TALKING POINTS Issue 2
INSIDE
Holistic hearing health Communicating for success Digital Eye Strain and much more...
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP
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elcome to the second edition of Talking Points; Our magazine that brings you the latest news, expert analysis and tips from our team. We hope you enjoy this edition and we look forward to seeing you in practice again soon.
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message FROM
DAVID & KATE
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e are delighted to present the second edition of Talking Points, our joint magazine with The Hearing Care Partnership.
With our shared values of patient-centred care, we are proud to provide the highest quality of care and clinical excellence to everyone who walks through the door. Our hearing services include free hearing assessments, the latest in digital hearing aid technology, ear wax removal and much more.
We take care of both yours ears and your eyes, so we’ve also included an in-depth look into the causes and symptoms of a very common eye condition, Digital Eye Strain. Plus, we’ve included some guidance on myopia management to help look after young eyes too.
In this issue, we have explored the communication network and how to manage communicating in a range of settings. We have also examined the impact untreated hearing loss can have on an individual’s social life and included some health tips to keep you and your hearing healthy.
We hope you enjoy this edition, and we look forward to seeing you in practice again soon.
David Bull
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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e all want to grow old gracefully (or disgracefully). Whatever your style, you want to keep your hearing in peak condition. Here’s our must-read guide to maintaining the best possible hearing as we age.
The health of your hearing, like your eyesight, is linked to your general health and wellbeing. Having a hearing assessment should be treated in just the same way as having an eye test or a check-up at the dentist. The earlier we begin to look after our ears, the better your chances of keeping your hearing healthy as you get older. There’s one thing that should never hold you back: your hearing.
The social side
The statistics speak for themselves, 42% of people over 50 suffer from hearing loss, rising to 70% by the age of 70. Our hearing sensitivity changes slowly over time, making it easy to miss the tell-tale signs: turning up the TV, missing words in conversations, and often a reluctance to take part in social events.
It’s all too easy for anyone with hearing loss to stop taking part in social gatherings. The enjoyment is lost if you can’t hear what’s being said. But when you relinquish all social activities, you run the risk of a much darker cloud: loneliness.
“ It’s never been more important to get your hearing tested” Hearing loss can slip under the radar. Increasingly, it’s others around you who notice your hearing loss before you do. Take heed of what your loved ones are telling you. If they suspect your hearing is getting worse, don’t dismiss them – book a FREE hearing assessment. 4 THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
Missing a snippet of conversation here and there might not seem like a problem at first, but we’re all social animals. We like to be around other people, whether we’re discussing current affairs or guessing whodunnit in an onscreen murder mystery.
Social isolation carries a real health warning. It’s not just a case of missing gatherings or yoga, real loneliness has the same health impact as smoking four cigarettes a day. People living with hearing loss are between two and five times more likely to suffer from depression, depending on the intensity of their hearing loss. Hearing has now been identified as the most significant modifiable risk factor for dementia (The Lancet, 2017), ahead of hypertension, obesity and lack of exercise. It’s never been more important to get your hearing tested.
Get some exercise… You don’t have to be giving Mo Farah a run for his money to be healthy. A little exercise goes a long way, as long as it’s regular. Your ears, like most other body parts, will benefit from improved blood flow.
The best thing to do is start by making small changes to your diet, this makes sticking to your new plan more realistic.
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking
between 6 and 8 glasses of water a day
Light exercise such as yoga and pilates can work wonders for both your physical and mental health. Introducing exercise at any time of life can place you on a positive health trajectory.
• Making time to exercise is really
…and eat your greens!
• Remember your 5-a-day, whether
There are said to be three main factors influencing healthy ageing; staying active, eating healthily and participating in activities that make you feel positive. In an era of eat this, don’t eat that, it can be confusing to know if you’re on the right track, but eating a balanced diet does have a positive effect on your overall health. Registered Dietitian, Helen Bond, recognises how tough it can be to decide what types of food are best for your body: “There's no one type of food that can provide all the nutrients a body needs – so it's important that we eat a wide range of foods. We should be eating more plant-based foods: fruit, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and starchy, fibre-rich foods taking centre stage in our diets, and eating less sugary, salty, fatty and processed foods.”
important
it’s fruit or veg
• Where possible, choose wholegrain versions of carbohydrates
• Lower fat, unsweetened dairy products (or dairy alternatives) are best
• Try to include a protein-rich food in each meal (fish, eggs, chickpeas, etc.)
• Limit foods which are high in saturated fats and refined sugars, such as crisps, takeaways and sugary soft drinks
She acknowledges how a balanced diet is the key to getting the most from our bodies: “It’s good for every part of the body including our brain, eyes, ears, heart, bones and skin, and is linked with protecting us against a wide range of diseases.”
