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  The Forgetful Ear

  September is Hearing Awareness Month, and therefore a chance to take a closer look at a neglected but vitally important issue in health care – hearing. Do you know that you hear with your brain, not your ears, and that hearing loss can lead to the loss of a certain pitches and sounds in your vocabulary, ultimately leading to the loss of certain words? “This is a case of, what is termed, forgetful ears. It might come as a surprise that this can be caused by hearing loss, but hearing loss is a reality that has many overlooked causes and consequences,” explains Brendan McGuirk, Director of Lifesound.

  Today we are faced with the reality of dealing with a noisier world. Air and water pollution are commonly accepted contaminant factors that we actively seek to avoid and control. However, increasingly we face a new factor – noise pollution – which is any unwanted sound emanating from the environment, and is noise created by humans, animals or machines that disrupt the environmental balances. “People are not aware that everyone is exposed to potentially damaging noise everyday, nor do they know how to protect themselves from this potential damage,” says McGuirk.

  He continues, “What makes hearing care so important is that loud noises are a major cause of audio trauma and hearing loss, not only age, which is considered the traditional cause. It can affect anyone, regardless of their age or occupation”.

  Hearing Awareness Month is a campaign that seeks to educate people on the importance and the facts of hearing care. Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and on average a conversation between two people is measured at 60 dB. To give a perspective on sound, consider that whispering measures 30 dB and shouting goes up to 80 dB - at 85 dB sound can start to damage your hearing. Accordingly in today’s noisier world it is essential that hearing care be part of your every day health care checklist, alongside your dental and optometry appointments.

  Hearing care should start from a young age, with a person’s first assessment conducted as early as possible – prevention is better then cure! 80% of hearing damage can be treated, if diagnosed early and the correct treatment is followed. Hence, hearing screeners are of utmost importance in order to identify and determine, sooner rather than later, if there is a hearing loss developing or not. “Children should be screened for hearing loss as early as 1 month of age, and tested by an Audiologist as early as 3 months. Thereafter, a hearing test should be conducted annually in order to monitor any changes in the individual’s hearing status, confirms Crystal Govindsamy, Audiologist at Lifesound.

  The good news is that a hearing screener, which is the initial test to determine early if there is a hearing loss or not, usually takes around 20-30 minutes to conduct, and a full diagnostic hearing assessment takes only 45mins-1 hour. The test results are immediate, and are comprehensively explained to each patient. This test provides information regarding the type of hearing loss, which structure in the hearing mechanism is being affected and what type of hearing aid and features are required for a particular individual. “In only half an hour, you can detect whether or not you have any hearing damage, and if so, within an hour it is possible to correctly diagnose the exact issue,” says Crystal Govindsamy. This makes it a quick, hassle and pain free item on your health care checklist.

  There are numerous causes of hearing loss, however the most common causes include: Noise, ageing, medication and illnesses. Due to continuous exposure to extremely loud noises, for example loud music, a delicate structure of inner ear is injured, leading to hearing loss. People working in loud environments, such as nightclubs, construction sites or mining sites, are at greater risk of developing this problem. Aging is the most significant cause of hearing impairment, and most people start to lose a small amount of their hearing ability in their middle age, which can develop into remarkable hearing impairment in their old age. Today with the advances of technology, this is easily managed with correct diagnoses and treatment. With so many factors that can affect it, hearing is vulnerable to damage and needs to be cared for.

  Hearing loss can be identified much earlier if individuals pay careful attention to what their ears are telling them. This usually occurs in the form of symptoms that the patient experiences, which should raise red flags. Some of the symptoms to look out for include:

  • Hearing but not understanding - You can hear people speaking but you cannot make out exactly what is being said.

  • Turning up the volume on the TV or radio and the appropriate volume to you seems loud to others.

  • Asking for repetition.

  • Denial - People around you know that you have a hearing loss, however you feel you don’t.

  • Social withdrawal symptoms

  • Fatigue and stress due to the high concentration levels required when a person with a hearing loss tries to understand speech and conversation around them.

  • Tinnitus - Hearing a constant ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear.

  • Having a specific ear preference.

  • Difficulty hearing in background noise, crowded rooms, around dinner tables and meetings.

  
  

  Lifesound is a holistic hearing retail concept in Gateway Theatre of Shopping that offers professional hearing tests by their resident audiology, as well as a range of hearing care, enhancement and enjoyment products and equipment on the cutting edge of technology. For the month of September Lifesound, together with their Hearing Awareness Month partners Skullcandy, Execuspecs, Shox and Sorbet are giving away R20, 000.00 worth of prizes. To stand a chance of winning, simply go to the Lifesound store for a sponsored screening.

  “Take the opportunity to look after yourself and those you love by having your hearing checked, and taking steps to actively protect the precious sense that allows you to hear your world - your hearing,” ends McGuirk.

