Hearing and memory are closely linked as they are neural processes that occupy adjacent areas of the brain, and we now know that the strain to hear adversely affects our memory. The good news is that we also now know that our brains can repair at any age, with proper treatment.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and although there is no cure for either dementia or age or noise-related hearing loss, there are things that we can do to substantially reduce the impact of an untreated hearing loss on dementia, as well as significantly improve quality of life.

The most common form of hearing loss is a progressive, degenerative process that involves the auditory nerve and several centres of the brain. However, correcting a hearing loss is most effective and easier at a younger age. Cognition improvements are greater therefore, with earlier hearing loss intervention so that the under-stimulated neural connections have had less time to be the problem.

Early intervention and proper treatment is key. We are happy to chat with you.

We are equipped to perform a full range of hearing assessments for school-age children and adults, in our rooms or in the workplace.

• Diagnostic examinations and reports

• Aviation, diving, driving and pre-employment reports

• Police, armed forces and protective services tests

• Monitoring assessments

• Pre and post-surgical tests

Let us know what you need.

As independent clinicians you always get our best clinical judgement, for the best possible outcome. Our advice is not influenced by corporate ownership or commercial obligations. That means we offer hearing aid technology that is matched to your needs only.

And, you will always see either Lilian or Rachel, not a myriad of newcomers. We continuously keep up-to-date with advances in diagnostics, and new technologies, including bluetooth connectivity, television solutions, emerging wearables tech and rechargeable device options.

With a thorough approach to tinnitus treatment and management, there are several avenues to consider, despite what some may say. Some treatments are more effective than others, and often the means for you will be different for the next person - but please know that we can confidently help with tinnitus management.

What’s involved? Comprehensive assessment includes diagnostic tests, identifying patterns, pitch and intensity matching, measuring effective masking and a full explanation of your situation and options. These options may include counselling, treatment apps such as one we recommend called TinnitusTunes, amplification and masking strategies, the importance of relaxation and stress-relief, plus there are some exciting neural rehabituation training devices coming soon.

We’ll gladly discuss all of this with you.

An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist, GP or a specialist exercise physiotherapist are normally the right people to properly diagnose a balance or vestibular problem. From there we can help with discussing the situation and, if need be, refer to one of our on-site ENT colleagues for further assistance.

Ongoing, there are several options for treatment, depending upon the diagnosis, including;

• CR or Canalith Repositioning techniques and manoeuvres, like the Epley manoeuvre

• VRT or Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy which is a course of physical exercises that can help improve adaptation and substitution

• Dietary changes and low impact exercise

• Medication or surgery (last resort) - advice and discussions on which are only the place of specialist doctors whom we can put you in touch with

Ear wax is a natural ear canal moisturiser and defender against foreign bodies, dust and dirt, plus it has antibacterial properties.

Ear wax normally softens in the shower and moves its own way out of the canal, but can build up and become a problem. For hearing aid users, too much wax can prevent the amplified sound reaching the eardrum and can cause the hearing aid to whistle (called feedback).

We work with nurses on-site to remove wax by water syringing method when safe to do so, or by micro-suction if you have middle ear problems or previous surgery.

A prior separate appointment is often needed so let us know if it’s been a while since someone checked you for ear wax, or let us know and we can often very quickly fit you in to check.

The use of different means of talking to your doctor or specialist is becoming commonplace. We can deliver many services over the phone, video calls via smartphone, tablets/ipads, home computer, laptop - almost anything connected to the internet! It means that if you can’t meet us in clinic, we can still help.

Many of the leading hearing aid manufacturers now offer RemoteCare via an app, which allows us to troubleshoot, adjust and fine-tune hearing aids while you’re at home, plus a whole lot more.

It’s nice to see you in person, but we know that this is not always possible. If you or someone in your residence knows a little about the internet, we can get a connection going to allow us to be there for you when you need help or have questions.

Let’s chat.

We regularly offer current technology and industry insights as part of a multi-disciplinary approach to hearing care and cognitive wellbeing.

We speak to GP’s and ENT colleagues in a formal monthly meeting format, however, these insights are a part of our everyday work and passion as we discuss and design better living outcomes with our clients.

We love sharing what we know and do.