You can still avail of assistance for funding the purchase of your hearing aid!

If you think you might have hearing loss and could benefit from a free hearing test with Hidden Hearing. You may be glad to know that at present there is a Government grant worth up to €1,000 that is available to most working and retired people who are hard of hearing.

The Department of Social Protection offers a Hearing Aid grant of up to €500 for one Hearing Aid or €1,000 for a pair of Hearing Aids. Hearing aids can be claimed once every 4 years. To check if your eligible for the grant please check the department of social protections website.We can also assist you within our branches with your application process.

The Department of Social Protection announced May 2017 that the Government Grants for the Medical Appliance benefit now apply to the self employed so ACT NOW before other potential changes come into place and take advantage of the Governments PRSI scheme before it’s too late.

Worth as much as €1,000 - Hearing loss is experienced by many people and some do not realise where to turn for help and advice, Hidden Hearing can explain what to do and what help is available.

Expert Advice - The 1st step is to find out how the system works and how it could help you, or someone close to you. Hidden Hearing have been helping people enjoy improved hearing for over 25 years and are acknowledged specialists.

Act now! Don’t Delay - Act now before more potential changes are made to the governments PRSI scheme. Most recently, the government have made the medical appliance benefit available to the self employed.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss may be caused by:

1. Exposure to loud noises. Noise induced hearing loss is particularly common amongst people who work in loud environments on a daily basis. Long-term exposure to loud noises in workplaces such as factories and construction sites is a major cause of hearing loss, but one off exposures to very loud noises such as music concerts and machinery can also cause permanent damage to hearing.
2. Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a condition that can affect hearing and balance, although severity can vary between individuals. Problem arise as fluid builds up in the cochlea, causing tinnitus, dizziness and sensitivity to loud noises.
3. Medications. Many prescription medicines can cause complications for the hearing organs, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. These problems are more likely to affect people with a family history of hearing loss, and you should always advise your doctor if this has been a problem in your family.
4. Head injuries. Physical damage to the head, which often results from trauma injuries, can lead to permanent damage to the hearing. The middle ear is delicate, and is subject to damage from injury or eardrum perforation, and damage to the temporal lobe may also cause significant problems. If you are keen on risky or extreme sports, such as rugby, horse riding or skiing, it is important to wear protective headgear to minimize your risk of injury.
5. Tumours. A tumour in the hearing organ can cause damage to this delicate area, and often results in symptoms such as ringing in the ears. Surgery may be an option in this circumstance, and this may resolve the hearing loss. Abnormal bony growths on the middle ear bones, known as otosclerosis, can also cause hearing loss and is also a problem that is treatable with surgery.
6. Presbycusis. This is the term given to age-related hearing loss, which results from the loss of hair cells in the ears. Hearing aids can help to overcome this problem, but it is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid further deterioration.

To book your free hearing test today in one of our 75 branches & clinics nationwide call 1800 882 884 or click here to fill out a short booking form on our website

The post Government Grants for the Hard of Hearing are now available for the Self Employed appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Step 1 – Ear Drop Application

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
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.

Top tip from our medical advisor, Dr. Nina Byrnes:
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 & sleep like that. The vaseline stops the oil soaking into the cotton wool & forces it down into the ear helping it soften the wax.
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.

Step 2 – Your Appointment, with the Flush Irrigation Method

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.

To book your free* earwax removal appointment call 1800 882 884 or click here & we will contact you back shortly.

 (*free to people over 55, €50 charge to people under 55)

Watch our Medical Advisor, Dr. Nina Byrnes talk about earwax below…

The post How to prepare for your earwax removal with Hidden Hearing appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

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 hearing test 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 book a free hearing test. 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. We offer free earwax removal for over 55s in selected clinics and branches nationwide.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss & Tinnitus

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 not 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.

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 & 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.

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.

Things that could make tinnitus worse

• Stress and fatigue
• Caffeine, tea, coffee, cola soft drinks, chocolate, alcohol, nicotine and some drugs
• Listening to loud music
• Working in noisey environments

Tinnitus & Isolation

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.

Tinnitus & Earwax

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 & clinics nationwide for over 55s. Just click here to book your earwax appointment.

To book a free hearing test to to talk to someone if your concerned about having Tinnitus, call 1800 882 884 or find your local clinic here. Our expert audiologists can help you with your symptoms and recommend techniques and coping strategies to help you.

