those under 55 who wish to avail of the service there is also a special discounted rate of €50.  If you have noticed a decline in your ability to hear, especially if this affects one ear more than the other, it is possible that an earwax blockage could be causing or contributing to your difficulties.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-30241" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AUDIKA-FB0717-02-300x157.jpg" alt="AUDIKA-FB0717-02" width="300" height="157" /></p>
<h2>Top Tips For Cleaning Ears:</h2>
<p>1. <strong>Understand the purpose of earwax</strong>. Ear wax, also know as cerumen, is a vital substance inside the ear, collecting debris, dirt and bacteria and ensuring that foreign bodies cannot penetrate the ear. Ear wax functions to stop ears feeling dry and itchy, and it serves as an antifungal and antibacterial agent that can help to fight off infections in the ears.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Be aware that ears are self-cleaning</strong>. Ear wax is part of the self-cleaning system of the ears, and works itself out of the ears through jaw motions, such as chewing and speaking. Washing your ears when you shower or bathe should be sufficient to keep them clean, and just wiping away any excess wax from your ears will be enough.</p>
<p>3. <strong>Do not use cotton buds</strong>. Cotton buds are not designed to clean the ears and can cause problems by pushing earwax deeper inside the ear, leading to impaction that stops the eardrum from vibrating. If you believe you have an earwax blockage, do not try to treat it yourself, but seek professional help to avoid damaging your hearing.</p>
<p>4. <strong>Some people will need to take extra care.</strong> Some people are at higher risk of problems due to an earwax buildup, and these include individuals with diabetes, those who are prone to ear infections, and anyone who has a perforation in the eardrum.</p>
<p>5. <strong>Visit a professional</strong>. There are many methods of removing earwax, including irrigation and suction, but most of these are safely performed by a doctor or audiologist. You may wish to try eardrops or mineral oil at home, to soften the earwax, but a professional opinion is always helpful, especially if this is a recurrent problem for you.</p>
<h2>Book A Free Hearing Check-Up at Hidden Hearing</h2>
<p>If you are <a href="/hearing-loss/"><strong>concerned about hearing loss</strong></a>, it’s important to visit an audiologist who will determine a baseline hearing level and use this to prevent further damage to your ears or your brain. Our friendly staff team will work with you to <a href="/hearing-aids/"><strong>find the very best hearing solution</strong></a> for your and your lifestyle.<br />
Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions, and our national network includes over seventy-five branches and clinics. Simply contact Hidden Hearing online today, or pop into your local branch.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-your-ears/">Whats the Best Way To Clean Your Ears</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Sounds Of Summer</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-sounds-of-summer/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-sounds-of-summer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Aug 2017 07:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sounds of the summer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=30198</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Summer brings all sorts of enjoyable experiences, including long days at the beach and barbecues in the garden. Most of us love spending time with our friends and family in the summer months, but this can be difficult for people </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-sounds-of-summer/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-sounds-of-summer/">The Sounds Of Summer</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Summer brings all sorts of enjoyable experiences, including long days at the beach and barbecues in the garden. Most of us love spending time with our friends and family in the summer months, but this can be difficult for people with hearing loss, so it is important to consider how you could make it easier in this situation.</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-30199" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/bird-chirping-300x200.jpg" alt="bird chirping" width="300" height="200" />What are your favourite sounds of the summer? If you do not have any problems with your hearing, you may not have realised that you are experiencing a different environment to those who do. Consider how much your experience would be affected if you could not hear the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>The sea rolling onto the beach</li>
<li>Birds singing in the trees</li>
<li>Music in the park or at a local event</li>
</ul>
<p>When you hear these sounds as part of your daily life, it’s easy to take them for granted. It can be difficult to imagine what life would be like without them, but for those with hearing loss, this is a reality that can be confusing and upsetting. Hearing loss is progressive, so people sometimes do not notice when it begins, but it is easier to <a href="/hearing-aids/"><strong>find effective hearing solutions</strong></a> if you seek help early on.</p>
<h2>Seek Help For Hearing Loss</h2>
<p>Here at Hidden Hearing, we stock a wide range of hearing aids, including new digital hearing aids that are tiny, discreet and highly effective. People are often surprised by the clarity of the hearing experience they offer, and our professional audiologists will be happy to work with you and find the very best solution for you and your lifestyle.</p>
<p>Hearing solutions may include:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Hearing aids</strong>. There are many <a href="/hearing-aids/types-of-hearing-aids"><strong>different types and varieties of hearing aids</strong></a>, including some that sit entirely in the ear canal so that they are invisible to others. If you have difficulty with mobility, or are seeking a hearing aid for a very young person, a larger style with controls that are easier to manipulate may be a better option.</li>
