Christmas can be a challenging time for those of us with a hearing loss.  As much as we love to be involved in Christmas festivities we can miss out vital conversation, which can be frustrating, upsetting and confusing.  Not only for ourselves but those around us.

Many of our clients have spoken to us about avoiding social situations and festivities with lots of background noise or high numbers of people.  They become afraid to engage for fear of saying the wrong thing or looking foolish.

This could be your year to feel included, involved and present.  Your issues maybe as simple as a ear wax build up or you could be in need of a hearing device to support your needs.  
Adult hearing tests are FREE and available daily throughout our South Wales Clinics.  You will experience a full hearing health check with our highly qualified and experienced team, you will gain results immediately and you will know how to move forward with your hearing health needs.

Our hearing devices are available with many discreet styles and advanced technology for the most natural sound. You will be advised and supported by our Audiologists who will ensure that decisions are made based on your hearing needs and individual requirements and budget.

We know it's only October, but there is no better time to get the ball rolling.  By the time Christmas is upon us you would have settled into your new device and won't know how you managed without it. 
For further information, contact the team today and make this Christmas one to remember for all the right reasons. 

I'm out on the road a lot currently, training and chatting with staff, friends and support networks of our clients.    I've noticed that one question that is ever present.  'How do I communicate well with...' 
A hearing person can feel that there maybe a communication barrier between themselves and people who are deaf or hard of hearing, our differences are what make us and really shouldn't keep us from communicating effectively and naturally with one another.... So lets get it right first time, every time.

BODY POSITIONING 
This may sound obvious but when you are chatting, make sure you position yourself well.   Face the person you are communicating with.  This will mean they can lip-read and pick up your emotions or hear you if they are hard of hearing.  Also make sure that you don't stand too far away from them or indeed too close, one is just as bad as the other when trying to understand conversation.   Respecting someones personal space is paramount.
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REPEAT
If you are asked to repeat yourself don't get frustrated, don't try to simplify what you are trying to say, instead, ensure that you are speaking clearly and not mumbling, remember your body positioning, then calmly repeat yourself.  Don't be tempted to say 'never mind' or 'don't worry about it'.  People will naturally find this rude and may feel isolated or left out of the conversation.

ENVIRONMENT
Be aware of what is going on around you.  If there is a lot of background noise it maybe difficult for someone deaf or hard of hearing to decipher what you are saying.  Try to eliminate background noise where possible, if the noise cant be eliminated, be prepared to repeat yourself, speak up or write things down.

ATTENTION 
Gain the persons attention before you start speaking.  Make sure that you have eye contact, if they are not looking at  you, gesture or gently tap them to make sure they are engaged and ready for conversation.

BODY MOVEMENT AND GESTURES
A big NO is covering your mouth with your hands, we all do it, especially when laughing during conversation.  It can make it very difficult if someone is lipreading to understand you.  Keep eye contact and avoid looking away, turning your head etc so that you remain engaged with the person you are chatting to.

PATIENCE
Don't get frustrated with someone if they need you to repeat yourself, understand that it is more frustrating for them. Having patience, speaking clearly and making eye contact are small gestures that can make a massive difference in keeping communication smooth.  Never give up on the person you are chatting with.  
Always remember that Audiology Associates are here to assist with your hearing health.  If you recognise the need to adopt the above steps with a friend or relative that has had a decline in their hearing, get in touch.  The team are always happy to help.  In the mean time adopt the above and remember... Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you... Listen in such a way that others leave to speak to you.

Within the GP Pack the BTA have included a letter and a support pack for GP's, which helps guide them to the most up to date information on supporting a tinnitus sufferer.  Excellent idea!!  The more educated we can all become the more tinnitus sufferers will realise they are not alone.  The tinnitus community is opening it's arms to new and existing tinnitus sufferers, empowering them to talk  more openly and making sure that people know that there is help out there.  Celebrities, and people from all walks of life are opting to share their experience.  It's amazing to watch these videos! One common denominator I have found is that most sufferers didn't know anyone else with tinnitus when they started suffering, lets hope this campaign will end the isolation.
For more information or to #ShareYourSound in style click here!