It’s officially Autumn and what better time to fall into a world of better hearing and hear the sounds of Autumn?

Although we do love the Summer sun, Autumn is such a cosy season. It brings so many sounds that are just too good to miss!

Sounds we’re listening out for this Autumn

Autumn leaves

Watching the leaves change colour is not only a beautiful sight but also brings many sounds. Wrap up warm, get your boots on and head out for a walk. It won’t be long before you find a pile of crunchy leaves to rustle through.

Rainy Days 

Even on dreary days (and lets be honest, there’s a lot of them!) the sound of rain is one that we love to listen to. Whether it’s the relaxing white noise effect of a downpour or splashing around in puddles, rain brings so many sounds that are too good to miss.

Wind through the trees 

Not only does Autumn bring rain but it also brings wind and lots of it. We’ll be listening out for the sound of the wind whipping through the trees on Park Square, rustling the leaves and swaying the branches.

Birdsong 

Although Robins can be seen and heard throughout the year, they are easier to spot during the Autumn and Winter months and continue to sing to defend their winter territory. Fieldfares, Starlings and Sparrows are among some of the many birds that can be heard throughout Autumn and Winter. You can find more about autumn and Winter British garden birds here.

Halloween and Bonfire Night

Halloween and Bonfire Night are full of sounds not to be missed! Unless you don’t like trick or treaters or fireworks, then this one isn’t for you. There’s the sound of a crackling bonfire, crunching toffee apples, scary movies and the distant bangs, crackles and whistles of fireworks to name a few.

Do I need a hearing test?

If this is a question you’ve been asking yourself lately, then it’s worth arranging a hearing test. If you’re still unsure, check out our recent blog “Do I need a Hearing Test?“

If you’ve noticed a change in your hearing or are missing out on some of these Autumnal sounds, please get in touch to book a hearing assessment.

To book an appointment with us, please visit our contact page here.

The post Hear the Sounds of Autumn appeared first on Leeds Audiology Clinic.

*Warning – This post contains images of objects found in ears*

We’re in our ‘finding weird stuff in ears’ era and we love it. In the last week alone we’ve safely removed a grommet, t-tube and a headphone earbud from three separate clients ears. Each client came to us for an ear check and ear wax removal after struggling to hear.

Ear Wax Removal

Our ear wax removal service is really popular. Our ears naturally make wax to protect the ear and it usually falls out on its own. However, in some cases our ears can make a lot of wax which can become impacted. This can cause hearing loss, earache, tinnitus and dizziness and is generally quite unpleasant. Although it can be tempting to reach for the cotton buds or stick a finger in there, it’s really not a good idea. Poking around in there can push the ear wax further into your ear and towards your eardrum. We’ve seen and heard some horror stories, it’s not worth the risk trust us! The best thing to do is speak to your GP or an audiologist. We recommend using olive oil drops before paying us a visit to help soften the wax. 

More Than Just Wax..

Over the years we have removed a LOT of ear wax from our clients’ ears. Occasionally though we come across something else nestled in there amongst the wax. We like to document some of the more unusual finds. Is that weird? If you answered yes, then we suggest you look away. If, like us, you’re intrigued then take a gander through the photos below at our strangest finds!

Hearing Aid Domes 

This isn’t too shocking of a find for us, we’ve found a handful in various ears over the years. The hearing aid dome is the rubber tip that goes into your ear when wearing hearing aids. The domes come in various sizes and should be a comfortable fit in the ear. They can be removed easily for cleaning and, as they are quite small, can easily be misplaced. If one is lost it’s really important to check that it hasn’t got stuck in the ear. Losing a hearing aid dome in your ear is more common than you’d think and can happen when the dome is the wrong size or needs changing. 

Cotton Buds

I know we mentioned earlier about not using cotton buds but here’s another reminder anyway. Our poor client had been struggling with a wax blockage and tried to remove it with a cotton bud. Unfortunately the tip of the cotton bud had dislodged in the ear which caused significant hearing loss. Fortunately, we were able to safely remove this along with ear wax and restore our client’s hearing!

Homemade Swim Plug 

On this occasion we found a piece of silicone which had been fashioned into a DIY swimming plug. Our client was unsure what was causing their hearing loss and booked an appointment for wax removal. In one appointment our audiologist discovered and carefully removed the silicone and cleared the blockage, restoring our client’s hearing. 