  
  
  

  • Added 06 September 2010

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  Jane Linley–Thomas - LifeSound Hearing Awareness Month Ambassador

  
  

  Jane Linley –Thomas, who is the much loved and out spoken East coast Radio DJ, has kindly come on board to support a very worthwhile cause – Hearing Awareness Month. Her role as a Lifesound Hearing Awareness Month Ambassador sees her using her position as a public figure to draw attention to a much overlooked but vitally important area of health care – hearing. As her job largely involves listening – being a radio DJ – hearing is extremely applicable to her. Hearing Awareness Month is an initiative that serves to draw attention to the need for hearing care in South Africa. People are often unaware that hearing care should be a regular part of one’s health care regime – just as one regularly visits the dentist and optometrist. Jane has put her name behind this great campaign in order to generate further interest and public education.

  • Added 14 September 2010

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  Pixie Bennett - LifeSound Hearing Awareness Month Ambassador

   

  Pixie Bennett rose to fame as a top ten Idols finalist in 2009, and since then has enjoyed great success with her band, The Pixie Bennett Band. She agreed to be a LifeSound Hearing Awareness Month Ambassador to help raise awareness and highlight the very important issue of hearing care. Her passion for music made her the perfect Ambassador, being in an industry based largely on listening. Through her involvement in the campaign she hopes to create awareness and hype around the very real need for people to have their hearing checked out. She hopes to change the misconception that hearing loss is an ‘old person’s’ issue, and encourages people to have their hearing screened this September in response to Hearing Awareness Month.

  • Added 15 September 2010

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  Christmas Special at LifeSound - PMB

   

  Festive Cheer for your ears!

   

   

   

  Our hearing is something that is often taken for granted or neglected as an issue of the elderly. The reality is something very different. In today’s noisier world, more and more people are suffering from hearing damage and loss at a progressively younger age. Studies have shown that 1 in 5 adolescents suffer from some form of hearing problem, which is 30 % more than in a study carried out in 1994. This has made it an issue that is increasingly becoming relevant to people irrespective of their age or occupation. The festive season is a time that we need to be particularly aware of what causes hearing loss and what can be done to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

  The festive season is bursting with fun and excitement, but the truth is that you could actually be putting your hearing health at risk without even realising it. The silly season, as it is affectionately known, is a time when people celebrate their accomplishments for the year, let down their hair and just have a good time. This often involves parties, loud music, holidays at the beach, swimming in the sea, and those types of festive activities, which are generally far removed from the thought of hearing healthcare and responsibility.

  Director of LifeSound, Brendan McGuirk, explains, “Although we definitely do not want to put a damper on the celebrations of Christmas, we do want to urge families to take precautions when it comes to their hearing health.”

  In today’s noisy world, the youth are in great danger of unknowingly damaging their hearing. Improper or excessive headphone use can lead to temporary hearing loss and even permanent ear damage. “This can result in losing the ability to hear higher frequencies - symptoms of which can include a mild ringing in the ears or noticed difficulty following conversations in a noisy situation,” confirms McGuirk

  Global research has proved that listening to personal music players has been directly linked to hearing loss in teenagers, which has risen by nearly 33% in the last 20 years.  Not only is excessively loud music through headphones to blame, but also other sources of loud, amplified music, such as in nightclubs or at music concerts.  

  During the school holidays youngsters are at a greater risk of hearing damage as they have much more free time, which can result in them listening to loud music for greater periods, partying at clubs more frequently and generally being exposed to louder noises. During these holidays it is important to educate those at risk in order for the necessary precautions to be taken. This includes making people aware of the serious results of hearing damage, which is often overlooked.

  This issue is being taken seriously on an international level, with a European Commission having warned that up to 10% of 30 year olds may have to wear a hearing device within a decade as a result of listening to music with headphones too loudly. LifeSound’s resident audiologist has put together some pointers to protect oneself against hearing damage:

  • Always listen to music with earphones at a moderate level – moderate means that you should be able to hear someone call out to you, or people talking if they are 1 m away.

  • Choose headphones that rest on top of the ears as they are less obtrusive and less likely to cause damage.

  • Use the earphones in moderation as well. Try not to listen to them for longer than 30 minutes every 4 hours and no more than 90 minutes per day.

  • It is not a good idea to use ordinary headphones while on airplanes, trains, or while near loud machinery. Such environments contain a high level of ambient noise, and will incite you to turn your volume up to dangerously high level without even noticing. If you use headphones in such situations, use products that have “noise cancelling” technology.

  The LifeSound audiologist also included some general holiday tips:

  • When swimming in the sea protect your ears against damage by wearing protective measures, such as silicone earplugs. This will prevent infections from the water.

  • When attending year-end parties and functions, try and avoid situations where you are continuously exposed to music at a high level – particularly music with a heavy base. If necessary step outside and give your ears a break.

  • Ear plugs are the solution to many situations – take them with you when travelling to protect your ears during flights, if your neighbors are having a little too much fun at their Christmas party, use earplugs to allow you peaceful sleep or if attending a big event where your are at risk of noise pollution, use a pair of specially designed ear plugs that filter out certain damaging frequencies only.

  Mr McGuirk says, “You hear with your brain, and not your ears. This means that hearing loss or damage can lead to the loss of certain pitches and sounds in your vocabulary, which ultimately leads to the loss of certain words. This is termed  ‘forgetful ears’, and it might come as a surprise that this can be caused by hearing loss, but hearing loss is a reality that has many overlooked causes and consequences.”

