NEWS & VIEWS

The hardest part of hidden hearing loss isn’t just missing words. It’s the mental effort your brain spends guessing them. That constant strain can leave you drained after social events. If your social life in Stanmore is starting to feel tiring instead of fun, a simple hearing test might explain why — and make things easier. We often blame hearing changes on getting older. But that’s risky. Your hearing affects your brain and your everyday life. A thorough test in Stanmore isn’t just about volume. It’s about protecting your mind and staying connected with the people and world around you. The Hidden Costs of Waiting Many adults think, “I hear okay most of the time, I’ll wait.” But waiting comes with real consequences that go beyond asking people to repeat themselves. Cognitive Overload Every sound your ear picks up has to be processed by your brain. If some sounds are missing—usually high-pitched consonants—the brain works harder to fill the gaps. It’s like reading a book with every fifth word missing. Exhausting, right? Regular hearing checks in Stanmore reduce that load and help preserve your mental energy. Social Retreat When listening becomes tiring, conversations feel like work. Naturally, you start avoiding them. You might skip the local pub quiz or turn down dinner invitations. Over time, this social withdrawal can harm your happiness and health. The Baseline Problem Without a professional test, you don’t know what “normal” is for your hearing. A test gives you a baseline. Later, if your hearing changes, the audiologist can quickly track it and intervene. It’s important personal health data. How Lifestyle Impacts Your Hearing Hearing isn’t just about age, it’s also shaped by daily habits and surroundings. Things like loud music, noisy streets, or constant exposure to loud machinery will wear your hearing down over time. Even short bursts of loud noise can add up if they happen often. The first step in ear protection is recognising that the ears need protection in the first place. This means lowering the volume of your headphones, using ear protection at concerts or when using power tools, and giving your ears quiet breaks after noisy environments. Over time, these small changes make a big difference. If your audiologist knows the kinds of noise you deal with every day, they can give advice that actually fits your life. Getting your hearing checked regularly, especially if you spend time in loud places, helps catch small changes early—before they start sapping your energy. Hearing Tests Are Easy, Not Scary

If you rely on a hearing aid, wax buildup isn't just irritating. It can completely stop your device from working properly and even cause that annoying feedback or whistling sound. For anyone in Stanmore using amplification, consistent wax management is a critical part of maintaining clear sound. A sudden, unexplained reduction in aid performance, or a total loss of power, should immediately prompt a professional ear check. Here's the thing: ear wax, or cerumen if we're getting technical, is actually vital for cleaning and protecting your ear canal. But when it accumulates, it becomes a barrier, and for hearing aid users especially, that blockage can render an expensive device useless. You don't have to keep struggling with muffled sound or an aid that's constantly whistling. Getting safe, professional ear wax removal in Stanmore is one of the quickest ways to restore both your hearing clarity and your device's performance. Why You Shouldn’t Try the DIY Route Let's address the elephant in the room: cotton buds. Honestly, most professionals will tell you these are the worst culprits for creating impacted ear wax. You might feel like you’re cleaning your ear, but what you’re really doing is pushing most of the wax deeper towards your eardrum. It’s like trying to sweep sand off a rug with a tiny brush—you just compact it into the fibres. Over time, that compacted wax hardens. That's when you start feeling the pressure, the muffled hearing and the potential pain. If you use hearing aids, compacted wax can make them sit improperly, blocking the sound outlet or interfering with the microphone. Don’t rely on drops or cotton buds — safe removal needs a trained eye and the right equipment. Micro-Suction: The Modern, Safe Approach

Too much ear wax doesn’t just block sound. It makes the brain work harder to keep up. That constant effort can take a toll on focus and memory. Researchers have even found that untreated hearing loss is tied to a greater risk of dementia. One review that looked at 17 studies showed the link clearly. This is why ear care matters. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about keeping your brain in good shape for the future. How Hearing and Brain Function Are Connected