<li><strong>Cochlea implants</strong>. Some hearing loss, particularly if it is the result of structural damage, is well suited to cochlea implants, where the hearing device is surgically inserted. This can be very helpful in certain types of hearing loss, and you can discuss this possibility with your audiologist.</li>
<li><strong>Earwax removal</strong>. On occasion, hearing loss can be caused by an ear wax blockage. This can cause significant, and often one-sided, hearing loss that will have a major impact on your life. The good news is that it is very easy to treat with an<a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/services/free-ear-wax-removal"><strong> ear wax removal procedure</strong></a> that you can book for free at Hidden Hearing.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Book A Free Hearing Check up at Hidden Hearing</h2>
<p>If you are concerned about hearing loss, you should <span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong style="color: #3366ff;"><a style="color: #3366ff;" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">book a free c</a>heck up </strong></span>as soon as possible. Our friendly team will help you through the process, and we have a wide range of hearing aids for you to try. Different options work well for different people, and finding the best choice for you is all part of the service we offer.</p>
<p>Hidden Hearing is the leading private provider of hearing care solutions in Ireland, with a national network that includes over <a href="/contact-us/find-your-local-clinic"><strong>seventy-five branches and clinics</strong></a>. Pop into your local branch today, or contact Hidden Hearing online.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-sounds-of-summer/">The Sounds Of Summer</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>Tinnitus? Or maybe, it could be just a build up of earwax&#8230;.</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/tinnitus-maybe-just-build-earwax/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/tinnitus-maybe-just-build-earwax/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:29:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Matters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing aid technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tinnitus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[digital hearing aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Hearing Test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[noise induced hearing loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tinnitus]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=30004</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Many people in Ireland suffer from tinnitus and usually describe it as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise. It is surprisingly common, with around 18% of the population find that they can suffer from it at some stage in their </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/tinnitus-maybe-just-build-earwax/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/tinnitus-maybe-just-build-earwax/">Tinnitus? Or maybe, it could be just a build up of earwax&#8230;.</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class=" size-medium wp-image-29146 alignleft" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/tinnnitus-300x199.jpg" alt="Tinnitus Hidden Hearing" width="300" height="199" />Many people in Ireland suffer from tinnitus and usually describe it as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise. It is surprisingly common, with around 18% of the population find that they can suffer from it at some stage in their lives. Having a quick <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">hearing test</a> in one of our 75 branches or clinics nationwide will help you determine if you have tinnitus. We can also check if you have a build up of earwax if you <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">book a free hearing test</a>. If you have a compacted ear full of earwax, it can lead you to suffer from ringing or buzzing noises similar to those symptoms of tinnitus. <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-free-ear-wax-removal" target="_blank">We offer free earwax removal for over 55s in selected clinics and branches nationwide.</a></p>
<h2><strong>Noise Induced Hearing Loss &amp; Tinnitus</strong></h2>
<p><img class=" size-medium wp-image-29133 alignleft" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/29.-Audiology-Headphones-1024x6821-300x200-300x200.jpg" alt="29.-Audiology-Headphones-1024x6821-300x200" width="300" height="200" />A recent survey just done by Empathy Research on behalf of Hidden Hearing found that – Four in ten (42) have experienced ringing and buzzing in their ears and risk causing permanent damage to their ears. Tinnitus (ringing in ears) usually begins at 127 dB and can be an early indicator of hearing loss– Four in ten (42) have experienced ringing and buzzing in their ears and risk causing permanent damage to their ears. Tinnitus (ringing in ears) usually begins at 127 dB and can be an early indicator of hearing loss. Surprisingly Almost one in ten people aged 25-34 years would <strong>not </strong>be worried if they had permanent ringing or buzzing in their ears: demonstrating a clear lack of awareness of the damage and risks associated with sustained exposure to loud noise.</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with listening to music but keep the volume level at a safe decibel. When attending concerts and music gigs, just position yourself well away from loudspeakers &amp; this will reduce the chances of damage to your eardrums. Limiting your use of iPods, MP3s and other personal music devices, as well as lowering the volume, will also help reduce the impact of loud prolonged music that could lead to the development of Tinnitus.</p>
<p>Tinnitus can vary in severity and even though most people have a relatively mild form, it can have a big impact on their quality of life. Tinnitus is a physical condition. In other words, it is not something you imagine. There are a number of possible causes, but it is quite often associated with hearing loss.</p>
<h2>It could just be a build up of Earwax?</h2>