BOOK A FREE HEARING ASSESSMENT Simply call us on 0800 52 00 546 or request an appointment online at www.thcp.co.uk
Helen Bond is a freelance State Registered Dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. She has 20 years' experience working in the NHS, in PR, within the media and across the food and pharmaceutical industries.
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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Dealing with DIGITAL EYE STRAIN F rom our phones to monitors at work, we’re addicted to digital screens. But how much damage is it really doing to our eyes? We take a look at a condition known as DES – digital eye strain.
Most of us spend an alarming amount of time in front of a screen. Whether you’re a spreadsheet warrior in the office or catching up on Netflix at home, the chances are your eyes are working overtime. As a result, you’re at risk of developing ‘digital eye strain’. But what exactly is this condition? Digital eye strain (DES) is a temporary change in visual function and comfort caused by prolonged focusing on a digital device. It’s similar to other repetitive stress injuries caused by carrying out the same activity over and over again without taking breaks.
A single plane of focus is to blame
When you use a digital device, your eyes constantly move across the screen, shifting from the keyboard to the screen and focusing on the display. However, all of these tasks are at a fixed close-range distance. They also cause us to blink less often.
Maintaining a fixed close distance for long periods of time can stress the ciliary muscles in your eyes, leading to DES. Most people who work with screens regularly experience some form of eye trouble. It’s important to emphasise that looking at screens isn’t a problem in itself (although the blue light most screens produce has been shown to suppress or delay the natural production of sleep-inducing hormone melatonin)1. It's looking at a fixed distance and position that causes the strain.
1
Lisa A. Ostrin. Kaleb S. Abbott. Hope M. Queener. Attenuation of short wavelengths alters sleep and the ipRGC pupil response. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 2017; 37 (4):440 DOI: 10.1111/opportunity.12385
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What are the symptoms?
Combating DES
If you have DES you might experience a range of other symptoms. Some of the most common include:
When you’re deep into the fifth season of the latest transatlantic TV sensation, the thought of taking a break from the nerve-shredding tension may seem impossible. But, if you can manage to haul yourself away from the screen, your eyes will thank you.
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Headaches
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Dry or watery eyes
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Redness in the eyes
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Double vision
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Vertigo or dizziness
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Blurred vision
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Tired eyes
There’s a simple rule to remember: 20-20-20. After 20 minutes of screen viewing (the same goes for TV or computer screens), take a 20-second break and look at something around 20-feet away. This quick optical exercise will keep your eye muscles fighting fit and protect both your vision and your viewing pleasure. And don’t forget to blink too!
Beware of the goggle box Of course, it’s not only tablets and mobile phones that are to blame. Most of us think nothing of coming home and relaxing in front of our favourite films, but the television can also be a plight to the eyes. The number one mistake we make is sitting too close to the telly. We don’t want to miss any on-screen action, but thanks to ever-growing TV screen sizes and high definition quality we don’t need to sit pupil-to-pixel. Remember, if you’re seeking to prevent eye strain, space is your friend. For a 40-inch TV, position yourself around 6-9 feet (approx. 2-3m) from your screen. A 50-inch display will allow you to move slightly further back, to 7-11 feet (approx. 2-3.5m). Be pragmatic though – if you find yourself squinting at a distant screen, or you feel you’re so close your eyes are straining, adjust your spacing accordingly.
It’s also important to keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is vital for overall optical health (and our general health), as is eating a balanced diet. Even the most strenuous of box-set binging sessions requires rest and recuperation. Your eyes need time to recover, so getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep is highlty recommended.
“ There's a simple rule to remember: 20–20–20” ¨ 20 minutes' viewing ¨ 20 second break ¨ 20 feet away
§
TALK TO US If you think you might be struggling with Digital Eye Strain, get in touch with your optometrist today.
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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8 THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS Momentum / Mod. 5529, Shape EP in 4510 Silver/Pacific Blue & Momentum / Mod. 5529, Shape HD in 6520 Rose Gold/Highland Grey
HOW LONG DO HEARING AIDS LAST? Hearing aids can do more than just help you overcome a hearing loss. They can help you beat loneliness and even ward off dementia. But they’re also a major financial investment, so it’s good to know how long they’ll be expected to last. The lifespan of a hearing aid can be anything from three to seven years. Of course, this largely depends on the type of hearing aid you’ve been fitted with, the environment that you’re exposed to, its build quality, and how it works with your lifestyle.
Our top tips to help you conserve battery life: • Double check the hearing aid is turned off when not in use. • Leave the batteries exposed overnight so any moisture can evaporate. • Be aware that smartphone or TV streaming functions can wear down batteries faster than normal.
