Today marks the annual World Hearing Day, the global initiative established in 2007 to raise awareness for preventing hearing loss and promoting rehabilitation.
Our team explores why this annual day of awareness is so important and why it is relevant to the population of the Isle of Man. We share insightful tips on how to identify hearing impairments, particularly as we become older, and how to locate local experts and providers in the community who can help.
The annual day of awareness, World Hearing Day, is on March 3, and people across the globe are being encouraged to think about ways that they can protect, treat and care for their hearing.
Hearing loss is largely age-related, affecting more than 50 per cent of people aged 55 or over, and rising to nearly 80 per cent for those over 70.
The first signs of hearing loss can include needing the television to be louder, finding it difficult to hear when talking on the phone, struggling to hear people talking in a crowd, or feeling like you have to concentrate more on hearing what people are saying.
If you’ve noticed signs of hearing loss in yourself, the first step is to talk to a healthcare professional, who will be able to test your hearing and can advise you as to the best treatments for you.
Locally, there are plenty of healthcare professionals who can make sure that you are getting the hearing care that you need, from screening checks, to preventative measures and investigating causes of hearing loss.
The acronym ‘HEARING’ can be a useful tool in making sure that you are thoroughly caring for your hearing health.
Hearing screening and intervention
Get your hearing checked at regular intervals, especially if you have noticed signs of hearing loss. Early identification of hearing loss can prevent you from losing more of your hearing with early treatments.
Ear disease prevention and management
Even if you have not noticed signs of hearing loss, if you have any problems with your ears - including pain or discharge - be sure to consult a healthcare professional, as ear problems can lead to hearing loss.
Access to technologies
Technologies such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and middle ear implants can benefit the majority of those with hearing loss. Ask an expert whether a hearing aid could work for you.
Rehabilitation services
Services that can be easily accessed, such as speech and language therapy, use of sign language and lip reading, can make a big difference.
Improved communication
Sign language interpretation; and captioning services to facilitate participation of people with hearing loss in all activities.
Noise reduction
Protect your hearing by keeping music and television at a safe volume, and by wearing earplugs or headphones in high-volume environments.
Greater community engagement
Engage in your community - odds are that there are people around you who are experiencing the same things that you are, and they may be able to recommend services that they have benefited from.
If you have questions or concerns about your hearing, get in touch with a hearing health professional.
Local Hearing Specialists and Support
A number of local hearing specialists around the island offer a range of support to people suffering from hearing conditions or interested in learning more about hearing solutions and support available across the Isle of Man.
From Douglas to Onchan, the Isle of Man is serviced by specialists offering sophisticated hearing care and expert hands-on support.
This includes Island Hearing, IOM Hearing Solutions, Precision Ear Care, Isle Hear, and Manx Ear Microcare. Get in touch with quality hearing care providers below.
Island Hearing, in Port Erin, was launched in 2009 and is jointly owned by Tim, a trusted dispenser with more than 26 years of experience, and his wife Rachel, who is Manx and was born in Port Erin. The company prides itself on providing highly advanced hearing solutions to the Islands' hard of hearing, underpinned by a commitment to ethical and transparent hearing aid dispensing.
IOM Hearing Solutions, based in Onchan, is an independent award-winning hearing clinic that always puts you and your hearing needs first, run by Guy, who has been taking care of his patients’ hearing for more than 20 years. The company’s expertise is offering you the very best way to protect and take care of your natural hearing, with all consultations, rehabilitation and after-care being free of charge.
Isle Hear Care, in Ramsey, specialises in safe, evidence-based, and mobile ear health services across the Isle of Man: including ear wax removal, ear impressions and custom ear moulds. Clients benefit from the skill of a Registered Nurse and Advanced Clinical Practitioner, with no non-clinical providers.
Manx Ear Microcare, in Douglas, is run by former Enrolled Nurse Lisa, who has years of experience in healthcare and community roles. Lisa conducts ear health checks using video otoscopy and safe wax removal (microsuction or irrigation). She offers mobile visits across the Isle of Man, with Tuesdays in clinic at Elite Therapy, Douglas.
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