Pencil Lead

One of our more recent finds was from the tip of a pencil! Again, another gentle reminder not to stick things in your ears if you can. Our client thought this must have been stuck in there for years. It was safely removed during a wax removal appointment and hearing was restored. 

Grommet

NOT to be confused with Gromit, the cheese loving cartoon. A grommet is a small tube (1.5-2mm in size) and its purpose is to drain fluid away and keep the eardrum open. Fluid behind the ear or ‘glue ear’ is common in young children and needs treating if it is causing problems with hearing or speech or causing lots of ear infections. The grommet usually falls out naturally once the ear is better. In this young client’s case the grommet had not naturally fallen out of the ear. During a routine ear wax removal appointment the old grommet came out of the ear canal along with the ear wax. (No 5p for reference here but it is TINY.) Since finding this grommet, we’ve safely removed half a dozen more!

T-Tube

A T-Tube A T-tube serves the same purpose as a grommet but, as you can see from the photo below, looks pretty different. It’s ‘T’ shape helps it to stay in place longer, sometimes for years. This client had felt that the t-tube had come out naturally and attended for wax removal. During the wax removal, we found that the t-tube was trapped behind a wax blockage and were able to safely remove it!

Blu Tac

We’ve saved the best (and most graphic – sorry if you’re squeamish) image until last. Our audiologist noticed a blue coloured mass when inspecting the ears before wax removal. The image was captured and cautiously the wax was removed. The mass was in fact a small lump of Blu Tac that was lodged in our client’s ear! It was safely removed and discarded (no photo was taken you’ll be pleased to know) and our client’s hearing was restored!  

Headphone Bud

A client attended recently for an ear wax removal appointment and nestled in amongst the wax was this! The client was unsure what it could be as they haven’t put anything in their ears for many years. We believe it could be the bud from a pair of headphones that has been in the ear canal for a number of years! 

We hope you found this as interesting as we did. Keep your eyes peeled for more strange finds!

That’s all for now, we hope you’ve enjoyed our strangest ear finds. Any future finds will be posted on our social media pages so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 

If you feel you have a blockage or just fancy a look in your ears, you can book an appointment with us here. 

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Do I need a hearing test? If you’ve been asking yourself this question lately then the answer is likely yes! Not sure? Answer the questions below to see if a hearing test is worthwhile.

Do you have problems hearing the TV or radio at a volume that is loud enough for others?

Are you over the age of 50?

Do you feel embarrassed when you meet new people because you struggle to hear? 

Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a busy restaurant or pub? 

Does your hearing affect you at work? 

Do you sometimes just nod and smile when talking to someone because you’re unable to clearly hear them?  

Is there a history of hearing loss in your family? 

Do you have tinnitus (ringing in your ears)? 

Does a hearing problem cause frustration and arguments with friends and family? 

Do you find you have to ask people to repeat themselves often?

If you answered yes to  3 or more of these questions, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested by an audiologist.

Hearing loss facts & figures

1 in 3 (over 18 million) adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus

Over half the population aged 55 or over have hearing loss

80% of the population aged over 70 have hearing loss

Around 1.2 million adults in the UK have hearing loss severe enough that they would not be able to hear conversational speech

On average, people wait 10 years after having a hearing test before doing something about it

What will a hearing test look like?

Arriving at LAC

At Leeds Audiology Clinic, our goal is to make you feel at ease the moment you walk through the door. Starting with a friendly face to greet you, you’ll be welcomed into our relaxing reception area. You’ll be offered a drink and some details will be taken to check you in.

Hearing Test

When your audiologist is ready, they will come through to reception to greet you before taking you through to one of our clinic rooms. Firstly, the audiologist will discuss why you have attended for a hearing test. They will ask about your hearing and health history and discuss your concerns. After this, they will check your ears to examine the health of your ear canals and ear drums. You will then be shown to the soundproof booth for your hearing test. A pair of headphones will be fitted and a series of sounds will be played at different pitches, one ear at a time. Every time you hear a sound, you press a button and it’s as simple as that. The test itself takes around 15-20 minutes. Once the test has finished, your audiologist will show you the results and advise on next steps.

Hearing Test Results

At Leeds Audiology Clinic, we don’t believe in pushy sales tactics. We’re a family business and want the best possible outcome for our clients. If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll give you as much information as possible. There are many options available and multiple price brackets, we also offer finance. We’re not tied to any specific manufacturers so there is plenty of choice across the industry.

Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are not only smaller but also come with advanced technology that enhances sound quality and user experience. They can help you hear better in noisy environments, reduce tinnitus, improve communication and connect to your phone to stream calls and music. Other features of modern hearing aids include 51 hours of battery life, fall detection, health monitoring and waterproof technology! To ensure that you make the best decision for you, we also offer a two-week trial. This means you can try the hearing in your day-to-day life before committing to buying them.

If you’re still debating whether to book an appointment to see an audiologist, RNID have a free 3-minute online hearing test that could help make up your mind. 

How do I book an appointment for a hearing test?

If your hearing has changed suddenly or you have any other symptoms such as pulsatile tinnitus, headaches or dizziness, we recommend contacting your GP.

If you would like to book an appointment with us at Leeds Audiology Clinic, you can contact us here.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Sources:

RNID Facts & Figures 

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Noise Induced Hearing Loss or NIHL is the expression used by audiologists and hearing specialists to describe hearing loss caused by loud sounds. The cochlea (hearing organ) is delicate and exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Exposure to loud noise is the second biggest cause of hearing loss.

NIHL can happen immediately but sometimes it can be years after exposure to notice the effects of it. Change in hearing due to loud noises can be temporary or permanent and it can affect one or both ears.

What causes Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise Induced Hearing Loss is caused by being exposed to loud sounds. It can be caused from one single loud sound or over time by repeated exposure to loud sounds. Sound is measured in decibels (dB) which reflects the loudness of sound.

Examples of sounds measures in decibels are:
0dB: The quietest sound a healthy human ear can hear
40dB: A quiet library
60dB: An ordinary spoken conversation
85dB: A food blender
91dB: A pneumatic drill
100dB: A nightclub
110dB: A live gig or concert
130dB: An aeroplane taking off 100m away
130dB is usually the level of noise that causes pain for people. To find out more about NIHL, you can visit RNID here.

We can often be exposed to loud noises without realising the impact it is having on our hearing. Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds over 85dB can cause hearing loss.

Noisy situations that can cause NIHL include:
– Being in a noisy workplace
– Listening to loud music
– Loud bursts of sound like gunshots or explosions
– Being exposed to noisy machinery such as lawnmowers, power tools, blenders

What signs or symptoms should I look out for?

Hearing loss from noise exposure can happen suddenly or over time, depending on the nature of the noise exposure. As it can be a gradual loss, it may be difficult to notice at first or easy to explain away.
Things to look out for with NIHL include:
– Sounds becoming distorted or muffled
– Struggling to follow a conversation, particularly if there is background noise
– Having to turn the TV up more than others in your household
– Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or whistling in your ears)

How can I prevent NIHL, is it possible?

Yes, this type of hearing loss is the only hearing loss that is preventable. Be aware of the risks of noise and learn how to practice good hearing health to protect your ears from damage.
Some tips to protect your hearing include:
– Knowing which noises cause damage
– Being alert to hazardous noises in your work and home environment
– Use earplugs or other hearing protection during noisy activities (gigs, using power tools, at work etc.) You can check out one of our previous blogs, “Should I Wear Earplugs?” for more information on hearing protection!
– Have a hearing test every couple of years

If you’re concerned about your hearing, please get in touch to speak to one of our audiologists or book an appointment.  

Sources:

RNID – NIHL
NIDCD – NIHL

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We had the pleasure of joining the Leeds Rotary Club on Friday 1st August, Yorkshire Day of all days! With the help of James Cooney from Starkey, we discussed hearing health and new hearing aid technology with Rotary Club members at Weetwood Hall.

What is the Rotary Club?

The Rotary Club began in Chicago on 23rd of February 1905 by Paul Harris. The aim was to give professionals with diverse backgrounds a place to exchange ideas and form lifelong, meaningful friendships. Following it’s popularity and success, more clubs were created in cities across America. The first club outside of America was established in Dublin in 1911. Due to the expansion of Rotary clubs across the world, in 1922 their name was changed to Rotary International. By 1925, Rotary had grown to 200 clubs across the world with more than 20,000 members.

Today, Rotary has more than 45,000 clubs and a network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders and problem-solvers. According to their website, their mission is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders”.