If you’re a fan of a tiny in-the-ear hearing aid, you can expect to get around four to five years of use. You may get an extra year or two from a behind-the-ear aid, but it’s also important to consider your changing hearing abilities during that time.
Hearing aid battery life As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the battery, the shorter the lifespan. Based on normal use over a 16-hour day, a battery can last from 5 to 14 days, with a replacement being relatively simple to complete. Some hearing aids, such as the Oticon Opn, use rechargeable batteries. The hearing aid sits on a small stand on your bedside table while you sleep and is fully charged and ready to go the next morning. And if you forget to charge it, you can simply drop in a standard non- rechargeable battery.
GREAT RESULTS WITH NEW HEARING AIDS Latest reports1 show that people with hearing aids: Are more than 85% satisfied with their • new hearing aids.
Wear their hearing aids for more •
than 8 hours as the sound is natural.
Are less fatigued in group conversations. • Participate more easily in group settings. • 1
Ehima, 2017
TALK TO US If you would like to discuss the hearing aids you currently wear or book a FREE hearing assessment then call us on 0800 52 00 546. THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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We need to start thinking about our whole communication network… Everyone needs to be part of a social network – real or digital – from our close family and friends to those we speak to less often but still play a critical role in our lives: doctors, hairdressers, shop keepers and many more. These different circles of people form the structure of our lives, allowing us to grow and develop in good health and happiness. After all, where would the joy in life be without the emotional foundation our personal relationships give us to take on everyday challenges? If you have hearing loss, your communication partner plays a vital role in your life. They’re often the first to spot a hearing problem and are likely to be the ones encouraging you to seek medical help. They are also generally the first to adapt their communication style to keep the conversation going. After you, they’re also the most affected by your hearing loss. Their perspective really matters. You need to be sure they’re involved in your treatment or hearing rehabilitation and any related decision-making.
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Managing communication in a variety of settings can be challenging If you develop hearing loss, the way in which you manage and keep up these relationships can be slightly different – and sometimes more challenging. Communication is key to maintaining healthy family relationships and friendships, and this becomes easier when you hear better. That is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) describes hearing loss as a ‘third-party disability’: the spouse or significant other also experiences more difficulty participating in social situations. You probably have a natural ‘communication partner’ in your life, usually your spouse or other very close family member or friend. Hearing loss can have a real impact on both of you, where repetition causes frustration, fatigue and a loss of those spontaneous, tender moments like sharing a joke or a whispered secret. This is one of the lesser known effects of hearing loss – but it’s important to acknowledge the impact it can have on both of you as you will both be working harder to have the conversation.
Chatting among friends
What you can do
Group conversations can also become more complicated. You can often struggle to hear every word when there are a number of people talking at once, or if there’s loud background noise.
If you experience hearing loss, or you are in a relationship with someone who does, there are some things you can do to make your situation, and theirs, easier.
In these scenarios your communication partner may instinctively and helpfully act as your ‘ear piece’, doing the listening and taking on more of the communication responsibility; for example, by getting the conversation back on track if a misunderstanding takes place.
“Loss of those spontaneous, tender, moments... like sharing a joke or a whispered secret.” Helping out to stay involved in conversation is a natural instinct but requires effort and can lead to fatigue. The WHO identifies the social impact of hearing loss as one of its most prominent consequences, explaining that exclusion from communication can cause feelings of loneliness, isolation and frustration. And this applies to the communication partner as well as the person with the hearing loss.
Did you know, people who bring partners with them: • Enjoy appointments more. Are more confident with technology • and communication at home. Experience enhanced quality • of life.
• Empathise. Acknowledge the effort you both make to ensure positive conversation and appreciate the opportunity for this to actually deepen rather than damage your relationship. • Identify the positive steps that promote easy conversation which work for you. • I nvolve your communication partner. Bring them along, provide them with the opportunity to describe their point of view and discover ways to enjoy conversation more together. • S eek advice, both of you. It’s also an idea to talk to your audiologist about how to have easier conversations (yes, there are tips and tricks that can make things that little bit easier). If you have hearing loss, make sure you consider your significant other and put them at the centre of the treatment process. It can make a real positive difference to your relationship, and to living a fulfilling life with hearing loss.
TALK TO US Request a FREE Hearing Assessment with our audiologist by calling 0800 52 00 546 or by visiting www.thcp.co.uk
THE HEARING CARE PARTNERSHIP | TALKING POINTS
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O
ne in three people in the UK are short sighted (myopic). It often starts in childhood, but could a revolutionary new contact lens help slow the progress of myopia?
