Hear more this festive season
It’s approaching that time of the year when families get together to spend quality time catching up, sharing memories and building new ones.
For people with hearing loss, it can be difficult keeping up with conversations. Children laughing, people talking over each other and a cacophony of background noise can lead to feelings of isolation and depression just when activities are merriest.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way. Hearing loss is readily treatable with a new wave of hearing aids that are more technologically advanced and easier to use than ever before.
Helping someone get treatment for their hearing loss could be the best Christmas gift they ever receive.
Audiologist Carolyn Till says support people are encouraged to attend appointments at her St Albans clinic, Sincock & Till Audiology.
A personalised service ensures each patient always sees the same qualified audiologist and a wide selection of the latest hearing aids is available for finetuning to an individual’s own hearing profile.
The clarity of sound provided makes it easier to understand and place fragmented noises as well as commit information to memory. Carolyn says this contributes to better brain health as we age because cognitive functioning is more easily maintained.
‘‘Better hearing has a lot of flow-on benefits for the whole family because it makes communication a lot easier and that can take the strain out of relationships,’’ she says. ‘‘It’s a wonderful feeling when you get to see people living fuller and happier lives through better hearing.’’
Carolyn has more than 20 years’ experience as an audiologist in both the public and private sectors. She has a special interest in treating tinnitus – a condition characterised by ringing in the ears, which often accompanies hearing loss.
Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of change somewhere in the hearing system, Carolyn explains. It can vary from being not annoying at all to being severely disruptive to a person’s quality of life.
‘‘There are many therapies that can be implemented and several treatments patients can try,’’ Carolyn says.
In cases where a hearing aid is best, people will find a range of stylish, easy-to-use devices. Some adjust automatically to environments and many can be controlled via apps on a mobile phone. The same apps allow phone calls and other audio to be streamed directly to a user’s ear piece.
Built in rechargeable batteries are also becoming more common, avoiding the need for fiddly battery changes.
Sincock & Till Audiology also provides custom ear plugs. These protect wearers in noisy situations, such as hunting or during work on a farm, and can make swimming more comfortable.
Basic hearing checks at the clinic are free, but a more detailed hearing test is required to devise an optimal solution if hearing aids are required.
New patients transferring from another clinic are always welcome.
❚ To find out more, call Sincock & Till Audiology on 03 385 6036 or visit www.staudiology.co.nz. The clinic is located at 701 Barbadoes St, St Albans, has off-street parking and is on the 44 and 100 bus routes.