SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Most people make regular check-ups to visit their dentist, have their eyes tested or see their local GP for routine health screenings.

But did you know, getting your hearing looked at is just as important and that untreated hearing loss can be directly linked to conditions like short-term memory loss, depression or even dementia?

There is also a significant link to loss of balance and falls which is a major risk as we age.

According to figures from UK charity Action on Hearing Loss, there are 11 million people (one in six individuals) with hearing problems across the UK while experts estimate that figure will climb to 15.6 million by 2035 (one in five people).

“Many people mistakenly believe that hearing aids are only required when hearing loss is advanced, however, the reality is that the sooner any hearing loss is addressed, the better the long-term outcome will be,” commented Kate Protheroe of Regain Hearing, a family-run, independent practice based in Broadstairs and Eltham.

“Wearing ear protection if you work in or pursue a hobby in a noisy environment is also very important”.

Kate adds: “We never recommend simply buying a hearing aid, which are available from a number of places. The skill is in the tuning; you cannot simply buy aids and pop them in your ears and expect to hear.”

“Here, at Regain Hearing, for example, we offer free after-care service to all our patients for the life of the hearing aids and regular check-ups by our qualified Audiologists to ensure the aids continued maximum benefit."

“This is really crucial as no one's hearing remains static; it’s a moving target and periodic readjustment and re-tuning is essential. For this reason, we have long established relationships with our patients, many of whom have been with us since our beginnings in 2010.”

Regain Hearing's Consultant Audiologist Lindsay Fletcher says research has confirmed that there is an established link between untreated hearing loss and dementia.

“The brain will rewire and utilise parts of the brain which should be dealing with short term memories to process information when the auditory messages are impaired.

“The results of this lead to memory loss, impaired balance and dementia in addition to social isolation, loneliness and depression.

“The good news, however, is that hearing loss is generally treatable and when addressed will prevent further deterioration. Treatment options, like the ones we offer at Regain Hearing, are varied to suit a wide range of technologies and budgets.

“We recognise that people are individuals and we take the time and effort to ensure that we find individual solutions for each of them. Wearing the right hearing aids can be such a positive and life enhancing experience.”

There are five common signs of hearing loss and people should book an appointment if they experience any of these symptoms:

• Family, friends of neighbours commenting that the TV or radio is too loud
• Not recognising faint sounds before you register them visually
• Missing speech in an environment with background noise such as a restaurant, busy street or social gathering
• Getting the wrong end of the stick or simply not being able to follow a conversation when more than one person is talking
• Asking people to repeat themselves or instructions frequently

"We have invested a great deal into our practice to ensure the best diagnostic equipment, consultation rooms and facilities are available,” adds Principal Audiologist and Tinnitus Specialist Lee Fletcher.

“Our patients are assured of a warm welcome by our friendly team of staff.”

Regain Hearing offer free hearing tests, free tinnitus consultations and microsuction wax removal by appointment.

For more information, visit the official website by clicking here or call 01843 210581 (for Broadstairs) or 0208 859 6630 (for Eltham).