The Leeds Rotary Club was established on 17th of February 1916 and is one of the longest-serving clubs in the UK. You can find out more about Rotary International and your local Rotary Club here.

Hearing Health Presentation

We are very grateful to James Cooney, from leading hearing aid manufacturer Starkey, for assisting us. He supported us with a thoughtful presentation on hearing health and new technology. The presentation included facts and figures surrounding hearing health, a brief history of Starkey and its trailblazing technology.

Facts & Figures

It takes an individual, on average, ten years from learning they have a hearing loss to do something about it. In the UK over 18 million people have hearing loss or tinnitus and 1.2 million adults have earing loss severe enough that they wouldn’t be able to hear conversational speech.

Starkey

“We are dedicated to delivering the best hearing experience possible — through the innovation of our products and the passion of our people.” James talked a little about Starkey and it’s founders. Bill Austin, who is now in his sixth decade in the industry, and his wife Tani Austin and a brief history of the company.

Starkey Foundation

The Starkey Hearing Foundation’s mission is to give the gift of hearing to those in need, empowering them to reach their potential. In the past 40 years, the Foundation has helped over 1.5million people around the globe thanks to Bill and Tani Austin and many generous donors.

New Hearing Technology

Listening is a complex process that a normal-hearing brain handles effortlessly. However, that breaks down when we have hearing loss. Edge AI’s cutting-edge technology mimics the brain’s auditory cortex to help fix this broken process. It classifies complex soundscapes, enhances speech, and reduces noise in real-time.

Starkey Edge AI Features

30% better speech identification
On-demand sound optimisation
Up to 51 hours battery life
Waterproof up to 1 metre
Fall detection
Translation
Apple watch controls
Improved Bluetooth connectivity for streaming calls, music and more

Thank you to Leeds Rotary Club Members

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Leeds Rotary Club members. Firstly, for making us feel so welcome and looking after us so well. And secondly for their generous donations to Starkey Cares. By donating their old and unused hearing aids, members have given the gift of hearing to those less fortunate. Donated hearing aids are cleaned, refurbished and salvaged for parts before being given to those in need.

If you would like any information on the latest hearing technology or would like to book a hearing test, please get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0113 8800 190 or by sending an email to hello@leedsaudiologyclinic.co.uk. You can also contact us through our website here.

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Ey up, it’s Yorkshire Day! We’re chuffed to bits to have been born and bred in Yorkshire. But what’s all the fuss about God’s Own Country?

Why is Yorkshire Day celebrated on 1st August?

There are a number of reasons why it’s celebrated on 1st of August. Commemorating the Battle of Minden of 1759 which is the origin of the White Rose of Yorkshire. According to the story, the British ‘Minden’ Regiment advanced into battle with white roses tucked into their hats and they successfully repelled the attacks of the French cavalry. On the 1st of August, the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 was passed and Yorkshire MP William Wilberforce was a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.

You can find out more about Yorkshire Day here.

What is Yorkshire famous for?

Yorkshire is the largest county in the United Kingdom and is known for it beautiful countryside and coastal towns. But there’s so much more that we’re known for!

The Yorkshire Accent

The Yorkshire accent is distinctive and something we’re proud of as a county. Our dialect has been prominent in British culture for years. From Wuthering Heights to Monty Python sketches and Game of Thrones. Not from Yorkshire? You can give the accent a go here!

Entertainment

Yorkshire has a thriving entertainment industry with Leeds often serving as a thriving filming hub. The likes of Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax are filmed and set in Yorkshire. Pudsey Bear was named after the town of Pudsey in Leeds and Harry Crobett, the creator of The Sooty Show was from the Yorkshire town of Shipley. We’re sometimes lucky enough to have film crews out on Park Square. So far we have had multiple episodes of Emmerdale and Gentleman Jack filmed outside and we’ve had Annette Benning and Bill Nighy filming here too!

Literature

The Bronte Family were born in the village of Thornton and later associated with the village of Haworth. The literary family were responsible for the classic novels Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights among many others. The stunning Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby helped inspire Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s also widely believed that a carving of a rabbit housed in Mary’s Church, Beverley is the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland’s White Rabbit.