Myopia, or short sightedness, usually begins in childhood. It’s a common condition and rarely more serious than a simple inconvenience, but it’s also on the rise. In fact it’s increased in just 25 years, with the prevalence rising from 20% to 40% in the western world1. By 2050, half of the world’s population will be myopic. So why is it becoming more common? Scientists believe part of the reason is lifestyle- related: we’re all spending more time indoors in poorly lit rooms, glued to computer screens or reading books. Is your child or grandchild sitting very close to the TV or complaining of headaches or tired eyes, or are they constantly rubbing their eyes? These could be signs of myopia. Myopia usually starts to develop in children between the ages of 6 and 13, starting with mild short sightedness and gradually progressing to more noticeable levels as they get older. Medical guidance recommends children spend more time outside, in order to help reduce the chances of developing myopia. But with indoor distractions like games consoles, iPads and TVs, it’s not always easy getting the kids outside into the open air.
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What can I do about myopia?
Contact lenses for children
Glasses or contact lenses are the best way to help reduce short- sightedness caused by myopia, but until now there’s been no way to help slow its progress in children. Lens specialist CooperVision has done just that by developing MiSight®, the first UK-licensed soft myopia management contact lens.
Although you might not immediately think contact lenses and children are a natural fit, there isn’t a limit on who can wear contact lenses. We regularly see great results from young people fitted with contact lenses. What’s more, children who enjoy sports find contact lenses to be a safe and highly effective alternative to glasses.
It might seem like a long name, but these intuitive lenses are proven to slow the progression of myopia – to ‘manage’ myopia – for most children.
Interestingly, the eye size and ocular physiology of a two- year-old are already similar to that of an adult. This means there’s no real difference in fitting young children with contact lenses compared to teenagers or adults2. In fact, some studies have shown that children who wear contact lenses have an improved quality of life and self-esteem.
Improving eyesight with MiSight® CooperVision, a US company founded in 1980, developed these innovative contact lenses using ActivControl™ technology. This delivers clear vision while also helping to slow the rate of myopia progression. MiSight® is a daily disposable lens as opposed to a lens replaced every 2-4 weeks, and can also help reduce the occurrence of eye infections and symptoms related to allergies. While myopia is rarely a concern in itself, it can lead to more serious eye complaints later in life. These include glaucoma, retinal holes and tears and central retinal degeneration (maculopathy).
Your optician will show you and your child how to correctly fit the contact lenses, and once you’re happy with the process, MiSight® can be safely worn for 14 hours per day, 7 days a week. You’ll find they fit the same way as any other soft disposable lens and the technique is easy to master.
1
https://www.popsci.com/nearly-5-billion-people-will-be-nearsighted-by-2050
2
https://coopervision.com.my/contact-lenses/misight/contact-lenses-children
Say hello to contact lenses If you would like to learn more about Myopia or the MiSight® contact lenses we have available then please call us in practice to speak to our optometrists or visit our website.
Meet THE audiologist
Cathryn Brett RHAD MSHAA
Cathryn qualified as a Hearing Aid Audiologist at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Since then she has built up a wealth of valuable experience in the private sector.
“ I'm passionate about providing the best possible solutions
and support for those with hearing loss. Working at The Hearing Care Partnership means I have time to spend with each patient, not only enabling me to carry out thorough clinical testing, but also to match the most suitable state of the art hearing systems in line with lifestyle and personal preferences. I also have the time and freedom to ensure it doesn’t stop there — I’m able to provide ongoing care and support, which is essential to ensuring that each patient has a personal and tailor-made aftercare service, which will continue to improve their quality of life.” Outside work, Cathryn enjoys antique and vintage fairs, gardening and country walks with her dog.
To celebrate our partnership we are offering 10% off * any hearing aid purchases when you bring this advert in to your FREE hearing assessment
* Valid for 2019 and first purchase only
At The Hearing Care Partnership, our care doesn’t stop after your consultation. We’re here when you need us, so if you need some advice or want to talk something over, we’re here to listen. For total peace of mind, we provide a 60 day 100% money back guarantee, and all our digital hearing aids come with 3-5 year warranties, free servicing and maintenance, and free batteries for 3-5 years. We understand that hearing aids can be a big investment. To help you spread the cost, ask about our Hear Now, Pay Later plans.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE • Free Hearing Assessments
• Tinnitus Management
• Hearing Aid MOTs
• Hear Now, Pay Later
• Lifetime Aftercare
• Ear Wax Removal from £40
The Hearing Care Partnership David Bull Optometrists 41 High Street Burnham-on-Sea TA8 1PB 01278 588 404
0800 52 00 546 www.thcp.co.uk
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