Don’t miss out on the delightful sounds of springtime – it’s high time we all talked openly about hearing loss and how we can manage it.

Spring is here, and with it comes the best that nature has to offer. From the lyrical voice of the song thrush to the gentle sound of the breeze rustling through the blossoming trees and shrubs, it’s all too easy to miss out on the subtle sounds of nature if you’re experiencing hearing loss.

That’s why this year we want to throw the spotlight on the importance of regular hearing tests – they’re just as important as regular hearing tests.

Our ‘Sounds of Spring’ campaign is here to get people talking about their hearing and listening out for the sounds they might be missing. From delicate birdsong to bees buzzing around a lavender bush, we want everyone to appreciate the sounds of spring.

What is the medical definition of hearing loss?

The most common form of hearing loss is called presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. Presbycusis is linked to ageing, but lifestyle factors can make a difference. As you probably know, prolonged exposure to loud noises (above 85 decibels) isn’t good for your hearing health.

Presbycusis is caused by the auditory system’s natural ageing process, so it happens very gradually – and this makes it difficult to spot. High pitched sounds such as birdsong can disappear without you even realising.

It’s this long-term, gradual deterioration that makes regular assessments so important. Just like your regular dental check-ups or eye tests, any changes – however small – need to be measured and tracked over time.

Hearing loss is very common, so you’re not alone. One in six of the UK (11 million people) has some form of hearing loss. But what are the risk factors? Figures from UK charity Action on Hearing Loss show that age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is the single biggest cause of hearing loss in the UK. If affects 42% of people over the age of 50 and 71% of people over the age of 70.

Rediscover birdsong once more

Do you struggle to hear quiet birdsong or have difficulty having a conversation in a noisy environment? Book in a free hearing test with us and you might find that hearing aids are the best treatment – and they’re more advanced today than they’ve ever been before.

Leading hearing aid manufacturer Oticon makes discreet, easily rechargeable devices. It’s proven to make listening to sounds and conversation easier on the brain, and in noisy environments it’s just as effective as normal hearing.

It’s time to spring into action

If you or a loved one think you’re experiencing hearing loss book in for a free hearing assessment at your nearest Leightons branch today. You can book online or call us on 0800 40 20 20.

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The perfect couple: Your hearing aid and smartphone
The perfect couple: Your hearing aid and smartphone
Every day, everywhere you go, you carry around a hi-def camera, a TV, a radio, a computer, an entire library, and a telephone, all at once. Yes – your smartphone is an incredible feat of technology. If you suffer from hearing loss, a smartphone combined with a hearing aid can transform your world. Maybe you’ve started to turn up the radio in the car, or you’re now relying on subtitles to enjoy your favourite TV programme. Hearing aids are smarter than ever before. Hearing aids that are even better with a smartphone Oticon Opn The world’s first internet-connected hearing aid – so you won’t be surprised to learn that it connects to your smartphone. Read more about the Oticon Opn. ReSound LiNX2 ReSound created the first ‘Made for iPhone’ hearing aid, so they know what they’re talking about when it comes to smartphone connectivity. Read more about the ReSound LiNX2. Mobile connectivity So why all the fuss about linking your hearing aid to a smartphone? Let’s take Oticon Opn hearing aids as an example: Oticon ON app lets you access a world of entertainment at the touch of a button. You can stream audio from one compatible device directly into your ear, at the volume that’s right for you. From TV to radio and even in the car, you have control. And it lets you adjust settings without having to faff about with fiddly buttons and switches on your hearing aid. Hearing aids for iPhone and Android Not having an iPhone doesn’t mean you’re missing out on the era of mobile connectivity either. There are many other devices on the market, including Phonak’s Audeo B-Direct, which are compatible with Android smartphones like Samsung’s Galaxy series. How hearing aids and smartphones talk to each other Perhaps the only technology to be named after a Norse king, Bluetooth is a form of wireless connection – think of it like a short-range, less energy intensive version of Wi-Fi. Hearing aids with Bluetooth can connect to your smartphone and other personal devices. This is because it creates a personalised listening experience. The audio can be streamed straight to your ears and can match the personal settings of your hearing aids. And if you’re a music buff you can transform your hearing aids into your very own wireless earphones. You can even decide whether you want to stream audio to just one hearing aid or both. Hearing care If you’d like more information on the type of hearing aid that’s right for you, or you’d like to book a free hearing assessment, then talk to our friendly team of Leightons experts on 0800 40 20 20. You can also pop into your nearest Leightons branch or book an appointment online.
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