  This festive season may you be blessed and enjoy the parties and presents, just remember your protection – your hearing protection. “Being careful and using protective measures when you are young, and even as you age, can make a massive difference not only to your hearing but to the quality of life this affords you as you get older. Armed with the knowledge and know how, protect not only yourself but also remember to share this message with those you love these holidays.” says McGuirk.

  LifeSound is a holistic hearing retail concept store in Gateway Theatre of Shopping and The Victoria Centre in Pietermaritzburg that offers professional hearing tests by a resident qualified audiologist, in a convenient and accessible environment, as well as a range of hearing protection, enhancement and enjoyment products on the cutting edge of technology. To add to the festive cheer this Christmas, LifeSound together with Hilliar and Gray optometrists and Coffee Bean Cafe will be running a promotion at The Victoria Centre in which you can go for a free hearing test at LifeSound, a free sight screening test at Hilliar & Gray and a complimentary cup of coffee at Coffee Bean Cafe.

  
  

  • Added 16 November 2010

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  Former Miss Deaf SA - Vicki Fourie becomes LifeSound Ambassador

   

  Former Miss Deaf SA - Vicki Fourie becomes LifeSound Ambassador

  
  

  Vicki Fourie, Miss Deaf SA 2009/2010, has become LifeSound’s latest Ambassador and champion for hearing awareness. Vicki is not only a beautiful young lady, but also has an inspirational story to tell and is pouring her energy into spreading a message of hope and tolerance. Brendan McGuirk, Director of LifeSound, says” We are delighted that Miss Deaf SA, Vicki Fourie, has joined LifeSound in our campaign to educate people on the importance of hearing care and importantly to spread this message to the youth”. Vicki‘s tale is not only of beauty and brains, but also of bravery.

  By the age of 2 years old she was diagnosed as 97% percent deaf, but her parents were determined to raise her in a way to allow her a normal life, not hindered by her disability. She attended a regular English hearing school – resulting in her unique ability to speak and understand English and Afrikaans, by lip reading, despite being deaf. She firmly believes that courage is not a gift, but rather a decision and she lives her life by that mantra. She is now an in-demand motivational speaker, writer and model. She is in the process of writing an autobiography, having published over 70 articles nationally and internationally, this is the next step in her achieving one of her many dreams of being a writer
  

  Among some of Vicki’s numerous accomplishments and highlights was taking part in Miss Deaf International in July 2010, which took place in Las Vegas in the United States. She was placed as the 2^nd Princess, a remarkable achievement. In 2011 she is going to take part in Miss Deaf World, something she is very much looking forward to. Another interesting fact about Vicki is that last year she was part of a performing arts non-profit organisation called 13^th Floor. This group use dance to inspire and educate the youth, a testimony to Vicki’s zest for life and determination.

  LifeSound is grateful and excited that Vicki has joined their educational campaign, as she is influential to those who meet her and knowledgeable about the hearing healthcare industry. McGuirk explains, “We are trying to reach as many people as possible with the message of hearing care, and work successfully to remove the stigma that hearing loss used to carry by making it both accessible and teaching people that hearing care is relevant to everybody”. LifeSound is a holistic hearing retail concept that offers professional hearing tests by their resident audiologist, as well as a range of hearing care, enhancement and enjoyment products and equipment on the cutting edge of technology.

  Vicki comments on her new role as a LifeSound Ambassador, “It is very important that people become aware of how precious sound is and how to take care of or improve this sense. I look forward to help spread this important issue with LifeSound.” We look forward to watching her bright future unfold.

   

  • Added 17 November 2010

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  Festive Ears at LifeSound Gateway

  

  • Added 22 December 2010

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  Lighting Up Life

  Bo Tasker - LifeSound Testimonial
  

  

   

  With flying fire making beautiful streaks across the dark night sky, this is the trademark show of local Durban entertainment personality, Bo Tasker. A showman, and an entertainer, his impressive skills as a fire performer have made him a favourite on the entertainment circuit, both in Durban and nationally. His laidback demeanour and obvious skills has ensured his success in this industry. Watching him move deftly to the sound of music while painting with fire, one would never guess that Bo Tasker is deaf.

  After years of using an outdated, old model hearing aid, LifeSound came into Bo’s life and found a pair of hearing aids perfectly suited to his impairment and on the cutting edge of technology, ultimately opening up a new world of hearing to Bo. Being born profoundly deaf in both ears, this has made all the difference to him. He explains, “Before my new hearing aid, I only had very little hearing in my left ear. Since I have been fitted with my new pair by LifeSound, I now can also hear in my right ear, which makes a massive difference and is such a great feeling for me.” This is not only about the ability to hear, but has far reaching consequences for Bo. He goes on to explain, “Now that I am hearing with my right ear, it has opened up activity in the left side of my brain, which means my brain is also being stimulated through the ability to hear in my right ear. This result is not only an improved hearing quality, but better use of both halves of my brain.”

  LifeSound is working to draw attention to hearing awareness and educate people on this important but much overlooked health care issue. Often overlooked as an age related issue, hearing care is not given the attention it needs. In today’s noisier world hearing loss and damage is becoming an increasingly large issue for today’s younger generations. Brendan McGuirk, Director of LifeSound, says “With great leaps forward in technology, treatment for hearing loss is now a real possibility. LifeSound hopes to educate people on how to protect their hearing, as well as the great opportunities for treatment today.”

