Your hearing system is very complex, and it’s linked to many other parts of your health. When one part isn’t working as well as it should, it can have a knock-on effect on your brain, your mental health and even how well you move around.
We understand how important your hearing is, and we want to make sure that you continue to enjoy it for as long as possible. The information here will help you to understand hearing loss, how your ears work, and what we can do to help.
Hearing loss
Experiencing difficulties with your hearing is actually very common. Whether it’s you who has noticed a change in your hearing or friends and family gently pointing it out, we’re here to help.
Is hearing loss a disability?
Depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss, you may find that you fall into the disability category of the Equality Act 2010. Usually, this applies if you’re deaf and use British Sign Language or, in some cases, if you have a profound hearing loss that means you need to wear hearing aids.
You may be entitled to certain benefits and grants, and your employer might be required to make adjustments to help you at work if you fall into this category, so it’s worth finding out. For example, you might be eligible for a disabled person’s railcard if you have hearing loss and wear hearing aids
Hearing loss and the brain
Because hearing is such an important part in how we understand and process the world around us, hearing loss can have a profound effect on different areas of the brain, including mental and cognitive health.
How good is your hearing?
Are there any reasons why hearing aids may be unsuitable for me?
Technology-wise, the range of hearing aid styles we have mean that there’s nothing that would make hearing aids unsuitable for you.
However, it’s important to be in the right mindset before you start wearing hearing aids – so if you have any worries or concerns about wearing hearing aids, our audiologists are here to chat through them all with you.
I’m embarrassed about having to wear a hearing aid
Booking a hearing test can be a big step to take for many. If you’re worried about what it says about you or your age, or you don’t want to be told you need a hearing aid, you should know that the pros of finding out about your hearing health far outweigh the cons.
If you have any worries about hearing aid stigma, you can find out more here.