Hidden Hearing has announced the return of its exclusive Hearing Care event to the Villa Marina this March 21st, this time with special celebrity guest Dr Hilary Jones and a special visit from Derfel, one of the Manx Deaf Society’s hearing dogs. Dr Hilary will join a selection of Hidden Hearing health care specialists who will be on hand throughout the day to provide expert hearing advice as well as demonstrate the latest in hearing aid technologies. Derfel will be joined by his trainer Gareth Foulkes from the Manx Deaf Society, who will be on hand to chat about tips on communicating with those who suffer from hearing loss and outline the ways in which hearing dogs can help to improve daily quality of life with a series of amusing anecdotes.
Members of the public are invited to pop down to the Villa Marina throughout the day, free of charge, with the opportunity to take part in Hidden Hearing’s, hearing screening and full tests, as well as a free wax removal service, and live product demonstrations from top Hearing Aid Manufacturers. For the first time ever on the Island, visitors will also be treated to a series of educational video screenings on hearing care, such as Dr Hilary’s own “6 Steps to Better Hearing.”
Over 14,000 individuals suffer from some degree of hearing loss on the Isle of Man, approximately 1/6 of the population, while figures gathered by the national UK charity, Action on Hearing Loss, find that more than 10 million individuals in the UK now suffer from some form of hearing impairment ranging from mild and moderate to severe and profound. By 2031 this number is set to increase to 14.5 million. Over 2 million people in the UK have hearing aids, but only 1.4 million use them regularly, and at least 4 million people who don’t have hearing aids would benefit from their regular use.
Dr Hilary is a qualified General Practitioner, breakfast tv health editor, and is also a medical advisor to Hidden Hearing, providers of expert hearing healthcare services in the UK for over 40 years. All Hidden Hearing, Hearing Aid Audiologists are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), a UK regulatory body that ensures the highest standards of quality and care.
“Acknowledging deterioration of hearing loss and its impact on quality of life is the first step. The ultimate consequence of an undiagnosed and untreated hearing problem is social isolation,” said Dr Hilary Jones.
Elaine Norris, Audiologist at Hidden Hearing Isle of Man, also commented: “People with hearing loss can often struggle to hear and identify sounds, causing them to use a considerable amount of energy to follow even the most casual of conversations. It takes them longer to reflect on the meaning of sounds, follow the flow of conversation and determine the correct and timely response. This can be a gradual process of deterioration that may go unnoticed without professional guidance and which can often be remedied through the use of one of the many different technologies available in the today’s market place.”
Ms Norris continued: “Our events grow more popular every year and have attracted hundreds of visitors on the Isle of Man alone. It provides the perfect opportunity for those who struggle with their hearing or their friends and loved ones to consult a range of hearing health experts, to test the latest in hearing health technologies, and do so in a relaxed and friendly environment. In fact 98% of attendants to a recent event said they would recommend us to a friend. I am very much looking forward to the day’s event and to helping the Manx public in any way I can.”
The Hidden Hearing all-day hearing care event will take place on Friday 21st March at the Villa Marina, Douglas. Admission is entirely free of charge and it is advisable to call 0800 298 7857 and book your place to avoid disappointment. Visitors will also be treated to complimentary refreshments and are encouraged to bring a partner or friend as a guest.
For more information, or to consult a Hidden Hearing specialist, contact Hidden Hearing Isle of Man on 617683 or visit the Hidden Hearing practice at 15b Village Walk, Onchan.
Photo - Dr. Hilary Jones.