  LifeSound chose to work with Bo Tasker because they saw him as an inspirational example, and a great icon for hearing care. McGuirk explains, “Bo is an example of determination of overcoming the odds. Even though he is deaf, he has become a successful performer and very popular personality. He is an inspiration to both young and old alike.” LifeSound is a holistic hearing retail concept that offers professional hearing tests by their resident audiologist, as well as a range of hearing protection, enhancement and enjoyment products and equipment on the cutting edge of technology.
  

  Bo’s gracious attitude is reflected in his advice for others, his suggestion of living a happy life with or without a hearing impediment is, “Always be patient with others, and live a unique life!”. He has performed at many renowned venues, including Sibaya Casino, the ICC, various hotels and weddings. Bo ends, “Thank you LifeSound – you have made an amazing difference to my life”. 

  
  

  • Added 17 January 2011

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  Jenelle & LifeSound get together to offer inspiration!

  Jenelle Ramsami - LifeSound Ambassador

  
  

  Determined, intelligent and confident – these are all attributes that make Durban’s Jenelle Ramsami an inspiration to those around her. Despite the fact that Jenelle was diagnosed with hearing loss at the age of 12, this has not stopped her from successfully becoming one of South Africa’s most inspiring up and coming models.

  In the last two years she has been a finalist in the Miss Deaf South Africa pageant, was awarded the ‘Fresh Look’ title at Miss India South Africa KZN contest, and recently made the Top 5 and 'Miss photogenic' for the Xtreme Models Search competition in February 2011.
  

  “I have always believed that modelling is a stepping stone to something greater for me. I want to motivate those who are both ably hearing and hearing impaired,” explains Jenelle Ramsami.

  Achieving her goals is definitely not a foreign concept to this budding model. She was the first hearing impaired person in her school to pass her Matric with a merit and distinctions, thus enabling her to attend a mainstream college where she passed a national diploma in Business Management.

  It was this need to inspire and to show people that being hearing impaired is merely an obstacle that led Janelle to becoming LifeSound’s newest ambassador. “Being a LifeSound ambassador will give me the opportunity to show people that courage and determination ultimately paves the way to a happy and fulfilling life. People do not need to be afraid of the unknown, and therefore need to have their hearing tested and deal with the outcomes with the positive solutions on offer,” says Jenelle.

  LifeSound is the world’s first holistic retail store that is committed to changing the way people approach and protect their hearing – it is a lifestyle experience. The concept is based on the idea that the general public needs to have easy access to professional hearing care, hearing protection, hearing enhancement and enjoyment products in an approachable and relaxed environment.  Together with people like Jenelle, the LifeSound team aims to educate people of all ages about the importance of hearing health care.

  “We are very pleased to have someone like Jenelle involved with LifeSound, and we hope that her positivity and experiences will help us to spread the message about the necessity of caring for our hearing,” confirms Brendan McGuirk, director of LifeSound.
  

   

  • Added 02 March 2011

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  The trendy truth about hearing aids

  For those of us who wear glasses, from the moment we put them on, the words come alive on a page and the colours are brighter in the world. Our friends and family compliment the design of our spectacles – there is no hint of stigma to wearing what is essentially a very obvious assistive device. Why then are we embarrassed or hesitant at the thought of using a hearing aid?
  
  Many people are fearful of simply having their hearing tested lest they be told they need to make use of a hearing aid – however the stigma attributed to hearing aids is completely unfounded. Gone are the days when hearing aids were large and unsightly devices that seemed clinical, cumbersome and somewhat unfashionable. The cosmetic factor no longer needs to be a barrier to purchasing, wearing and ultimately enjoying the benefits of hearing aids.  Today’s technology has been so miniaturised that digital hearing devices are now virtually hidden. Completely-in-the-canal or open-fit, slim tube, miniature behind-the-ear devices, will please the most discerning of users. Even the colour of these devices can be matched to the shades of your skin and hair.
  

  The aesthetics of hearing aids is not the only dramatic improvement to have positively affected these essential devices. Nowadays the hearing aid technology is so advanced that there can be no question about the improved quality of life that they invariably offer.

  LifeSound Audiologist, Crystal Govindsamy, explains, “Previously we used analogue hearing technology, which means that there was not frequency specific hearing amplification, but merely decibel amplification of all sounds by an equal amount.  Although offering improved hearing, this technology often caused difficulty in hearing for patients who complained of the inability to hear in the presence of background noise. With analogue technology, there was equal amplification in both the speech and background noise (called linear amplification), which could cause excessive feedback, or loud whistling, in the hearing aid”.

  
  

  
  The use of advanced digital technology today, makes use of a fast processing chip that is based on integrated signal processing.  This means digital technology can now provide patients with frequency specific hearing while at the same time, lowering the background noise and making it easier for an individual to hear in challenging situations. In addition to this there is a feature called ‘enhanced dynamic range compression’ which ensures that the user enjoys a more natural hearing experience - where loud sounds are kept loud but not uncomfortably loud, normal sound levels are kept normal and soft sounds are kept soft but not inaudible.
  
