Stay engaged: How better hearing keeps you connected to the world

Ealing Hearing Centre • March 5, 2024

As an audiologist, I have seen how hearing loss can affect people's quality of life. Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others, enjoy social activities, and stay informed about what is happening around you. It can also lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and depression.


But hearing loss does not have to limit your engagement with the world. There are many ways to improve your hearing and enhance your listening experience. In this blog post, I will share some tips and advice on how to stay engaged with the world through better hearing.


Tip 1: Get your hearing checked regularly


The first step to better hearing is to know your hearing status. Many people are unaware that they have hearing loss, or they may ignore the signs and symptoms. Some common signs of hearing loss are:

- Having trouble hearing people on the phone or in noisy environments

- Asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder

- Turning up the volume on the TV or radio

- Missing out on sounds like birdsong, doorbells, or alarms

- Feeling tired or stressed after listening for a long time


If you notice any of these signs, or if you have a family history of hearing loss, you should get your hearing checked by a qualified audiologist. An audiologist like me, can perform a comprehensive hearing test and diagnose the type and degree of your hearing loss. They can also recommend the best treatment options for your specific needs and preferences.

 

Tip 2: Use hearing aids or other assistive devices


One of the most effective ways to improve your hearing is to use hearing aids or other assistive devices. Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sounds and deliver them to your ears. They can help you hear better in various situations, such as conversations, meetings, lectures, music, and TV.


Hearing aids come in different styles, sizes, and features. Some are worn behind the ear, some are inserted in the ear canal, and some are even invisible. Some have wireless connectivity, noise reduction, feedback cancellation, directional microphones, and rechargeable batteries. Some can be controlled by a smartphone app or a remote control.


The best way to find the right hearing aid for you is to consult with an audiologist. They can help you choose a hearing aid that suits your lifestyle, budget, and cosmetic preferences. They can also fit and program the hearing aid for optimal performance and comfort. Ask me for more advice and tips!


Other assistive devices that can help you hear better include:


- Amplified phones that make the caller's voice louder and clearer

- TV listeners that allow you to adjust the volume and tone of the TV sound without disturbing others

- Loop systems that transmit sound from a microphone or speaker directly to your hearing aid or cochlear implant

- Alerting devices that use flashing lights or vibrations to notify you of sounds like doorbells, smoke alarms, or baby cries


Tip 3: Practice good communication strategies


Another way to improve your hearing is to practice good communication strategies. These are techniques that can help you communicate more effectively with others, especially in challenging listening situations. Some examples of good communication strategies are:


- Choose a quiet and well-lit place for conversation

- Face the speaker and maintain eye contact

- Ask the speaker to speak clearly and at a normal pace

- Use visual cues like gestures, facial expressions, and lip reading

- Repeat or rephrase what you heard to confirm understanding

- Ask for clarification or repetition if you miss something

- Avoid interrupting or finishing the speaker's sentences

- Be honest and assertive about your hearing needs


Tip 4: Stay active and social


The final tip to stay engaged with the world through better hearing is to stay active and social. Hearing loss can make you feel isolated and withdrawn from others, but it is important to maintain your social connections and hobbies. Research has shown that staying socially active can improve your mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.


Some ways to stay active and social with hearing loss are:


- Join a support group or a club for people with hearing loss

- Participate in activities that you enjoy, such as sports, arts, music, or volunteering

- Learn new skills or hobbies that stimulate your brain and creativity

- Seek professional help if you experience anxiety or depression due to hearing loss


Hearing loss can affect your engagement with the world, but it does not have to stop you from living a fulfilling life. By following these tips and advice, you can improve your hearing and enhance your listening experience. You can also stay connected with your family, friends, and community.


If you have any questions or concerns about your hearing, please do not hesitate to contact me, Sukhina, here at Ealing Hearing Centre. I am here to help you hear better and live better.

How Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Your Brain, Mood, and Health

By Aarti Raicha • July 24, 2025
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.

Safe & Effective Earwax Removal in Ealing: Why Microsuction Is the Best Choice

By Aarti Raicha • June 21, 2025
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.

Can Hearing Aids Help Reduce Dementia Risk?

By Aarti Raicha • May 24, 2025
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.