A Hearing Care Event which took place at the Villa Marina on 26th June has been hailed as a great success by its organisers and the visiting public. The exposition, the first of its kind on the Island, aimed to provide members of the public with the unique opportunity to consult specialists and hearing health care professionals and find out how they can improve their quality of hearing and quality of life.
The event took place throughout the day and saw a range of world leading manufacturers exhibit the latest in hearing aid technologies. These included the new generation of natural open-fit technologies, which prompted many visitors to comment on how invisible and comfortable these instruments are. New solutions for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) were also demonstrated and provided real hope for those who suffer the misery of the condition. Also on display was a new generation of rechargeable hearing aids as well as a full range of assistive listening devices and hearing protection, including wireless and digital communications and integrated spectacles. Exhibitors also provided live demonstrations of the many hearing aid solutions available for television, radio and telephones.
Many follow-up appointments were made with Manx Hidden Hearing hearing aid audiologist, Mr Paul Richards HAD,FRSPH,MSHAA, who has 24 years’ experience within the profession and who was on hand to provide expert advice on how to hear more and hear better.
Commenting on the day’s events, Mr Richards stated: “On behalf of the manufacturers and suppliers present at the Hearing Care Event, we are pleased to provide such valuable support to members of the public and to help raise awareness of hearing loss and the solutions available on the Isle of Man. The day has been an immense success for Hidden Hearing, which has been warmly received by hundreds of visitors, their friends and family, all of whom we hope will have benefitted from our services.”
Mr Richards continued: “Arranging an appointment or even finding out where best to go in search of hearing aid solutions can often be a daunting task for our patients. Events such as this provide the ideal opportunity for our guests not just to experience the range of different technologies available in a single venue but also to relax in a friendly, communal atmosphere where they can converse with industry experts. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the day with many visitors staying for hours enjoying the refreshments and talking to others with similar difficulties. We have been met with a very enthusiastic response and you rest assured that this will become a regular event on the Island. We will always aim to make our events unique, interesting and, above all, helpful to those who suffer from the loss of such an important sense.”
Mr Paul Kelly HAD FSHAA, a Clinical Ear Care Practitioner, was also available to assist patients with a free wax removal service, as well as provide expert advice on mitigating the risk of ear infection and loss of hearing, which can occur as a result of in-ear build-ups. Commenting on the service, Mr Kelly stated: “Wax removal is an easy but often overlooked solution to a variety of hearing ailments and is becoming increasingly important. Whilst it is a common misconception that these ailments only affect older patients; build-ups are, in fact, becoming a lot more probable due to our increased use of headphones and ear protection as well as frequent travel. Simple steps such as the regular use of lukewarm olive or almond oil can go a long way towards improving our hearing health and events such as this provide the perfect platform from which to spread these healthcare tips.”
If you missed the event, are interested in finding out more or would like a demonstration of any of the instruments or assistive devices available today, please speak to Avril at the Hidden Hearing hearing centre in Village Walk, Onchan or call on 01624 617 683.