  An added feature that makes digital hearing instruments so much more effective is the introduction of Bluetooth. This enables patients to connect to their Cellphones, landlines and television sets without having any chords or even taking the phone to their ears. “This remarkable advancement in digital technology makes wearing hearing instruments much more acceptable and even quite trendy,” says Govindsamy.
  

  She continues, “If you or someone you know is putting off having their hearing tested because they are worried about how they may look or questioning the positive benefits a hearing aid offers, then please be reassured that these factors are no longer an issue”. LifeSound will ensure that you have your hearing tested by a qualified Audiologist and, if necessary, receive the most up-to-date and relevant information about your hearing aid and health care options.

  
  

  Visit Facebook for more on LifeSound as well as other Hearing Aid industry news or follow us on Twitter!
  

   

  • Added 06 April 2011

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  LifeSound keeps families ‘switched on’ this Easter

   

  Easter can generally be regarded as family time – an occasion in which we get to spend time and catch-up with our loved ones. Laughter, children’s voices and music are the common sounds associated with the Easter period and are what generally make the holiday a memorable one.

  This Easter LifeSound wants to ensure that these sounds don’t go unnoticed, and that no hearing aid users encounter potential power problems that may result in a disappointing experience for their families or themselves. “We currently have a stock of size 312 and size 10 batteries, and will gladly be giving away a free pack of these batteries to anyone who visits the LifeSound stores during April,” confirms Jenelle Ramsami, LifeSound ambassador and former Miss Deaf SA Finalist. 

  “We value the importance of being able to enjoy the time spent with loved ones, and understand how a simple mishap such as a battery malfunction can ultimately affect this. We are happy to provide a solution that will prevent this from happening,” says Jenelle.

  For more details "Contact Us" at the Gateway store on (031) 584 6799.

  Pictured above is Jenelle Ramsami – In the last two years Jenelle has been a finalist in the Miss Deaf South Africa pageant, was awarded the ‘Fresh Look’ title at Miss India South Africa KZN contest, and is a top 5 finalist and Miss Photogenic in the Xtreme Models Search competition

   

  • Added 15 April 2011

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  Hearing loss linked to cell phone usage!

  

  Hearing loss linked to cell phone usage!

  Cell phones have fast become an integral part of our daily lives, and one can emphatically agree with the idea that these popular gadgets have permanently changed the way that we work, live, and love. Communicating with friends, family and business associates has never been easier, but have you ever considered the potential dangers of regularly using your mobile phone? A recent study carried out by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in India, found that people who talked on their cell phone for more than 1 hour per day may be more likely to suffer from high-frequency hearing loss. 

  The research carried out evaluated 100 people, aged 18 to 45, who had used a mobile phone for at least a year, and compared them to a group of 50 people who had never used a cell phone. To indicate the degree to which the hearing is being affected, the group being analysed was further subdivided into 3 groups, according to the length of time they had been using a cell phone for – i.e. 1 to 2 years, 2 to 4 years and more than 4 years. It was proved that people who had been using cell phones for more than a year suffered increases in the degree of hearing loss over a period of 12 months. Furthermore each group was asked whether they spoke on their cell phone for less than 1 hour per day or more than 1 hour per day, and in each of the cases the respondents talking on their cell phone for more than 1 hour per day had a worse hearing threshold than those who used their cell phone less.

  The research, which was clearly able to identify which ear was commonly used when talking on a cell phone and therefore which ear was being affected, concluded that people who had been using their cell phone for 1 to 2 years had a 16.48 decibel loss in the high-frequency range, while those who used the phones more than 4 years had a 24.54 decibel loss.

  Hearing loss, or deafness, is the partial or total inability to hear sound in one or both ears. High frequency hearing loss often involves loss of ability to hear consonants such as S, F, T, and Z, even though vowels can be heard normally. Consequently, people hear but cannot make out what is being said. This may result in frustration, withdrawal from social activities, depression, and marital discord. People can ultimately lose the ability to take in everyday sounds like bird songs, rustling of leaves, and the voices of children. In general, these infringements on the quality of life can be overcome by regularly checking your hearing to determine if any hearing loss has occurred and, if necessary, through the use of hearing aids.

  LifeSound Audiologist, Crystal Govindsamy, warns, “Symptoms that can indicate that the hearing mechanism is being over-worked, and therefore needs a rest include: ringing in the ear, called Tinnitus, as well as your ear feeling warmer than usual which would be as a result of holding the cell phone to your ear for long periods of time”. 

  Although the research carried out was definitely not intended to scare anyone, it was carried out in the hope that people would be more aware about the measures that need to be taken to prevent hearing loss. To learn more about adequate hearing health care or to book a hearing screening visit our LifeSound stores in either Gateway or at Victoria Square in Pietermaritzburg.

  Check out out our LifeSound Facebook Page for more!

  
  

  • Added 11 May 2011

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  LifeSound Ambassador - Amy Nicole Wilson

  We have the great pleasure of introducing our newest LifeSound hearing ambassador, Amy Nicole Wilson. We asked Amy to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to sit down with us and let us know a bit more about herself and her experiences! 