Research Methodology

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^rd – 9^th February 2017 with a sample size of 1,003 results in a margin of error of +/- 3.2%

The post World Tinnitus Day – Hidden Hearing appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

If you notice any unexpected noises in your ears, or think you may be experiencing hearing loss of any kind, you should seek advice from your doctor or an expert audiologist as soon as possible. Here at Hidden Hearing, we know that a hearing test can be stressful, but we’re on hand to talk you through the process and make sure we find the best solutions for you.

What Is The Noise In My Ear?

1.    Buzzing. A buzzing or ringing sound in the ear is usually related to a buildup of ear wax, which can be itchy and cause hearing loss. The noise usually results from the wax touching the eardrum, creating pressure. This is a form of tinnitus, and it is easy to remedy with a simple and free earwax removal procedure. Contact us to find out when our free earwax removal clinics take place and to book your free appointment.

2.    Popping/cracking. If you have a cold, or allergies, or if you have large adenoids, you may experience Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. This is characterized by popping or crackling noises in the ear, and these are a result of the inflamed Eustachian tubes, which become sticky. You may notice these noises when you blow your nose, or when you yawn or swallow, and you may be advised to use steroid nasal sprays to help if the problem persists.

3.    Deep, low sound. One of the tiny muscles in your ear, known as the tensor tympani muscle, reacts to sudden noises and lowers the volume of these, protecting your delicate inner ear from being damaged. It also lowers the sound of your own voice, and the noise made when you chew food, to reduce these noises that are in such close proximity to your auditory processing system. Some people can make this muscle move deliberately, and this creates a low, rumbling sound. You may also notice this sound when you yawn.

4.    Pounding. Pulsatile tinnitus is the name given to the pounding sound inside the ears that usually results from a change in blood flow. This may be caused by exercising or pregnancy, as well as an overactive thyroid, and it is usually a normal reaction that matches your heartbeat. However, if it is causing frustration, and it happens frequently, you should seek medical advice.

Book A Free Hearing Test At Hidden Hearing

Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions is Hidden Hearing. We have a national network of over seventy-five branches and clinics, and our expert audiologists are friendly and committed to helping you to find the best hearing solution for you.

If you are concerned about your hearing, book a free hearing test with us and find out how we can help you. We have an excellent range of digital hearing aids available, including invisible hearing aids that are discreet and highly sensitive. Contact Hidden Hearing online today, or pop into your local branch.

The post Ear Noises: What Are They Telling You? appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

If left untouched, a build-up of dirt or  ear wax can block up the holes and tubes in your earpiece, leading to problems such as whistling, muffled sound and sometimes even no sound.
Wherever possible, then, it is a good idea to use clean hands to insert and remove hearing aids to prevent this. On top of that, washing the earmoulds of behind-the-ear devices thoroughly at least once a week in soapy water or with a specialist cleaning kit is also recommended. Ideally, this should be interspersed with a quick daily clean using a cleansing wipe.

A few things to remember before washing:

1. Be sure to detach the earpiece and tubing from the rest of the device – the hearing aid itself should only be wiped with a soft cloth or tissue to avoid water damage to the inner workings.
2. Think of your device as being rather like a watch: you want to clean the face and the straps, but not the mechanism – that part is best left to the specialists. Avoid using alcohol, solvents or any other cleaning solutions, as they can also potentially lead to unexpected faults and problems
3. Afterwards, allow the earmoulds to air dry thoroughly before re-assembling them. At this juncture, it is worth taking a minute to ensure that you put back the left and right earpieces correctly to avoid any problems with fit or comfort later on.

Some other handy maintenance tips:

1. Many people are not aware of this, but sticky substances such as makeup and hairspray can also create blockages in microphone openings, as well as affect the workings of control dials and switches. It is therefore always best to apply makeup and style your hair BEFORE inserting your hearing aids and be sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after using hand lotion or body care products for the same reason.
2. Moisture and heat are other common culprits that can affect the ability of hearing aids to function, so wherever possible, avoid storing your device in the bathroom or near a kettle, stove or radiator overnight to be on the safe side. It is also wise to leave battery storage containers open for a few hours after use so that any moisture that may have collected inside the case can evaporate.