Food & Drink

It’s safe to say that we’re known for our food and drink in Yorkshire. For example, the classic Yorkshire Pudding, you can’t have a Sunday roast without them. Yorkshire is also famous for Liquorice Allsorts, Rhubarb, Henderson’s Relish and Terry’s Chocolate Orange to name a few. Now a major British multinational retailer, Marks and Spencer originated in Leeds Kirkgate Market in 1884. We also have Yorkshire to thank for sparkling water! Joseph Priestley, from Birstall, invented sparkling water by accident when he suspended a bowl of water above a beer vat at a brewery in Leeds. And we can’t mention brewery’s without giving a nod to Yorkshire beer. Tetley’s Brewery was founded in 1822 in Hunslet, Leeds. Although the plant closed in 2011, the former Tetley Brewery Offices have ben taken over by another Yorkshire Brewery powerhouse, Kirkstall Brewery.

Famous Folk

We have a whole host of famous folk born and bred in Yorkshire. We could spend all day listing them, but a few notable figures include Guy Fawkes, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sean Bean, David Hockney, Michael Palin, Mel B and the Arctic Monkeys to name just a few. Yorkshire was also home to the tallest man ever recorded in Britain!

Innovation

Yorkshire has a long and proud history of innovation. Stainless steel was invented by Harry Brearley in Sheffield in 1913. We also have Matthew Murray to thank for designing and building the first commercially viable steam locomotive, the Salamanca in 1812, right here in Yorkshire. Yorkshireman Sir George Cayley, nicknamed “The Father of Aviation”, developed the world’s first manned, fixed-wing glider in 1853 and is one of the most important people in the history of aeronautics. You can read more about him here. Cat’s eyes, the reflective road studs, were invented in Halifax in 1934 by Percy Shaw.

Landscape

We’re so lucky to have so many beautiful places to visit in Yorkshire. From the bustling historical wonders of York and Whitby, to the sprawling countryside of the Three Peaks and the Yorkshire Dales, there are so many places to explore. Some of our favourite places to visit in Yorkshire are Hebden Bridge, Ribblehead Viaduct, Bolton Abbey and Flamborough Head.

To keep up with what we’re up to, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

And don’t forget, if you’d like to book an appointment with us, you can contact us here.

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Have you ever been on a flight and felt pain and discomfort during take off or landing? You might have hastily been giving chewing gum to chew or a boiled sweet to suck and felt better for it. Well, this pain and discomfort is very common and is usually nothing to be worried about. Often referred to as airplane ear, it’s technical name is ear barotrauma.

What causes ear barotrauma?

It’s caused by water or air pressure that changes faster than your body is able to adapt. Usually during a flight or while diving. Our ears contain Eustachian tubes that connect the nose and throat to the middle ear. They’re also responsible for balancing ear pressure. If the tubes become blocked, it can affect the way ear pressure is managed and cause pain, discomfort and in extreme cases a perforated eardrum.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• A feeling of fullness, pressure or discomfort in the ear
• Muffled sound or difficulty hearing
• Ear pain
• Ringing in the ear (Tinnitus)
• Dizziness

Who is most at risk of being affected by ear barotrauma?

This condition can affect anyone but people with narrow eustachian tubes are at higher risk, this includes children. Other frisk actors to be aware of include:

• Hay fever/allergies
• Common cold
• Sinus infection
• Middle ear infection
• Ear wax blockage

Is it possible to prevent it?

Tips to help prevent ear barotrauma include:

• Drinking water or swallowing
• Chewing gum or sucking a boiled sweet
• Yawning regularly to keep the eustachian tubes open
• Trying the Valsalva manoeuvre which involves pinching your nose and gently blowing to ‘pop’ your ears
• Wearing earplugs designed for flying
• Antihistamines or decongestants may help with allergies and colds

Can this permanently damage hearing?

In very extreme cases it is possible. However, ear barotrauma usually clears up on its own within an hour of symptoms starting. In more severe cases, ear barotrauma can result in a ruptured eardrum which can take a few weeks to heal. If you’re experiencing issues with your ears a couple of days after a flight, it’s best to seek advice from your GP or an audiologist.

If you’re planning to fly, have been experiencing issues with your ears, or are worried about ear barotrauma then it’s a good idea to have an ear check with your GP or local audiologist. To book an appointment with us, you can contact us here.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

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You might not believe it, but this is a question we’ve been asked before. It might have something to do with our clinic dog Juno and her presence in reception. We often get chatting to customers about dogs and the question of whether we’d be able to test a dogs ears has come up. Sadly, no, our audiology equipment isn’t dog friendly. But we do regularly check Juno’s hearing by saying some of her favourite words. A good way to test whether she’s ignoring us or is struggling to hear is by whispering ‘chicken’, ‘walkies’ or ‘pub’ at different volumes and pitches to see if she reacts. So far, we always get the classic head tilt in response so her hearing is selective.