   

  •  Tell us a bit about yourself

  I am 21 years old and I will be 22 in February next year.  Currently I am studying a BA Honours in Drama and Performance Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, majoring in theatre design and directing. I already have a BA in Drama and English, which I completed in 2010. I live in Durban with my parents and my older brother and have lived here my whole life; I went to school at Danville Park Girls' High. My interests are quite varied, acting and design tend to take up most of my time but I am also a passionate horse rider as well as singing and playing the guitar.

  • What is your hearing loss and what steps have you taken to manage this?

  I was first diagnosed in high school; I think it was when I was 16 years old. I had been struggling for a few years but didn't realise I had a problem until I was being teased for being too loud and my marks in school were suffering when I couldn't hear the teacher. I don't have a severe condition, due to ear infections when I was a baby I have slight hearing loss in both ears (I haven't been for my annual check-up so I'm not sure of my current percentage). I also have a condition that means I cannot hear when there is background noise (my audiologist explains it as having 2D hearing as opposed to 3D, I hear everything at the same level!), which affects me much more, then the actual hearing loss. I wear a Widex CIC hearing aid in my right ear; it helps separate the sounds so I can hear the different noise levels. A hearing aid in each ear would be more helpful but quite expensive (my father also wears an aid due to the same condition) and my one aid is quite successful and I am able to hear in most situations with it in.

  • How would you say your hearing impairment has affected your everyday life individually, professionally and socially?

  It was very hard in the beginning to adjust to my hearing aid. I always thought it was normal to not hear in public areas and to suddenly be able to hear separate noises was quite alarming, I remember being shocked how people scuffed their feet when they walked! I also didn't tell anyone except my closest friends which meant when people sitting next to me saw my hearing aid (as small as it is!), they would make a big deal about it and I would be very embarrassed, especially when people would call me deaf which I am not. As I have gotten older I don't look at my condition as being a disability but rather it being just like wearing glasses (which I do as well for reading!).

  Academically it has hardly affected me, I chose to not inform the university of my condition as I knew there were people with much worse disabilities that needed the university's help much more then I did. All I did was tell my lecturers in private and sat in the front of lecture venues often armed with a Dictaphone in case I missed anything. Despite it I got the deans commendation throughout my degree and graduated, missing cum laude by just 0.5%. Professionally it has been quite tough with a hearing aid. Being an actress is tough under normal circumstances but being one with a hearing condition has meant that I have to work a little harder. We were worried when I was first diagnosed that it would negatively impact my career but I was determined to make it. Mostly my directors are unaware of my problem; people often start to treat me differently when they find out and I didn't want any special treatment or miss out the opportunity to get lead roles because of the worry that I might not be able to handle it. I usually get away with it, and have taken to keeping spare batteries all over the set in case my aid runs out on stage (Which has happened on several occasions!).

  I still struggle a bit socially, while my aid enables me to be able to converse a lot easier with friends, I have an aversion to hugging people hello as my aid buzzes in their ear which means I get some funny looks! At concerts and clubs I struggle as often I have to make the decision of wearing my hearing aid which means I hear my friends but not the music or not wearing it which means I can enjoy the music but have quite a vacant expression on my face when being talked to. But my friends are fantastic; they are very understanding and supportive and usually make jokes about it.

  • What are your dreams, hopes, and aspirations? 

  I have been acting on stage since the age of 9 years old and my dream is to carry on with it as long as I can. Next year I hope to study my MA in theatre design and take my studies as far as I can! I am also a scriptwriter as well as a director and my dream is to inform people through theatre of different issues that need to be dealt with. This year I co-wrote and co-directed a play that went up to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown that dealt with the effects and consequences of bullying in schools (something that I went through while young). I am working on a script that deals with how society looks at people with disabilities and hope to take it to schools sometime in the future. I want to educate children that having a hearing aid is not something to be ashamed of, its like wearing glasses, and no one should be treated differently because of it.

  • You mentioned that you are a student. What industry/profession do you see yourself going into? In what way would you say your hearing impairment has affected you and how have you overcome this?

  After my studies I hope to work professionally in the theatre industry; in acting, designing and directing. I want to eventually start my own production company and do plays that can be both professional but educational at the same time. My hearing impairment has only affected me in the way that it has made me more determined to show people how it doesn't affect me. Sometimes I have to find creative ways of disguising my aid while acting but as I have one of the smallest ones I could find, most of the time it doesn't get in the way. Sometimes I struggle with hearing cues when I'm offstage but I have fantastic friends who help me out as much as they can. Recently I missed out on getting a lead role in a production as there was a lot of water involved and I couldn't be on stage without my hearing aid, neither could I get it wet so I had to ask for a role which wouldn't require me to get wet.

  • What are your hobbies? Does your hearing impairment affect these and in what way?

  My hobbies usually revolve around my career (I have little time for anything else!). In terms of design I find my hearing impairment helps me, often I like to concentrate in silence and find that turning off my aid gives me that! I enjoy to horse ride on the weekend as a hobby, sometimes my aid gets a bit clogged with dirt and I can't hear my instructor but it usually just makes for some entertaining lessons. I have always been quite passionate about playing the guitar but find it difficult with my hearing aid. Before I got my aid I played and coped fine as I didn't know any different. When I got my aid it changed how I heard the music and was really confusing and now I tend to juggle wearing it and not wearing it when I play.