Ear wax isn’t a bad thing; in fact, it protects your ears. But when it builds up too much, it can cause problems. People often notice muffled hearing, dizziness, or even a full “blocked” sensation that doesn’t go away. A 2020 study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that dizziness and reduced hearing were the most common complaints in patients with impacted ear wax. The study also noted that community clinics (such as local hearing centres) play a vital role in making ear care accessible, avoiding long waits for hospital treatment. So, if you’re in Ealing and struggling with blocked ears, microsuction is one of the safest and quickest ways to get relief. But what actually happens when you book? Let’s walk through it step by step. What Exactly Is Microsuction? Microsuction is a method of clearing wax from the ear canal using a tiny suction device. It’s done under direct vision with a microscope, so the specialist can see exactly what’s happening inside your ear. If you’ve ever had syringing before (where water is pushed into the ear), you’ll know it can feel a bit messy. Microsuction is different: no water, no flushing — just careful, precise removal. That’s why many hearing-care professionals now recommend it over older methods. Why So Many People Choose Microsuction in Ealing More people in Ealing are choosing microsuction because it works — and quickly. A study of 159 patients found that microsuction successfully cleared wax in 91% of cases. There can be mild side effects. Around 55% of patients reported dizziness, temporary reduced hearing, or that sounds were unusually loud during the procedure; however, most of these effects were short-lived. Importantly, using softening drops before treatment made the experience more comfortable for many people. What makes it appealing for people in Ealing is the balance of safety and convenience. Because no water is used, the risk of infection is lower, and appointments are usually completed in under 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a lunch break or busy schedule. Getting Ready for Your Appointment The great thing about microsuction is that it doesn’t need much preparation. In most cases, you can simply book and attend your appointment. Sometimes, your audiologist might suggest using olive oil drops for a few days to soften the wax, but it isn’t always necessary. A couple of tips before you go: Bring along any details about past ear problems or surgery. Take your hearing aids with you if you use them so they can be checked once the wax is removed. And most importantly, don’t worry. The process is very easy, and most people are surprised at how quick it feels. Your audiologist won’t just dive in; they’ll explain each step so you’re comfortable. What Happens During the Appointment

When was the last time you had your hearing checked? If you’re like most people, the answer is either never or a very long time ago. We’re good at booking regular eye tests, keeping up with dental check-ups, even tracking blood pressure. But hearing? That often slips to the bottom of the list. Part of the problem is that hearing changes usually sneak up on you. You don’t wake up one morning unable to hear. It’s slower, subtler. The TV creeps up a notch. You catch yourself asking “pardon?” more often. In a noisy café, you might laugh along even though you miss half the conversation. Little by little, those changes add up and before long, friends or family are pointing it out. That’s exactly why hearing tests in Stanmore matter. One quick, painless check can pick up changes before you even realize they’re there. Why Hearing Tests Matter Hearing loss doesn’t just mean “turning the volume up.” It touches everything. Suddenly conversations in a busy café feel like hard work. Nights out or family dinners leave you more drained than they used to. Some people even start avoiding those situations altogether, just to make life easier. And here’s something many people don’t realize: your brain is involved in hearing just as much as your ears are. When your ears miss part of a word, your brain scrambles to fill in the gaps. Do that all day, every day, and it’s exhausting. Over years, that constant strain can affect memory and has even been linked to dementia. Lucky for you, you don’t have to wait until it gets to that point. What to Expect at a Hearing Test

Earwax doesn’t get much credit. Most of the time, you don’t think about it at all until it causes trouble. But this sticky little substance is more than just an annoyance. It’s a built-in security guard for your ear, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they reach deeper parts of the ear. Usually, it takes care of itself and works its way out naturally when you chew or talk. But sometimes, that system stalls. Instead of working its way out, earwax can sometimes build up inside. When this happens, many people mistake these symptoms for something else, such as age-related hearing changes, a lingering sinus problem, or just “one of those things” you live with. But being able to spot these symptoms early can save you from a lot of discomfort and, in some cases, prevent more serious issues. 6 Common Symptoms of Earwax Build-up If you’ve ever wondered whether that odd feeling in your ear is worth checking, here are the most likely signs you’re dealing with more than just a little wax. 1. Muffled or Reduced Hearing When wax blocks the ear canal, it stops sound waves from getting to your eardrum. Imagine trying to listen to music with a thick scarf wrapped around your ears; the sound is there, but it’s just dulled. Unlike age-related hearing loss, which creeps in slowly, a wax blockage can happen overnight. And the best part? Once it’s cleared, your hearing usually snaps back to normal instantly. 2. Earache or Odd Discomfort Not every earache means an infection. Hardened wax pressing against the walls of the ear canal can be surprisingly uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s a dull ache that comes and goes. Other times it’s sharper, especially after a swim or shower when water gets trapped behind the blockage. If the pain is constant or severe, don’t just put up with it. Earwax might be the issue, but infections and other conditions can cause similar pain, and those need treatment too. 3. That Itch You Can’t Scratch We all get the occasional itch inside our ear. But if you feel like you’re constantly reaching for a cotton bud, something’s off. Wax that’s dried out or stuck can irritate the sensitive skin in your ear canal, triggering the itch. Here’s the kicker: using a cotton bud might feel like a relief, but it usually pushes the wax deeper. That makes the problem worse, not better.