That aside, it is also important to maintain good ear hygiene. If you are over 55 years of age, and experiencing excessive earwax production, you may want to consider making use of our free professional earwax removal service to help you keep on top of what can be a fairly common problem. For more information on our hearing aids, visit: https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/hearing-aids/types-of-hearing-aids

The post Cleaning and Caring For Your Hearing Aids appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

When is Ear wax a Problem?

If the ear wax produced is very hard or dry, it can cause blockages in the ears, and an excess of wax can also be produced after an infection or over a long period of time. A build up of ear wax can cause earache, hearing loss including tinnitus, itchiness, vertigo and recurring ear infections.

Safe Ear wax Removal:

You shouldn’t attempt to remove a build up of ear wax yourself, either with your fingers or with a cotton bud, as this can damage your ear and push the wax further into the ear canal. Remove ear wax safely, as follows:

•    When ear wax is only causing minor problems, you can try using eardrops, which are available from pharmacies. These are designed to soften the earwax to enable it to fall out by itself. Be aware, though, that eardrops can irritate the skin in some cases, and should never be used if you have a perforated eardrum.
•    Visit your GP if eardrops have not helped, or if the pain you are experiencing is severe. Your ears will be checked and you may be offered ear irrigation to clean out your ear canal.
•    If the problems are persistent, you may be referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of your nearest hospital for ear wax cleaning. Treatment is usually carried out using microsuction, where a small device is used to suck the earwax out of your ear, or aural toilet, where a narrow instrument with a small hoop on the end is used to clean the ear and remove the earwax.

If Ear Wax is a Persistent Problem

If you have a problem with the build up of ear wax, you are likely to experience it on a regular basis since some people are more prone to this than others. If this is the case, you may need frequent treatment for ear wax removal when it becomes a problem.

Some professionals recommend the use of ear drops on a regular basis if you are prone to earwax build up, as this can keep the wax softer and less likely to cause a blockage.

Get a Free Hearing Test at Hidden Hearing

You can have a free hearing test and talk about any hearing problems that you may be experiencing at Hidden Hearing, Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions. Our national network includes over sixty-five branches and clinics, so contact Hidden Hearing online today, or pop into your local branch.

The post How To Remove Ear Wax Safely appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

The answer to hearing loss isn’t always a hearing aid. In fact, it can sometimes be a lot simpler than that. A hearing test will determine the cause of your hearing problems, and how severe they are. If it’s determined you have sensorineural hearing loss, this is due to small hair-like cells in your inner ear becoming damaged. This is irreversible, and a hearing aid is the only option to help you with your hearing.

However, if it’s determined you gave conductive hearing loss, then it’s possible for your hearing to be completely resolved. Conductive hearing loss is caused by sounds being blocked from passing into your inner ear, and the blockage is usually in the form of excessive ear wax.

So how can this problem be resolved?

Ear irrigation is a simple process, in which warm water is inserted into the ear canal, in an effort to flush out the offending ear wax. This is a procedure where water at body temperature is injected into the ear by the irrigator, which controls the water pressure, to ensure that the ear can’t be damaged. Under the gentle force of the water, the earwax is softened, dislodged and the wax is carried out of the ear.

As well as being fully qualified, our Audiologists receive additional specialist training in both Ear Irrigation and ‘Dry Mopping’ (keeping the discharging ear dry) from Aston University Birmingham.

Check our earwax removal schedule and see when we will be at a Hidden Hearing branch near you. This is a FREE service for anyone over the age of 55 (for those under 55, the charge is €50). An appointment is necessary.

Apply here for your free earwax removal, and we will be in touch to schedule an appointment at your nearest Hidden Hearing branch.

The post Ear wax removal processes – What’s involved? appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Hidden Hearing Waterford marks 15^th birthday with hearing aids at year 2000 prices!

This week marks the 15th anniversary of Hidden Hearing, 3 Arundel Square, Waterford, who first opened its doors in August 2000 and has been proudly serving the people of Waterford since then.  From routine free hearing tests to free wax removal service, Hidden Hearing Waterford can provide all aspects of professional hearing healthcare & the finest of hearing aids around.

From Monday 10th of August to celebrate this occasion we will be offering hearing aids at year 2000 PRICES* for the month of August. This offer also includes a FREE PACKAGE WORTH OVER €2,500 which comprises of:

• Free Wax Removal
• Free Batteries
• Free Warranty
• Free 4 Year Aftercare
• Free Servicing

Speaking of the clinic’s milestone occasion, branch manager Bill Somers commented, ‘We are delighted to be celebrating our success over the last fifteen years and we would like to thank everyone for their support along the way. We have had a fantastic fifteen years with our customers, old and new. We are very much looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays to come here in Waterford’.