  • We often hear from our patients that they feel isolated and frustrated by the way other people treat them. Do you have any comments?

  Oh completely. I get extremely frustrated when people treat me differently because I wear an aid. Just because I am young I am pitied for my condition as ignorant people think that it is only elderly people who wear aids. Wearing an aid means I am not completely deaf and as I can function normally so I don't like getting special treatment. I believe people need to be more educated and realise it isn't some weird disease or something that I am ashamed of. To me it is normal and a part of who I am and I want to be treated like that. Before I found your store I was going to chemist and another store and I found as soon as I asked for hearing aid batteries or wax filters they would immediately switch from treating me normally to slowing their speech down and giving me pitying looks, as well as one assistant even saying to my mom that she was sorry for her. What I liked immediately about your shop assistants was that they were very friendly and professional and didn't treat me any differently.

  • How did you hear about LifeSound and find our Facebook page?

  I found your store by walking through Gateway and passing the store (The pig Shox speakers actually made me stop and look in!). When I saw that you sold hearing aid equipment I went in to buy batteries and when I saw how friendly and helpful your staff was I started to regularly buy my equipment from the store. I think I saw that a friend of mine had 'liked' your FB group so I joined it as well.

  • Do you have anything to add?

  I think this is fantastic and love what you guys are doing. I believe people need to be more educated about how delicate their hearing is, especially with loud music being so common nowadays. I think it is important that the stigma around hearing loss and wearing an aid is changed and that people can be more educated about it. No one deserves to be treated differently for something that is normal and not their fault. It is really hard to get information about hearing care management etc and I can't get to my audiologist often because of my career and its nice to have somewhere free to get advice and tips! Its really nice to know that there are so many people who have conditions like me and get a chance to talk about it and share experiences. Its definitely something that we need more of and I think the more people talk about it and the more the general community can see that successful people have hearing problems and cope despite of it, the better the hearing impaired community will be accepted.

  Thank you so much Amy, for taking the time to share with us. We're positive your story will prove inspiring and valuble to those having similar experiences in their lives.

  • Added 07 September 2011

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  LifeSound Presents: South Africa's First Self-Test Acoustic Booth Kiosk

   

  "Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people" – Helen Keller

   

  September is hearing awareness month!

  And with one in ten South African’s affected by some form of hearing loss, Lifesound believes it is time to direct much deserved attention to this vitally important aspect of your health. It’s time to start living life in full sound!

  With LifeSound in full support of this initiative, it acknowledges the need for hearing awareness, education and treatment. “We at LifeSound strive to empower the average person to take control over their hearing and live their life at full volume,” states Brendan McGuirk, Director of LifeSound.
  LifeSound is a hearing care retail kiosk; with branches at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Durban and The Victoria Centre, Pietermartizburg. Dedicated to hearing healthcare, they offer professional hearing tests, as well as cutting-edge hearing aid technology and products committed to hearing protection, hearing enhancement and hearing enjoyment.
  
  LifeSound recognizes the crucial need to highlight the importance of this month and as a result has built the first retail based self-test acoustic booth in South Africa. Set to provide convenient hearing test facilities for the early detection of hearing problems, the booth is situated in the bustling corridors at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Made out of a material that is able to attenuate the background noise of the centre by up to 60Db (decibels) or to put more simply, the decibels generated during an average conversation between two people, the booth is able to provide an environment suitable for accurate hearing tests. This facility is available to the public for free.
  
  Unlike making an appointment to have your eyes or teeth checked, the new booth allows those wandering through the centre to stop by and have their hearing checked after which they can once again resume their shopping. With the test taking less than 10 minutes it really is a valuable incentive, making the subject of hearing healthcare much more approachable and easier to maintain than other health checks. “If a problem with one’s hearing is detected at the booth, that person will be professionally referred to an Audiologist,” explains McGuirk.
  
  “In today’s noisy world where our ability to hear is constantly challenged by potentially damaging sounds, problems with hearing is on the rise. It is so important to acknowledge the problem and receive help, as early detection can prevent deterioration later on. With such a diverse range of treatments to choose from, there will be a solution to suit each person and their lifestyle” he concludes.

  • Added 13 October 2011

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  Dealing with a Noisier World

  When was the last time you heard silence? The sound of screeching tyres, honking hooters, blaring music, the drill and drone of a construction site – these are sounds that we often encounter in our environment, and the reality is that we now have to deal with a noisier and noisier world. Air and water pollution are commonly accepted as contaminating factors in our world. Steps are actively taken to prevent and protect ourselves from these pollutants, however increasingly today we face a new but much overlooked factor – noise pollution – which is something that ultimately has a profoundly negative impact on our hearing.

  Today environmentalists site noise pollution as one of the main hazards of urbanization. But what exactly is noise pollution? This may be as minor as the vacuum cleaner, to the heavy sound of an overhead aircraft, and is defined as any sound created by humans, animals or machines that is displeasing and often disrupts the environmental balances. “People are simply not aware that everyone is exposed to potentially damaging noise everyday, from loud music to barking dogs, nor do they know how to protect themselves from this potential damage,” confirms Brendan McGuirk, Director of LifeSound.

  Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and on average a conversation between two people is measured at 60 dB. At 85 dB, sound can start to damage your hearing. In South Africa, by law, if workers are exposed to noise of 85 dB or above they are required to wear hearing protection.

  McGuirk explains, “There is a good reason for this law, as once you have suffered acoustic trauma, the damage can have a range of effects. The hazards can be categorised into two separate areas – physiological and psychological”.

  People overlook the many consequences of hearing loss, and it is surprisingly far reaching. The physical aspect of hearing damage most obviously include hearing loss, but also can result in hypertension, sleep disturbance and cardiovascular problems. The psychological effects are just as, if not more, serious resulting in performance reduction, annoyance and aggression responses, stress and socially adverse behaviour. “The good news is that steps can be taken to improve impaired hearing,” says McGuirk.

  The two greatest causes of hearing loss are due to noise and ageing. There are certain warning flags that are raised when hearing damage has taken place. Other than struggling to hear certain sounds; sounds that become distorted or muffled, it may also become difficult to understand speech. This is a result of the brain “forgetting” certain words and sounds that fall below the person’s hearing range. Because of the stress hearing loss exerts on your body this may also lead to an increase in blood pressure, a rise in cholesterol or a change in heart rate. Over time these symptoms can lead to damage in the body’s vulnerable systems.

  It is essential that steps be taken to deal with a noisier world and to protect your hearing. The following tips can be used in everyday activities:

  • Listening to very loud music can lead to permanent damage, try and avoid long periods of continuously loud sounds.

  • When listening to earphones the general rule is that you should be able to hear someone talking 1m away from you.

  • When working with power tools, even at home, wear hearing protection.

  • Protect yourself from recreational noise, including firearms, motorcycles and speedboats.

  • Escape every once and a while and let your ears rest in a quiet environment.

  • Make those around you aware of the risk and causes of hearing loss.

  • Have a hearing test with an audiologist who can identity, measure and treat any hearing loss.

  We live in a world that is full of sounds, and those sounds can be both beautiful and dangerous. We need to be aware of the reality of the risk of hearing damage and the resulting loss, as well as steps that can be taken to protect ourselves.

  “With today’s advances in treatment and technology, hearing loss is easy to diagnose and treat. The best solution is to have regular visits to your audiologist, as one does with your dentist and optometrist, and so any damage can be detected early and cared for quickly, resulting in the least possible permanent damage,” says McGuirk.

  LifeSound is a holistic hearing retail concept store in Gateway Theatre of Shopping that offers professional hearing tests by a resident qualified audiologist, in a convienient and accessable environment, as well as a range of hearing protection, enhancement and enjoyment products on the cutting edge of technology. For the month of September, LifeSound, together with their Hearing Awareness Month partners Skullcandy, Execuspecs, Shox and Sorbet are giving away R20, 000.00 worth of prizes. To stand a chance of winning, simply go to the LifeSound store for a sponsored hearing assessment, to be entered into the draw.

  • Added 06 September 2010

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  Something Happens at 50

  Life certainly changes at 50. The children have left home, there is more disposable income and in many cases our waistlines are spreading. But there are hidden changes too, and one of these is a gradual deterioration of hearing. This is particularly noticeable in individuals who have been exposed to loud noises, such as factory noise, shooting, and loud music.

  “The media and colleagues encourage us to lead healthy lifestyles, and as a result we actively check our medical status by going to the dentist or optomatrist, but sadly individuals do not routinely monitor their hearing health,” explains Brendan McGuirk, Director of the holistic hearing retail concept, LifeSound.

  Even the slightest loss of hearing can impact on the way we communicate or how we respond. So great is the impact that when someone in the family has hearing loss, the whole family is affected.

  Leading Durban based audiologist, Dr. Janet Smith explains, “The ears are a complex but fragile sense organ and hearing is an important and integral part of our social and emotional well being”. Hearing problems can make it difficult to enjoy talking with family and friends, to understand and follow a doctor’s advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells or alarms. Dr. Smith continues, “All of this can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even dangerous.”

  Ideally, all adults should obtain a base line hearing test and thereafter be screened every year. If you are having hearing difficulties; have worked in a noisy environment or even just enjoy loud music, contact your local Audiologist for a quick hearing assessment. Take that important step and obtain a base line of your present hearing levels. Audiologists are specifically qualified to assess your hearing, discuss the results and if a there is a hearing loss advise you about a combination of modern technology and rehabilitation strategies that can both improve your listening skills and quality of life.

  LifeSound is situated at Gateway Theatre of Shopping and offers hearing diagnostics, treatment and the latest in hearing healthcare and sound related entertainment accessories. “Because of the advances in technology today, hearing loss can be easily treated, permanent damage minimised and the negative effect of hearing loss largely prevented. It is important to have regular hearing tests, so that any hearing damage can be detected early and loss curtailed, confirms McGuirk.”

  For the month of September LifeSound, together with their Hearing Awareness Month partners Skullcandy, Execuspecs, Shox and Sorbet are giving away R20, 000.00 worth of prizes. To stand a chance of winning, simply go to the LifeSound store for a sponsored hearing assessment, to be entered into the draw.

  
  

  • Added 06 September 2010

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