Ever feel like conversations are getting harder to follow even in quiet places? You’re not alone. Many people don’t realise their hearing has changed until it starts affecting daily life. What’s often missed, though, is how hard your brain and body are working behind the scenes just to keep up. In this post, we will look at how untreated hearing loss affects more than just your ears and why a quick hearing test in Stanmore could make a real difference.

Did you know that about 2.3 million people in the UK need earwax removal treatment every year? Yet, since 2019, nearly 10 million people in England can no longer access free NHS earwax removal services. Without access to treatment, many people turn to risky self-removal methods at home. This can lead to further problems, like ear infections or damage to the ear canal. The government says GPs can still refer patients to specialists if hearing loss is involved but, in many cases, it isn’t easy to get the help you need. If you live in Ealing and you’ve been struggling with blocked ears or muffled hearing, you do have a safe option: microsuction earwax removal. You can access this service locally at Ealing Hearing Centre where your ear health comes first. Why Does Earwax Build Up? Earwax, or cerumen, is produced by glands inside your ear canal. It helps to trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, protecting your ears from infection. Usually, earwax moves out of your ear naturally. But sometimes, it builds up. Some people naturally produce more earwax so it builds up quicker, however, some of the more common reasons for earwax buildup include: If you have narrow ear canals You use hearing aids or earplugs regularly You frequently clean your ears with cotton swabs You have excessive ear hair Symptoms of Ear Wax Blockage  If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms listed above, then chances are you have earwax buildup and you just may need a microsuction cleaning. What Is Microsuction Ear Cleaning? Microsuction ear cleaning is a safe and effective method used by hearing professionals to remove earwax. Before starting, they will examine your ear canal using a tool called an otoscope to check for any blockages. In some cases, they might also use a small camera with a light called an endoscope to get a clearer view inside your ear. During the procedure, a tiny suction device works like a gentle vacuum. It helps to loosen and remove the built-up wax from your ear canal. Because the equipment is specialised, not all clinics offer microsuction. You may need to visit a hearing specialist or private clinic, such as Ealing Hearing Centre , to access this treatment. How Does Microsuction Work? Before you have microsuction, your hearing care professional will ask you a few questions like Do you have any history of ear conditions? What symptoms are you currently experiencing? Do you have any allergies or known reactions to medications? Microsuction is a good option for most people, but in some cases, for example, if you have certain ear infections or a perforated eardrum, your practitioner may suggest another method. Once your medical history is reviewed, they will carefully examine your ear canal using an otoscope or an endoscope. In some clinics, you may even be able to watch the process on a screen as they take a look inside your ear. The actual microsuction procedure only takes a few minutes. Your practitioner will use a thin suction tube to gently loosen and remove the built-up wax from your ear canal. Most people find the procedure comfortable and are surprised at how quick it is. Once your ears are clear, you’ll likely notice an immediate difference in your hearing. Benefits of Microsuction There are several reasons to choose microsuction for earwax removal. They include: It’s safe and gentle No water is used The practitioner can see exactly what they’re doing It usually only takes 15–30 minutes It works well even on hard or stubborn wax It’s a good option for sensitive ears or people with past ear problems Your Local Option: Ealing Hearing Centre Since NHS earwax services are now limited, many people in Ealing are turning to local private options. At Ealing Hearing Centre , you can get fast, safe, and professional care for your ears. The experienced team will welcome you, check your ears carefully, and provide the best treatment for your needs. Whether this is your first visit or you need regular care, they’ll help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear. Conclusion, Earwax build-up is common, but it doesn’t have to cause you discomfort. With safe, professional earwax removal in Ealing , you can enjoy clear hearing again — without risking damage from DIY methods. Microsuction is one of the best ways to remove earwax. If you’ve been struggling with blocked ears, why not take the next step? Book an appointment with Ealing Hearing Centre and experience the benefits for yourself.