Why do dogs lose their hearing?

Our canine companions, just like us, can lose their hearing for a number of reasons. Some reasons why a dog might lose their hearing include:

Congenital Deafness: Some dogs are born deaf due to genetic factors. This has been reported in over 100 dog breeds. It’s especially common in dogs such as Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Boston Terriers.

Age-related hearing loss: Like us, dogs hearing can deteriorate as they get older. Nerve degeneration in the ears can lead to gradual hearing loss which can make it difficult to identify.

Noise trauma: Hunting or military dogs exposed often to loud sounds such as gunfire or noisy machinery are at risk of losing their hearing. Their hearing loss may initially go unnoticed due to the gradual decline of hearing.

Infections or injury: Similarly to humans; chronic ear infections, trauma to the head or persistent exposure to loud noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Medications and toxins: exposure to heavy metals or certain chemicals, including some medications with ototoxic side effects, can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.

Signs your dog may be deaf

Recognising deafness in dogs can be tricky, especially if it develops gradually. Dogs are highly perceptive and often rely on other senses such as smell and vision to compensate for their lack of hearing. Some common signs that your dog may be deaf include:

Failure to respond to familiar commands or their name

Not reacting to loud noises such as doorbells, clapping, vacuum cleaners etc. 

Startling easily when approached from behind 

Excessive barking

Unresponsive to squeaky toys or other sound-related cues 

The importance of hearing tests for dogs

Diagnosing hearing loss is not only important for confirming your suspicions but also for tailoring your dog’s training and environment to their needs. Early detection can help prevent frustration—for both you and your dog—and enable you to develop effective communication strategies. If hearing loss is caused by an underlying medical issue, early diagnosis may allow for treatment or management.

At-home hearing test for dogs

Although getting a professional hearing test from a vet is recommended, there are a couple of ways you can check your dogs hearing at home first.

You can stand behind your dog when they’re not looking at you and make a sound (clap your hands, jingle keys, squeak a toy, say their favorite word). If your dog responds, they may be able to hear certain frequencies or volumes.

You can also observe your dog’s response to everyday sounds—do they notice when food is poured into their bowl or when you open a bag of treats? If you’ve noticed a change in their listening behaviour, it may be worth contacting your vet for advice.

BAER hearing test for dogs

For a definitive diagnosis, professional hearing tests are essential. The gold standard for canine hearing assessment is the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test. The BAER is a non-invasive test that usually takes around 10-15 minutes per ear. Small electrodes are placed on the dog’s head, and headphones deliver a series of clicks or tones into each ear separately. The electrodes record electrical activity in the brainstem in response to these sounds. The test determines whether the brain is registering the sounds. The results are immediate, like a human hearing test, and the vet will determine the level of hearing loss.

Living with a deaf dog: tips for pet owners

Learn non-verbal commands: Replace verbal commands with visual cues such as hand signals and facial expressions. Consistency is key so using the same signals for the same behaviours is crucial.

Keep them safe: Always supervise dogs when out on walks, around unfamiliar people or in new situations as they won’t hear approaching dangers.

Positive Reinforcement: Deaf dogs respond well to treats, praise, and gentle touches.

Practice patience and consistency: It may take time for your dog to learn new commands and adapt to their new lifestyle. Stay positive, and maintain a consistent training routine to help your dog feel secure and confident.

Get professional advise: If you’re unsure how to proceed or have concerns about your deaf dog’s health, don’t hesitate to get professional advice. Your vet can offer valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Discovering that your dog is deaf can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your connection and learn new ways of communication. Modern hearing tests like the BAER provide clarity and peace of mind, helping you understand your dog’s needs and capabilities. With patience, creativity, and lots of affection, deaf dogs can lead happy, adventurous lives by your side.

Whether you’re a breeder, a new puppy parent, or someone caring for an aging companion, being informed about hearing tests and deafness will ensure that your dog gets the best possible care—and that you both enjoy many wonderful years together.

If you’d like to book a human hearing test, you can contact us here. And don’t forget, while the clinic rooms are not safe for dogs, your four-legged friends are always welcome in our reception area.