<p><img class=" size-medium wp-image-29456 alignleft" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ear-and-hand-300x199.jpg" alt="ear and hand" width="300" height="199" />As mentioned before, if you have a build up of too much earwax you can experience Tinnitus like symptoms. Here at Hidden Hearing we use the latest ear irrigation method, a controlled liquid flushing process which is less invasive than other methods and is virtually pain free. Ear irrigation may be needed if ear drops do not work. The ear canal is washed out with warm water. Irrigating the ear with water will usually clear plugs of earwax and it is only safe if the plug of earwax has been softened. Use ear drops (such as olive oil ear drops) to soften wax 2-3 times a day for 3-5 days before you have ear irrigation with your Hidden Hearing Earwax Removal Specialist.</p>
<p>If you suffer from Tinnitus or think that you are suffering from it, you could benefit from having a free* earwax removal from Hidden Hearing.</p>
<p>To book your free* earwax removal appointment call 1800 882 884 or <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-free-ear-wax-removal" target="_blank">click here </a>&amp; we will contact you back shortly.</p>
<p><strong><em> (*free to people over 55, €50 charge to people under 55)</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Watch our Medical Advisor, Dr. Nina Byrnes talk about earwax below&#8230;</em></p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4LgYMM2dciQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/tinnitus-maybe-just-build-earwax/">Tinnitus? Or maybe, it could be just a build up of earwax&#8230;.</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>Alzheimer&#8217;s &amp; Brain Awareness Month</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 11:40:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Alzheimers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Matters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Hearing Test]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[hearing test]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=29903</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>There are many misconceptions about brain illnesses like Alzheimer&#8217;s &#38; Dementia &#38; a lot of people would think that both are the same however, they are not. There have been definite links made between Dementia &#38; Hearing Health. From Johns </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/">Alzheimer&#8217;s &#038; Brain Awareness Month</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="content_head"><img class=" size-large wp-image-29972 alignnone" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Twitter-CoverRev2-1024x287.jpg" alt="Twitter CoverRev2" width="625" height="175" /></p>
<p class="content_head">There are many misconceptions about brain illnesses like Alzheimer&#8217;s &amp; Dementia &amp; a lot of people would think that both are the same however, they are not. There have been definite links made between Dementia &amp; Hearing Health.</p>
<p class="content_head"><strong>From Johns Hopkins Medicine:</strong> Older people with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing, a study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Ageing Research (USA), suggests. The findings, researchers say, could lead<br />
to new ways to combat dementia &#8211; a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and carries heavy societal burdens.</p>
<p class="content_head"><img class="  wp-image-29974 alignleft" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Twitter_Profile.jpg" alt="Twitter_Profile" width="212" height="212" />Although the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, the investigators suggest a common pathology may underlie both, or that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals’ more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders. Whatever the cause, the scientists report, their findings may offer a starting point for interventions &#8211; even as simple as hearing aids &#8211; that could delay or prevent dementia by improving patients’ hearing.</p>
<p class="content_head">To make the connection, Dr. Frank Lin, MD PhD and his colleagues used data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA). The BLSA, initiated by the National Institute on Ageing in 1958, has tracked various health factors in thousands of men and women over decades.</p>
<p class="content_head">Compared with volunteers with normal hearing, those with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss had twofold, threefold and fivefold, respectively, the risk of developing dementia over time. The more hearing loss they had, the higher their likelihood of developing the memory-robbing disease. The study gives urgency to treating hearing loss rather than ignoring it.  &#8211; <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease/difference-dementia-alzheimers" target="_blank">healthline.com</a></p>
<h2 id="TOC_TITLE_HDR_1" class="content_head">Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s</h2>
<div id="TOC_TITLE_1" class="content_body">
<p><a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/dementia">Dementia</a> and <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease">Alzheimer’s disease</a> aren’t the same. Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that impact <a href="http://www.healthline.com/symptom/memory-loss">memory</a>, performance of daily activities, and <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/mixed-receptive-expressive-language-disorder">communication abilities</a>. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease gets worse with time and affects memory, language, and thought. While younger people can develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, your <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/dementia-risk-factors">risk</a> increases as you age. Still, neither is considered a normal part of aging. Although symptoms of the two conditions may overlap, distinguishing them is important for management and treatment.</p>
<p>&#8211; Source &#8211; <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease/difference-dementia-alzheimers" target="_blank">healthline.com</a></p>
</div>
<div id="TOC_TITLE_2" class="content_body">
<h2>Symptoms of dementia</h2>
<p>It’s easy to overlook the <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/dementia/early-warning-signs">early symptoms of dementia</a>, which can be mild. It often begins with simple episodes of <a href="http://www.healthline.com/symptom/memory-loss">forgetfulness</a>. People with dementia have trouble keeping track of time and tend to lose their way in familiar settings.</p>
