1 in 10 people are walking around with ears that’ve seen (or rather, heard) too much action.   Are you aging (dis)gracefully (hope so!).  Many of us put our ears through so much.  Loud concerts.  Noisy work environments.  Headphones for Zoom calls.  An ‘Old Skool’ DJ set to make sure we haven’t lost our ‘moves’.  There’s no wonder more and more of us are struggling with hearing impairment.  Apple’s hearing programme on the new Airpods Pro is a great stop gap.  However, nothing compares to a great set of well programmed hearings aids to reconnect you to the world around you.  Affordable Hearing refurbished ones are a particular winner as they are a fraction of the cost, earth kind and as part of the Affordable Hearing worldwide ‘help others hear’ programme change the lives of others too.

The number-one culprit of hearing damage? Noise. Yep, parties, concerts and thumping bass. We all know earplugs are the way to go, but let’s be honest: most of us remember them about two minutes after the damage is done. Still, hope isn’t lost! We’re catching on, with earplug sightings becoming almost as common as overpriced festival beers.  These ones from Loop are pretty and funky.  Although, we think they may look a little like something else – if you know, you know!?

Something for the weekend? Actually, no, it’s not just over exuberant weekend activities (oh no, it isn’t!) that might cause hearing impairment. Even a passing motorbike can pop you on the hearing damage highway. Any noise that tops 120 decibels (and unlike calories in a walnut whip, it’s less than you think) and boom, congrats, you’re a fully paid up member of the ‘instant hearing damage club’. The magical little hairs (cilia) in our ears get bent out of shape faster than an aging rock star. No more sound waves to brain waves. Hello muffled hearing, ringing ears and having to have everything shoved at you or repeated umpteen times. Let’s all protect our ears, big, small, pointy or sticking out. We only get one set!

Sounds a bit like a bad night out, doesn’t it?  Loud music, work and fast bikes aren’t the only potential villains here. Ear infections, ruptured eardrums, and certain medications can also make your hearing go on a little “vacation.” Some damage is temporary, and some—like avocado bathroom suites (yep, we know they’re back!)—are here to stay. Science is trying its best to fix it, but for now, prevention is the best medicine.

Hearing loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. It ranges from mild “Eh, I can’t hear you over this background noise” to severe “I think my ears are on strike.” But it’s not just about volume—sometimes sounds get weird. Think shrill noises, distorted music, or that delightful condition where each ear hears differently (diplacusis, if you’re feeling fancy). Bonus round: hyperacusis, where normal sounds feel like a fire alarm. Fun times!

So, you’ve failed your hearing test? Is that how it works? Is it a pass or fail. Of course not! However, following a diagnosis of hearing impairment, now what? Time to embrace the 21st century with hearing aids so discreet, even your most nosy friend won’t notice. Just like the super fandango light fantastic ones pictured here. Maybe, maybe not!! Forget those clunky old-school models—modern hearing aids can sit snugly in your ear canal, out of sight and out of mind. Although, we’re big fans on the ones that nestle behind your ear with a teeny tiny receiver (speaker to you and I) in the ear. What we’re the biggest fans of is making hearing aids affordable, sustainable and available without a waiting list – whadda you think?

Here’s a pro tip: if your ears are ringing after a loud event, they’re basically yelling at you to stop. Keep a pair of earplugs handy, possibly like the ‘Loop’ ones (if that’s what they are) above—they’re cheaper than therapy for tinnitus. Flippancy aside, tinnitus can be so distressing. Literally driving you to distraction. Just wearing a little protection and taking it easy can massively reduce the chances of sufffering from it. Avoid cranking up your music to 11, and maybe give your ears a break once in a while. They’ll thank you for it.

Feel like your hearing’s been playing hide-and-seek for a while? Don’t wait! A hearing aid really (like Smarties) have the answer. They’ll maybe help you stop shouting at your loved ones unnecessarily. Although, unnecessarily is pretty subjective, isn’t it. For fear of sounding like a cheesy shampoo advert ‘your ears are worth it!’. You only get one set, so treat them like the VIPs they are! Again, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Don’t delay, call us today: 0330 230 3333.