Hearing care

Hearing aids can take some getting used to. Beyond adapting to the day-to-day experience of wearing them, it is also important to establish a routine for proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure they perform well and last as long as possible. If you are unsure where to start, here are some helpful pointers to guide you in cleaning your hearing aids correctly. Before you clean your hearing aid, you must first identify what type of device you have, be it a behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) or an in-the-ear (ITE) style. Cleaning BTE hearing aids With BTE hearing aids, both the mould and the tube should be cleaned regularly – not the hearing aid device itself. To clean the ear mould and tube, simply detach the tubing and mould from the hearing aid device (the part that sits behind the ear). Put the hearing aid device in a dry, safe place whilst you clean the mould and tubing. Once removed, soak the mould and tubing in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly under clean water to remove any sop residue. Wipe dry with a cloth or tissue, and then leave them to dry out overnight completely before using them again. An air puffer tool can help remove excess moisture from within the tubing if required. To keep the hearing aid in good working order, the tubing should be replaced approximately every 3 months. Your hearing care professional can do this for you, or they may teach you how to do it and provide a provision of new tubing for you to complete as recommended. TOP TIP: Do not blow through the tubing as your breath is moist, so it will simply add moisture back into the tubing. Cleaning RIC and ITE hearing aids RIC and ITE hearing aids differ from BTE devices and should never be cleaned with liquids as their components and entirely electronic. A dry cloth and cleaning brush can used instead of water, and they will usually come with cleaning tools, replacement wax filter systems, and domes (if applicable).  Replace your wax filters and domes (if applicable) routinely to keep your hearing aid in good working order. Your hearing care provider can show you how to do this. TOP TOP: If your RIC or ITE devices suddenly stop working, and you have ensured the batteries are new or fully charged, a wax blockage has likely occurred. Change the wax filter system and dome (if you have one), this will most likely fix the issue. When to seek advice It is essential that you clean your hearing aid regularly, daily if possible, and change the tubing when required (tubing should be changed at least every 6 months on BTE models). Failure to do so could result in a blockage, which can lead to a deterioration in sound quality and hearing aid performance. Ear moulds can also discolour over time, especially if they are not kept clean. If you begin to notice a strong odour from your mould, have it checked by your Leightons audiologist as this may be an indicator of ear infection. If you are unsure about any aspect of hearing aid maintenance, be sure to contact a specialist for guidance. At Leightons our experts and audiologists are at the cutting edge of modern treatments for all aspects of ear health. Get in touch on 0800 40 20 20 for specialist ear and eye care advice, book an appointment online or visit your local branch.

With autumn here, it’s “back to school” for many of your local clubs and societies that may have taken a short break over the summer months. It’s likely that you will be socialising more, whether it’s attending local meetings, picking up your favourite hobbies and sports again or simply enjoying dinners or parties with friends and family. However, if you suffer from hearing loss, some of these activities can be difficult. Struggling to hear what people are saying around you can be disorienting, overwhelming, and tiring - taking the enjoyment out of many activities. A busy environment with lots of background noise, such as a room at a party, can be particularly problematic. Fortunately, with the right set of modern hearing aids, you can navigate diverse listening environments with greater ease and confidence. Social butterfly More than 11 million people in the UK are living with hearing loss – that’s 1 in 6 of us. Action on Hearing Loss further estimates that this figure will go up to 15.6 million by 2035. Research has shown that hearing loss affects your quality of life, leading to feelings of isolation, social withdrawal and at times depression. People with hearing loss tend to avoid social situations, especially those where the background noise levels prevent them from hearing well. This includes attending parties, going to the pub, and even speaking on the phone. The use of hearing aids can significantly enhance a person's quality of life by improving speech understanding, reducing listening effort, and easing communication in social settings. Thus leading to a more active and socially engaging life, as well as contributing to improved emotional wellbeing. Hearing aid users are also less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and due to improvements in cognitive function, are even less likely to develop dementia compared to those who leave a hearing loss untreated. Types of hearing aids Today's advanced digital hearing aids are making the most of AI and Bluetooth technologies. They are more powerful, connectivity friendly, and more discreet than ever. Models such as the Oticon Intent range, Oticon Zeal, as well as Starkey's Omega AI range, are packed with exceptional technology to make it automatically easier for you to listen to what you want to hear, even in some noisier environments. There are several types of hearing aids available on the market. Your audiologist will help you choose what device is best suited to you, your hearing loss, and your lifestyle. Hearing aid styles include: Completely in the Canal (CIC) hearing aids are very small and almost invisible. These are custom made and sit deep inside the ear canal. They are most suited to people with mild to moderate hearing losses and sufficient ear canal space. Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) also known as Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids provide a discreet rechargeable option. The microphones and processor are housed behind the ear, connected to an extremely thin wire to the speaker which is worn comfortably in the ear canal. These devices provide the most natural sound quality and clarity, and are suitable for people with mild to profound hearing losses. Due to their comfort, sound quality and ability to accomodate most hearing losses, they are usually the most popular choice. Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are more powerful usually suited for those in need of considerate amplification. The electronics are all housed behind the ear making these devices slightly larger, with a hollow tube leading the amplified sound into the ear canal. Even if you only have a mild hearing loss, hearing aids can be significantly helpful in helping you navigate daily life and the challenges of social situations, enabling you to make the most of your activities, and keeping you living your life to the full! Pop by for a visit Find your local Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care store and book in for a FREE hearing test now. This can also include a hearing aid demonstration to help showcase the difference a hearing aid can make to those with a hearing loss. We pride ourselves as experts in world leading digital hearing aid technologies from a range of specialist manufacturers including Oticon, Starkey, Phonak, Widex and more. For more information or to book a FREE hearing test, call us on 0800 40 20 20 or visit your local branch. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.