<p>As dementia progresses, forgetfulness and <a href="http://www.healthline.com/symptom/confusion">confusion</a> grow. It becomes harder to recall names and faces. Personal care becomes a problem. Obvious signs of dementia include repetitious questioning, inadequate hygiene, and poor decision-making.</p>
<p>In the most advanced stage, people with dementia become unable to care for themselves. They will struggle even more with keeping track of time, and remembering people and places they are familiar with. Behavior continues to change and can turn into <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/depression">depression</a> and <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/aggressive-behavior">aggression</a>.</p>
<p>&#8211; Source &#8211; <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease/difference-dementia-alzheimers" target="_blank">healthline.com</a></p>
<p>Now that you know that your hearing heath can affect your brain heath &amp; visa versa, why not book in for your <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">free hearing test today in one of our 75 branches &amp; clinics nationwide by clicking </a>here or freephone 1800 882 884.<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29973" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FB_Ad-1024x536.jpg" alt="FB_Ad" width="625" height="327" /></p>
</div>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/">Alzheimer&#8217;s &#038; Brain Awareness Month</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to prepare for your earwax removal with Hidden Hearing</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-earwax-removal-with-hidden-hearing/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-earwax-removal-with-hidden-hearing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 May 2017 18:52:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Matters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ear Protection.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ear wax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Hearing Test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hidden hearing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tinnitus]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=29765</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>To prepare for your earwax appointment, please use ear drops and follow our guide below. Step 1 &#8211; Ear Drop Application Ear drops alone will often clear a plug of earwax. You can buy drops from pharmacies. For example, olive </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-earwax-removal-with-hidden-hearing/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-earwax-removal-with-hidden-hearing/">How to prepare for your earwax removal with Hidden Hearing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><em>To prepare for your earwax appointment, please use ear drops and follow our guide below.</em></h1>
<p><strong>Step 1 &#8211; Ear Drop Application</strong></p>
<p>Ear drops alone will often clear a plug of earwax. You can buy drops from pharmacies. For example, olive oil, almond oil, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride ear drops are commonly used for this purpose. Dependent on the type of oil you use, be sure to<br />
read the instructions. Pour a few drops into the affected ear. Lie with the affected ear uppermost when putting in drops. Stay like this for 2-3 minutes to allow the drops to soak into the earwax.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/doctor-nina-byrnes.jpg" class="broken_link"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-27992" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/doctor-nina-byrnes.jpg" alt="doctor-nina-byrnes" width="400" height="280" /></a>Top tip from our medical advisor, Dr. Nina Byrnes:</strong><br />
Before bed, apply the ear drops or olive oil to the ear and then put some cotton wool with a smear of vaseline on the inside of it into the ear &amp; sleep like that. The vaseline stops the oil soaking into the cotton wool &amp; forces it down into the ear helping it soften the wax.<br />
The earwax is softened and it often breaks up if you put in drops at least once a day for 3-5 days. Flakes or crusts of earwax often fall out bit by bit. You may not notice the wax as it comes out of your ear. You should not apply oil to your ears if you currently have an infection, perforation, grommets or if you have had any operation on your ears over the last 18 months.</p>
<p><strong>Step 2 &#8211; Your Appointment, with the Flush Irrigation Method</strong></p>
<p>Here at Hidden Hearing we use the latest ear irrigation method, a controlled liquid flushing process which is less invasive than other methods and is virtually pain free. Ear irrigation may be needed if ear drops do not work. The ear canal is washed out with warm water. Irrigating the ear with water will usually clear plugs of earwax and it is only safe if the plug of earwax has been softened. Use ear drops (such as olive oil ear drops) to soften wax 2-3 times a day for 3-5 days before you have ear irrigation with your Hidden Hearing Earwax Removal Specialist.</p>
<p>To book your free* earwax removal appointment call 1800 882 884 or <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-free-ear-wax-removal" target="_blank">click here </a>&amp; we will contact you back shortly.</p>
<p><strong><em> (*free to people over 55, €50 charge to people under 55)</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Watch our Medical Advisor, Dr. Nina Byrnes talk about earwax below&#8230;</em></p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4LgYMM2dciQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-earwax-removal-with-hidden-hearing/">How to prepare for your earwax removal with Hidden Hearing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Newest Hearing Solution, now available in Hidden Hearing Artane</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-newest-hearing-solution-now-available-in-hidden-hearing-artane/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-newest-hearing-solution-now-available-in-hidden-hearing-artane/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 May 2017 18:06:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing aid technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[digital hearing aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Hearing Test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing loss]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[hidden hearing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=29754</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>In Ireland, mainly Dublin, Most people assume that hearing is something that happens in your ears.  