If you have any queries about hearing aids or are looking for general advise, drop in to us at Hidden Hearing, 3 Arundel Square, Waterford, or you if you would like to schedule a free consultation call us on 051 878 872

*Terms and conditions apply

The post Hearing Aids Reduced To Year 2000 Prices! appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Hearing Loss: Learn About Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

You know aging plays a role in hearing loss. And you’d expect that incessantly blasting music into your ear buds or spending your working years around loud machines might also damage your ears. Some other potential causes of hearing loss, however, may surprise you. Here’s a look at four of them, and the actions you can take to maintain good hearing throughout your life:

Ear infections.Though anyone can get them, they are particularly common among children. Mild hearing loss can come and go with an ear infection, but if it lingers more than a few weeks and becomes chronic, or fluid buildup in the middle ear is persistent, it may result in more significant hearing loss or cause permanent damage. Keep an eye out for symptoms in your little ones, such as complaining of ear pain (especially when lying down), tugging or pulling at an ear, fever, crying more or sleeping and eating less. See a physician immediately if you suspect your child has an infection.

Obesity. A new study has found that obese teens had greater hearing loss across all frequencies and were almost twice as likely to have one-sided, low-frequency hearing loss compared with their normal-weight peers. Scientists suspect that obesity-related inflammation may be a factor, and though more research is needed, the findings suggest a risk of early, and possibly ongoing, injury to the inner ear that could progress as obese teens become obese adults. It’s another reason to help your children maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight.

Smoking. In case you need another reason to quit: Earlier research has shown that smoking magnifies the threat of losing your hearing and that teenagers who are exposed to secondhand smoke nearly double their risk of hearing loss. Now researchers at New York University School of Medicine have found that teenagers are more likely to have hearing loss if their mothers smoked during pregnancy.

Medications. Women — particularly those under 50 — who took ibuprofen or acetaminophen two or more days a week were linked to an increased risk for hearing loss, according to research out of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. More than 200 other drugs — over-the-counter and prescription alike — also can damage hearing, sometimes permanently, says the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; they include certain types of antibiotics and chemotherapy treatments, aspirin (in large doses), anti-malarial drugs and certain diuretics used for heart and kidney problems. Work with your doctor to manage medications and monitor your hearing before and during treatment.

Regardless of age, it’s vitally important to get your hearing checked regularly. Hidden Hearing offer free hearing health checks to all with absolutely no obligation simple click on this link to apply for your free hearing test. You can also book a hearing test free of charge at any of Hidden Hearing’s 60 clinics nationwide. 

Source: usaweekend.com

The post Causes of Hearing Problems appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Hidden Hearing at 238 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge in Dublin 4 is offering free professional ear wax removal to persons over 60 years of age on 18^th and 31^st July and 14^th August.  Clients will also receive a free hearing screening to further diagnose or rule out any hearing issues.  The procedure is performed by a Hearing Care Professional who has received specialist training in both ear irrigation and dry mopping from Aston University in Birmingham.  Hidden Hearing is also offering the wax removal service to persons under 60 years of age at the special rate of €50.

Ear wax is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal and helps to keep ears healthy and prevent infection.  In most cases, ear wax works its way out of the ear on its own however, if it is blocking the ear canal and causing hearing loss it may need removing.  Hidden Hearing is now offering a free service to check the health of ears and identify excessive ear wax.

Speaking about the service, Hidden Hearing Marketing Manager, Dolores Madden said: “We are delighted to be offering this service to our customers in Ballsbrige as we see a lot of people in our clinics with ear wax build-up.  In many cases, an aural issue will not be hearing loss related, but simply a build-up of too much ear wax.  However, if left untreated excessive ear wax can cause hearing loss and interfere with a hearing test or the use of a hearing aid.  Until now the options have been expensive costing up to €60 but now Hidden Hearing offers a free solution for over 60s and a discounted rate for those under 60.”

Hidden Hearing offer a free ear wax removal service to persons over 60 years of age and at a special discounted rate of €50 for those under 60.  To book an appointment contact Hidden Hearing, 238 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on 01 218 0886. Check www.hiddenhearing.ie for further details.

The post FREE EAR WAX REMOVAL FOR OVER 60s appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.