It starts subtly. You’re in a crowded café, and you miss the punchline of a joke. You smile anyway, pretending you heard it. At dinner, you ask someone to repeat themselves for the third time. Even though you turn the TV volume as high as it goes, you notice it still sounds muffled, almost like you're wearing headphones. You tell yourself it’s nothing serious—just a bit of background noise, maybe some tired ears. But in the back of your mind, there’s a whisper: “What if it’s more?” If you’re starting to notice these signs, you’re not alone. Hearing loss affects millions of people, especially as we get older. But what many people don’t realise is how closely hearing is tied to brain health. Researchers are now uncovering a powerful link between untreated hearing loss and dementia . The question is—can using hearing aids make a difference? The simple answer is yes. Let's examine how and why. The Link Between Hearing and the Brain Although your brain isn't responsible for hearing, it processes, remembers and understands all sounds the ear sends. But when the ear starts struggling with its duty and sends scrambled signals, it makes your brain work harder to interpret these sounds. Have you ever tried having a conversation at a party with the music blaring and, to top it off, the other person is whispering? That frustration you feel, yes, that's what your brain feels when you have untreated hearing loss. Over time, this extra effort piles up (because your brain is running extra shifts it isn't built for). The longer this goes on, the harder it is to remember things and concentrate, which in turn affects your social connections.. You might find yourself withdrawing from conversations, avoiding social situations, and feeling more isolated. It’s not just a feeling—studies have shown that social isolation, often caused by hearing loss, is a major risk factor for dementia. However, there’s another reason hearing matters so much: when the brain doesn’t get regular stimulation from sound, it begins to change. Areas that once processed sound start to shrink. Connections weaken. Memory suffers. This process is slow, but it’s real—and it’s one reason why hearing loss is now considered the number one modifiable risk factor for dementia. So, Where Do Hearing Aids Come In? If hearing loss increases your risk of dementia, then treating it might reduce that risk. That’s exactly what researchers have been looking into—and the findings are hopeful. A major study published in 2023 found that people at risk of dementia who wore hearing aids had slower cognitive decline than those who didn’t. Other studies suggest that people who use hearing aids stay more socially engaged and mentally active, two important ways to protect the brain as we age. When you wear hearing aids, you’re not just making sounds louder—you’re giving your brain the information it needs to stay sharp. Conversations become easier. You start picking up on little sounds again—the birds outside, the kettle boiling, the soft rustle of leaves. These sounds keep your brain active. They help you stay present. And when you feel more confident hearing and engaging with others, you’re more likely to take part in life—to laugh, listen, share stories, and keep your mind busy. These small everyday moments are what protect memory and slow decline. Early Action Makes the Biggest Difference The key is not to wait. Many people put off getting hearing aids, sometimes for years. Maybe it’s the stigma. Maybe it’s denial. But the longer hearing loss goes untreated, the harder it becomes for your brain to adjust. Those pathways that once processed sound grow quiet, and it takes more effort to wake them up again. Getting help early means your brain doesn’t lose those connections. It means adapting more easily to hearing aids. And it means giving yourself the best chance to stay sharp, social, and independent. You don’t need to wait until your hearing is “bad enough.” If you’ve noticed changes—struggling to follow conversations, avoiding noisy environments, feeling tired from listening—then it’s time to get a hearing test. It’s quick. It’s painless. And it could make more of a difference than you think. You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Guess At Ealing Hearing, we’ve seen how powerful hearing support can be. We’ve watched people go from withdrawn to engaged, from struggling to smiling. We take the time to understand your hearing, your lifestyle, and your goals. And if hearing aids are the right step for you, we’ll help you find a natural and empowering solution. Dementia Action Week is a reminder that brain health matters at every stage of life. This year, the action you take could be as simple as booking a hearing check. Because sometimes, the first step to protecting your memory isn’t a crossword or a brain-training app—it’s listening. Listening to the sounds around you. Listening to your loved ones. Listening to your own needs. Book Your Hearing Test Today If you’re ready to take control of your hearing health—and support your brain along the way—we’re here to help. Contact us at Ealing Hearing to book your hearing test or speak with one of our audiologists. Better hearing isn’t just about sound; it’s about staying connected to others, to life, and to yourself.