In fact, it’s actually in your brain that sound becomes information that has meaning. “With hearing loss, the sound signal that the brain is </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-newest-hearing-solution-now-available-in-hidden-hearing-artane/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-newest-hearing-solution-now-available-in-hidden-hearing-artane/">The Newest Hearing Solution, now available in Hidden Hearing Artane</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMAG1034.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-29700" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMAG1034-1024x579.jpg" alt="IMAG1034" width="625" height="353" /></a>In Ireland, mainly Dublin, Most people assume that hearing is something that happens in your ears.  In fact, it’s actually in your brain that sound becomes information that has meaning.</p>
<p>“With hearing loss, the sound signal that the brain is accustomed to processing is different,” says Audiologist Barry Douglas of Hidden Hearing Artane. “The brain has to work harder to fill in the blanks. That’s why hearing loss can be so tiring and can drain the mental energy people need for everyday activities.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMAG1030.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-29755" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMAG1030-300x170.jpg" alt="IMAG1030" width="300" height="170" /></a>Luckily, the newest hearing solutions with Brain Hearing™ technology offer exciting, new choices for people with hearing loss.  Barry Douglas, Audiologist in Hidden Hearing Artane was one of the first hearing care professionals in Artane to offer Oticon Opn™, a revolutionary new hearing aid with Brain Hearing™ technology.  With new Oticon Opn, people with hearing loss not only hear better without having to work as hard but they also remember more of what is said. Powered by an ultra-fast sound processor, Opn expertly manages multiple speech and noise sources so people hear better with less effort even in challenging listening situations like restaurants or social gatherings.</p>
<p>“Oticon Opn is the first hearing aid proven to make it easier on the brain,” explains Tony Johnson, Audiologist in Hidden Hearing Artane  “Testing consistently shows that Opn increases speech understanding, the parameter most important to hearing aid wearers, by 30%*.  People who wear Opn also experience 20% less listening effort* when trying to understand speech.  And because Oticon Opn wearers use less effort understanding, they are able to remember 20% more of what was said**.”</p>
<p>Teodora Daneva, Audiologist in Hidden Hearing Artane notes that the small, discreet hearing aid is powerhouse of innovative technology. The Velox™ platform processes sound data 50 times faster than before &#8211; scanning, analysing and reacting to sounds in the environments more than 100 times per second.  This extreme speed allows wearers to enjoy a full sound picture.  They can follow the sounds they want to hear and shift their attention when desired.  Surrounding sounds are available but not intrusive so wearers can focus on the sounds they prefer.</p>
<p>The Oticon Opn also offers easy connectivity to a variety of smartphones and devices.  Audio is streamed directly to the hearing aids using a technology that minimises battery consumption.  A free, downloadable Oticon Opn app lets wearers’ control volume, program or device selection and other functions with just a tap of their smartphone.</p>
<p>To book your free hearing test in Hidden Hearing Artane, call 012486978 or <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">fill out a short form here</a> &amp; we will call you back.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/the-newest-hearing-solution-now-available-in-hidden-hearing-artane/">The Newest Hearing Solution, now available in Hidden Hearing Artane</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>Try the Oticon OPN in Ennis today with our Expert Audiologist Caroline Hogan</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/try-the-oticon-opn-in-ennis-today-with-our-expert-audiologist-caroline-hogan/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/try-the-oticon-opn-in-ennis-today-with-our-expert-audiologist-caroline-hogan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 May 2017 08:53:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Matters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Aids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hearing News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=29723</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>In Ennis, Co Clare,  Most people assume that hearing is something that happens in your ears.  In fact, it’s actually in your brain that sound becomes information that has meaning. “With hearing loss, the sound signal that the brain is </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/try-the-oticon-opn-in-ennis-today-with-our-expert-audiologist-caroline-hogan/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/try-the-oticon-opn-in-ennis-today-with-our-expert-audiologist-caroline-hogan/">Try the Oticon OPN in Ennis today with our Expert Audiologist Caroline Hogan</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/caroline-hogan-2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-29731" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/caroline-hogan-2-300x223.jpg" alt="caroline hogan 2" width="300" height="223" /></a>In Ennis, Co Clare,  Most people assume that hearing is something that happens in your ears.  In fact, it’s actually in your brain that sound becomes information that has meaning.</p>
