Hearing experts are warning people to take better care of their ears during Deaf Awareness Week (15-19 May 2017).



According to the Deaf Council, 1 in 6 people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing and this figure may be even higher in Liverpool which has a strong music scene and a military and industrial history, therefore greater numbers of people who have been exposed to loud noises.

Experts at Aintree University Hospital are inviting people who are affected by hearing loss to come and find out more about the services and support available.
Tony Kay, Head of Audiology Services at Aintree, said: “Experiencing hearing loss, whether it is mild or complete deafness, can be very distressing, both for the patient but also their family and friends.

“When people think of hearing loss, many picture the clunky and unattractive hearing aids of the past which may be a barrier to them seeking help. We’ve been fitting hearing aids for decades at Aintree and we now have modern digital aids, which come in a range of colours and are far more discreet. As an NHS provider, our hearing aids are free at the point of delivery.

“There is a lot of support available and we are using Deaf Awareness Week to let people know about the services we provide at Aintree and the other charities and support groups which can help.”

How can I protect my hearing?
Many people put their hearing at risk by having the volume too high on their speakers and headphones and by attending noisy clubs and music gigs.

These dangers are just as serious at an open-air music festival as they are in an indoor night club. Continued exposure to noise at or above 80-85 decibels over time can cause hearing loss.

Here are five steps you can take to protect your hearing:
1. Wear ear protectors – look after your ears when using noisy equipment such as drills, saws and sanders.
2. Wear the right headphones - noise cancelling headphones can block out background noise and allow you to have the volume lower. In-ear headphones are less effective at drowning our background noise. Make sure you take regular breaks from your headphones too.
3. Be careful in the car - listening to music in a confined space increases the risk of hearing damage. Don’t listen to music too loud for too long.
4. Turn it down, not off - even a small reduction in volume can make a big difference. If you need to raise your voice to be heard above the sound, turn it down.
5. Have a hearing detox - give your ears time to recover after they’ve been exposed to loud noise and keep hydrated by drinking water. According to Action on Hearing Loss, you need at least 16 hours of rest for your ears to recover after spending around two hours in 100dB sound. Reducing this recovery time increases the risk of permanent deafness.

For Deaf Awareness Week, which runs from 15 – 19 May 2017, there will be an information stand outside the boardroom by the restaurant manned by representatives from hearing aid companies and charities. For more information about Deaf Awareness Week, visit www.deafcouncil.org.uk.