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Yes! If you swim regularly, swim in open water or get lots of ear infections then swim plugs are something to consider. If you don’t swim or dunk your head under the water on holiday, then this post may not be for you!

Why should I wear swim plugs? 

Decrease the risk of ear infections

Commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear, otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear canal. It’s often brought on by water trapped in the ear. This moisture causes bacteria to grow leading to infection. Symptoms include itching, redness in the ear canal, fluid coming from the ear, pain, muffled hearing, feeling of fullness and fever.

Reduce discomfort

Some people find it annoying or painful to have water trapped in their ear. It can take up to a couple of days to drain away and in the meantime can affect hearing.

Protect grommets

It’s recommended to keep the ears dry for a couple of weeks after the operation while the eardrum heals around the grommet. The hole in the grommet is very small so it’s unlikely that water will pass through with regular swimming. However, the pressure of diving under water could allow water through so swim plugs are recommended for this.

Sensitive ears

Some people’s ears are more sensitive than others. While water in the ear may not be an issue for most, for others it can cause dizziness and a feeling of imbalance. This can be really uncomfortable and, although it may not last long, can make life difficult. The added protection of ear plugs can reduce this risk.

Reduce noise

Some earplugs can help to reduce noise, making for a more relaxing swim in a busy pool or leisure centre.

Which earplugs should I buy?

Custom or standard fit?

Custom products are often more expensive and can take up to three weeks to be made. If you’re a regular swimmer or suffer from frequent ear infections, then investing in a pair of custom swim plugs may be worth it. The plugs are usually a solid silicone and are made from an impression of your ear. This means they’re a tight fit and will stop as much water coming in as possible. In our clinic, a pair of custom swim plugs (including impressions) will cost £110.

Standard fit products are a much cheaper alternative. The fit will not be as tight as a custom product so there is still a chance of water getting in. But they’re a better option than going without if you struggle with your ears. We offer a range of Alpine earplugs, including the swim plugs, at £12 per pair.

There are so many options out there for standard fit earplugs. Zoe Griffin of the Independent has tried out some of the leading brands in standard ear plugs. And, her personal favourite, are the Alpine swim plugs which we stock in clinic! You can read more about how she tried and tested each product here. She’s done the hard work, so you don’t have to!

If you have any questions about swim plugs, you can get in touch with us here.

The post Swim plugs. Are they worth it? appeared first on Leeds Audiology Clinic.

Earlier this year, while we were closed over the Christmas break, we decided to revamp our reception area.

We’ve been making gradual improvements to the clinic over the years but hadn’t redecorated since our opening in 2018! So, we spent a week painting and sprucing to bring the clinic up to date.

The Reception Revamp

We started by adding dado rail on the bottom half of the reception area to give the effect of wall panelling. This is in keeping with the Georgian building and although it was only a subtle change, it looks great! We left the DIY work to Andrew and started thinking about paint. As the ceilings are so high, we could afford to go a bit darker on the walls..

Look at those neat lines! We didn’t realise how high the ceilings were until we were up on the ladders painting. Above the dado was painted dark grey and below a charcoal. Subtle, but enough to make a difference and give the luxury feel that we were going for. As the walls were much darker, we softly backlit our LAC sign to make sure that it stood out. 

We added more comfy seating to the reception area so clients can wait in comfort for their appointment. We also added some extra lighting to brighten up the space!

Through the partition glass in the reception area is the office space. This originally had one desk on the right hand side but with our additional workload we added a second desk opposite. The partition glass lets plenty of natural light through the sash windows into the reception area and gives us the space to work separately but still be on hand if we’re needed. This little spot is where Juno spends her time when she’s at LAC!

Clinic Rooms

The clinic rooms were revamped in 2022 but we don’t want to leave them out! We added some shelving and updated the art work during our reception revamp to keep things looking fresh but more importantly to keep the space practical.

What services do we offer?

Our services at LAC include:

Ear wax removal (both irrigation and microsuction)
Hearing tests
Hearing aid trials
Custom hearing protection
Custom in-ear monitors
and more!

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us here. Unsure about what an appointment at LAC might look like and whether you’d like to book? Check out our previous blog where clinic dog Juno demonstrates what your appointment might look like!

To keep up to date with any changes in the clinic, you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

The post Reception Revamp appeared first on Leeds Audiology Clinic.