<p>“With hearing loss, the sound signal that the brain is accustomed to processing is different,” says Audiologist Caroline Hogan of Hidden Hearing Ennis. “The brain has to work harder to fill in the blanks. That’s why hearing loss can be so tiring and can drain the mental energy people need for everyday activities.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0027.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-29724" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0027-300x225.jpg" alt="IMG_0027" width="300" height="225" /></a>Luckily, the newest hearing solutions with Brain Hearing™ technology offer exciting, new choices for people with hearing loss.  Caroline Hogan, Audiologist in Hidden Hearing Ennis was one of the first hearing care professionals in Ennis to offer Oticon Opn™, a revolutionary new hearing aid with Brain Hearing™ technology.  With new Oticon Opn, people with hearing loss not only hear better without having to work as hard but they also remember more of what is said. Powered by an ultra-fast sound processor, Opn expertly manages multiple speech and noise sources so people hear better with less effort even in challenging listening situations like restaurants or social gatherings.</p>
<p>“Oticon Opn is the first hearing aid proven to make it easier on the brain,” explains Caroline Hogan, Audiologist in Hidden Hearing Ennis  “Testing consistently shows that Opn increases speech understanding, the parameter most important to hearing aid wearers, by 30%*.  People who wear Opn also experience 20% less listening effort* when trying to understand speech.  And because Oticon Opn wearers use less effort understanding, they are able to remember 20% more of what was said**.”</p>
<p>Caroline Hogan, Audiologist in Hidden Hearing Ennis notes that the small, discreet hearing aid is powerhouse of innovative technology. The Velox™ platform processes sound data 50 times faster than before &#8211; scanning, analysing and reacting to sounds in the environments more than 100 times per second.  This extreme speed allows wearers to enjoy a full sound picture.  They can follow the sounds they want to hear and shift their attention when desired.  Surrounding sounds are available but not intrusive so wearers can focus on the sounds they prefer.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/clare-4.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-29191" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/clare-4-156x300.jpg" alt="clare 4" width="156" height="300" /></a>Oticon Opn also offers easy connectivity to a variety of smartphones and devices.  Audio is streamed directly to the hearing aids using a technology that minimises battery consumption.  A free, downloadable Oticon Opn app lets wearers’ control volume, program or device selection and other functions with just a tap of their smartphone.</p>
<p>To learn more about hearing health and the new Oticon Opn hearing solution, contact Hidden Hearing O&#8217;Connell Square on 065 6725974 or visit <a href="http://www.hiddenhearing.ie">www.hiddenhearing.ie</a>. We also have clinics dates available in Kilrush. To book in for a free hearing screening in Hidden Hearing Kilrush freephone 1800 882 884.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/try-the-oticon-opn-in-ennis-today-with-our-expert-audiologist-caroline-hogan/">Try the Oticon OPN in Ennis today with our Expert Audiologist Caroline Hogan</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>Preparing for your first visit to Hidden Hearing</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/preparing-for-your-first-visit-to-hidden-hearing/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/preparing-for-your-first-visit-to-hidden-hearing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:02:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=29640</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you’ve never been to an audiologist before, it helps to know what to expect. And whether you know you have hearing loss or are just going for a hearing check-up, it is good to prepare a little. To help </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/preparing-for-your-first-visit-to-hidden-hearing/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/preparing-for-your-first-visit-to-hidden-hearing/">Preparing for your first visit to Hidden Hearing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_28115" style="width: 391px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Hidden-Hearing-Wexford-10.jpg"><img class="wp-image-28115" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Hidden-Hearing-Wexford-10.jpg" alt="Enda Dooley Hidden Hearing Wexford and Shona Maguire" width="381" height="255" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pictured above: Audiologist Enda Dooley &amp; patient Shona Maguire</p></div>
<p>If you’ve never been to an audiologist before, it helps to know what to expect. And whether you know you have hearing loss or are just going for a hearing check-up, it is good to prepare a little.</p>
<p>To help you the best they can, the hearing care expert needs to know all about your unique hearing. So please think about the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Think about what situations you find especially difficult</li>
<li>Try our questionnaire to guide you in the right direction – it’s in our guide</li>
<li>Bring someone with you to help contribute information that only a third person can</li>
</ul>
<p>Once you arrive for your visit, your hearing care expert will discuss your hearing history to understand what factors have influenced your hearing. They’ll want to get more information about your personal hearing needs.</p>
<p>The hearing care expert will also inspect your ears for blockages or any other visible problems.</p>
<p>Your visit may also include a listening experience with hearing devices, to see what kinds of sounds you can hear. Your hearing care expert will explain the results to you clearly. It will then be time to develop a plan for the next steps. If you have a hearing loss, they may recommend hearing aids.</p>
<p>If you are fitted with new hearing aids, don’t be afraid to go back for additional follow-up visits. You might walk out after the first visit completely pleased with your purchase. For other people, getting used to wearing new hearing aids can be tough. Especially if this is your first pair of hearing aids, it can take several weeks or even months to get used to them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>About hearing loss<img class=" size-full wp-image-28801 alignleft" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Fotolia_68841225_XS.jpg" alt="woman suffers from hearing impairment, hard of hearing, hearing loss, acoustic or ear problem, deafness with text space" width="424" height="283" /></strong></h2>
<p>There are different types of hearing loss, and different levels of severity. Without going into the details too much here, it is caused either because sound cannot get to the inner ear (<a href="/hearing-loss/types-symptoms-causes/conductive-hearing-loss"><strong>conductive hearing loss</strong></a>), or because sound is not properly sent from the inner ear to the brain (<a href="/hearing-loss/types-symptoms-causes/sensorineural-hearing-loss"><strong>sensorineural hearing loss</strong></a>).</p>
<p>Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe or profound. What we call deafness is sometimes in fact ‘profound hearing loss’ – when the person suffering from it can hear very loud noises.</p>
<h2><strong>Tinnitus (ringing or whooshing sounds in the ears) is related to hearing loss, and often accompanies it.</strong></h2>
<p>Because it takes so much more effort to listen, hearing loss can be very socially isolating. It can lead to <a title="Is Hearing Loss Linked To Depression" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/is-hearing-loss-linked-to-depression/"><strong>depression</strong></a> and can hasten the <a title="Dementia and Hearing Loss: The Link" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/dementia-and-hearing-loss-the-link/"><strong>onset of dementia</strong></a>. With more severe hearing loss, the risk of dementia is considerably higher. Not only does it disconnect sufferers from other people, it also cuts them off from current affairs and broader cultural participation via TV, radio, theatre and so on.</p>
<p>So how can people with hearing loss reconnect?</p>
<h2><strong>Hearing aids from Hidden Hearing<br />
</strong></h2>
<div id="attachment_29121" style="width: 296px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hidden-hearing-mayo-pic.png"><img class="  wp-image-29121" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hidden-hearing-mayo-pic.png" alt="Hidden Hearing Mayo" width="286" height="208" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pictured above: Ashley Cunningham, Audiologist with Hidden Hearing Mayo demonstrating how small a hearing aid can be.</p></div>
<p>The level of hearing loss a person has affects the type of hearing aid they need. Typically, more mild types of hearing loss can be treated with smaller devices. However, the choice of hearing aid also depends on the size and shape of people’s ears – especially where ‘invisible’ hearing aids are concerned.</p>
<p>Hearing loss can affect only one ear. However, it often occurs in both. Some people choose to treat it only in one ear to save on buying one hearing aid. We don’t recommend this, because with only one working ear we lose many of our capabilities, such as the ability to determine where a sound is coming from.</p>
<p>Whether people need one or two hearing aids, each person’s hearing is unique – because hearing is, in fact, thinking.</p>
<h2><strong>We hear with our brains</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/signs-of-hearing-loss.png"><img class="  wp-image-29537 alignleft" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/signs-of-hearing-loss.png" alt="signs-of-hearing-loss" width="263" height="223" /></a>Our ears are the organs we use to gather the sounds around us, but we actually hear with our brains. So if your ears are not properly picking up sounds and delivering them to your brain, your brain can have a hard time. Because the brain has to work harder to make sense of what’s going on – especially during conversations – hearing loss makes people more tired. The extra effort it takes to listen makes it measurably harder to remember things too.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Put simply: hearing is thinking.</h1>
<p>Just as we all think in different ways, people hear in very different ways too. Your hearing is unique! So hearing aids must be tailored (fitted) to your ears.</p>
<p>Most hearing aids have different settings for different environments. If you are fitted with hearing aids, you will need to switch between programmes when you are in a noisy restaurant, listening to music, or having a conversation on a telephone. These programmes all need to be set by your hearing care expert.</p>
<p>If you are fitted with new <a href="/hearing-aids"><strong>hearing aids</strong></a>, don’t be afraid to go back for additional follow-up visits. You might walk out after the first visit completely pleased with your purchase. For other people, getting used to wearing new hearing aids can be tough. Especially if this is your first pair of hearing aids, it can take several weeks or even months to get used to them.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">To book your free hearing test in the Republic of Ireland click here</a> or freephone 1800 882 884.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hiddenhearing.org/contact-us/find-your-local-clinic" target="_blank">To book your free hearing test in Northern Ireland click here</a> or freephone  0800 587 7267.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/preparing-for-your-first-visit-to-hidden-hearing/">Preparing for your first visit to Hidden Hearing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>World Tinnitus Day &#8211; Hidden Hearing</title>
		<link>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/world-tinnitus-day-hidden-hearing/</link>
		<comments>https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/world-tinnitus-day-hidden-hearing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:13:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hidden Hearing]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ear wax removal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tinnitus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ear wax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hearing test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hidden hearing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[noise induced hearing loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tinnitus]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/?p=29619</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Many people in Ireland suffer from tinnitus and usually describe it as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise. It is surprisingly common, with around 18% of the population find that they can suffer from it at some stage in their </br><a class="read-more" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/world-tinnitus-day-hidden-hearing/">More....</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/world-tinnitus-day-hidden-hearing/">World Tinnitus Day &#8211; Hidden Hearing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FB_CoverRev2.jpg"><img class=" size-full wp-image-29626 aligncenter" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FB_CoverRev2.jpg" alt="FB_CoverRev2" width="851" height="315" /></a></p>
<p>Many people in Ireland suffer from tinnitus and usually describe it as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise. It is surprisingly common, with around 18% of the population find that they can suffer from it at some stage in their lives. Having a quick <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">hearing test</a> in one of our 75 branches or clinics nationwide will help you determine if you have tinnitus. We can also check if you have a build up of earwax if you <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">book a free hearing test</a>. If you have a compacted ear full of earwax, it can lead you to suffer from ringing or buzzing noises similar to those symptoms of tinnitus. <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-free-ear-wax-removal" target="_blank">We offer free earwax removal for over 55s in selected clinics and branches nationwide.</a></p>
<p><strong>Noise Induced Hearing Loss &amp; Tinnitus</strong></p>
<p>A recent survey just done by Empathy Research on behalf of Hidden Hearing found that – Four in ten (42) have experienced ringing and buzzing in their ears and risk causing permanent damage to their ears. Tinnitus (ringing in ears) usually begins at 127 dB and can be an early indicator of hearing loss– Four in ten (42) have experienced ringing and buzzing in their ears and risk causing permanent damage to their ears. Tinnitus (ringing in ears) usually begins at 127 dB and can be an early indicator of hearing loss. Surprisingly Almost one in ten people aged 25-34 years would <strong>not </strong>be worried if they had permanent ringing or buzzing in their ears: demonstrating a clear lack of awareness of the damage and risks associated with sustained exposure to loud noise.</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with listening to music but keep the volume level at a safe decibel. When attending concerts and music gigs, just position yourself well away from loudspeakers &amp; this will reduce the chances of damage to your eardrums. Limiting your use of iPods, MP3s and other personal music devices, as well as lowering the volume, will also help reduce the impact of loud prolonged music that could lead to the development of Tinnitus.</p>
<p>Tinnitus can vary in severity and even though most people have a relatively mild form, it can have a big impact on their quality of life. Tinnitus is a physical condition. In other words, it is not something you imagine. There are a number of possible causes, but it is quite often associated with hearing loss.</p>
<p><strong>Things that could make tinnitus worse</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Stress and fatigue</li>
<li>Caffeine, tea, coffee, cola soft drinks, chocolate, alcohol, nicotine and some drugs</li>
<li>Listening to loud music</li>
<li>Working in noisey environments</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tinnitus &amp; Isolation</strong></p>
<p>Tinnitus can leave the sufferer feeling isolated and alone with their problem as other people cannot hear these sounds, or understand what it is like to live with day in and day out. This can often lead to the sufferer experiencing emotional stress such as frustration, fear and anger, as well as interfere with their sleep and general well being. Often it can lead a person to become withdrawn from social situations, and can trigger depression.  Stress is a major contributing factor towards making tinnitus symptoms worse, so sufferers can end up in a vicious circle.</p>
<p><strong>Tinnitus &amp; Earwax</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/signs-of-hearing-loss.png"><img class="  wp-image-29537 alignleft" src="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/components/com_wordpress/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/signs-of-hearing-loss.png" alt="signs-of-hearing-loss" width="212" height="180" /></a>The most obvious and simple way is to protect the ears from any type of damage. You ears have a natural self-cleaning process, so there is no need to insert things into the ear canal like cotton buds or Qtips to remove wax from the ears. Putting things like these objects into the ears can risk damaging the ear drum and can even make the build up of earwax greater by pushing it further down the ear and compacting it through pressure. Earwax, if it builds up enough in the ear can make you also think your hearing is depleting. We offer a FREE professional earwax removal service in selected branches &amp; clinics nationwide for over 55s.<a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-free-ear-wax-removal" target="_blank"> Just click here to book your earwax appointment.</a></p>
<p>To book a free hearing test to to talk to someone if your concerned about having Tinnitus, call 1800 882 884 or <a href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/contact-us/request-a-free-hearing-test" target="_blank">find your local clinic here.</a> Our expert audiologists can help you with your symptoms and recommend techniques and coping strategies to help you.</p>
<p><strong>Research Methodology</strong></p>
<p>Research was conducted by Empathy Research through an online survey across a nationally representative sample of 1,003 adults aged 18+. Quotas were placed on gender, age, social class and region with weighting applied to ensure final data was representative of these quotas. Fieldwork was conducted from 3<sup>rd</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup> February 2017 with a sample size of 1,003 results in a margin of error of +/- 3.2%</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog/world-tinnitus-day-hidden-hearing/">World Tinnitus Day &#8211; Hidden Hearing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/blog">The Hidden Hearing Blog</a>.</p>
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