The Hearing Care Centre's Winter 2017 / 18 Newsletter

Hearing Care Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSACentre NewsEast Anglia's Multi-Award Winning, Private Hearing Care CompanyCelebrating 20 Years of Hearing Excellence 2018 set to be a big year for HCC! (pg 4) Hearing loss doesn't just affect people later in life (pgs 10 - 11) Sounds of Suffolk photography winners revealed (pg 7) Giveaway Hands Free Competition Free diary when Make calls using Win a visit to you spend £10 your hearing aids Adnams brewery! (pg 5) (pg 16) (pg 25)Winter 2017/18 | Free hearingcarecentre.co.uk

Tom Liddell Jörg Schumacher Karen Strandberg Shannon Conn96% 81%of users say they say they not onlyhear better with understand more, Oticon Opn* they use less effort to do so*Amanda Curcio Robert PrimesThe ideal BrainHearing™ aid forevery user and any situationWith breakthrough features and a variety of styles, Oticon Opn™ is proven to deliver on theunique needs of a wide variety of users - across age, lifestyle and level of hearing loss.User feedback highlights how 96% say they hear better with Oticon Opn, while 81% saythey not only understand more, they use less effort to do so.Listen to their stories on www.oticon.co.uk/hearing/testimonials* Beck D.L., Porath M., Consumer Responses to the Oticon Opn Hearing Aid. Hearing Review. 2017;24(1):26.

Welcome... PHOTO: The HCC Whole Hog Team at Wantisden Hall.Welcome to this bumper winter newsletter. Ihope you will find it a good read and be inspired Contact usby some of our patients who have contributedto the editorial content in this edition. Editor: Matthew Coward I write enthusiastically as we embark on our Newsletter Enquiries:20th anniversary celebrations. I cannot believe [email protected] the time has gone. We have achievedso much and helped so many people improve The Hearing Care Centre Ltdtheir hearing and quality of life. Over the next 12 11 Upper Brook Streetmonths we have some exciting plans for you all Ipswich, IP4 1EGto look forward to so watch this space! Tel: 01473 230330 As you will know the team and I love a goodchallenge and recently 12 of us stepped out of For a full list of our 25 centres,our comfort zone to complete the Whole Hog please see the back page.Challenge. We got very muddy, wet and cold,wading through ice cold water and thick mud, as Follow uswell as climbing obstacles - all in aid of HearingDogs for Deaf People. We raised an incredible Like us at:£2,600. It’s amazing what you can achieve when Facebook.com/you work together for a common cause. hearingcarecentre We have been extremely busy with thelaunch of the new Hadleigh centre, taking out Follow us at:our mobile clinic, attending almost 30 outside @hearingcarectrevents and training for new products, all ofwhich you can read more about in this edition. Watch our videos: If your hearing isn’t what it used to be, make Youtube.com/this forthcoming festive period a time for action: hearingcarecentredon’t miss out on all the enjoyment the seasonhas to offer. The first step is to call us and Follow us at:arrange a hearing test to find out how we can Instagram.com/help you make the most of your life. hearingcarectr On behalf of us all, I wish you, your family andyour friends a very happy time. The Hearing Care Centre | 3Karen FinchManaging Director & Audiologist

20th Birthday CelebrationsThe champagne is chilling and party throughout Suffolk.poppers are at the ready as 2018 marks Almost twenty years on, the businessthe beginning of The Hearing Care now serves patients from 25 centresCentre’s 20th year in business and what a across both Suffolk and Norfolk (includingjourney is it has been! a flagship practice in Ipswich). It has grown Having trained as a hearing aid an audiology team of 10 professionals (allaudiologist Karen Finch set up the trained and funded by HCC) and a furthercompany to be her own boss because 14 employees who look after customershe believed there was a place for care, marketing and accounting.a Hearing Aid Audiologist who put What’s the aim for 2018? Whilstcustomer care ahead of sales targets. continuing our growth and expandingWhat she possibly didn’t realise was quite our services, we also wish to celebratehow much of a success it would become. our 20th birthday by organising a huge A single mum with two children, she awareness drive about the prevalence ofmortgaged her home to raise cash to hearing loss, its effect on everyday life andequip her first premises in Ipswich High potential dangers of leaving hearing lossStreet, and persuaded her aunt Denise untreated.to answer the telephones and run the Throughout 2018 we will hold a seriesoffice. Working all the hours God sends of exciting and informative activities andKaren worked tirelessly to not only make events, which we will keep you updatedthe business a success, but help change through our magazine, website, socialthe lives of many hearing impaired people media channels and email.4 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

Christmas Special Opening Hours Offer Over the festive period we will be FREE 2018 Pocket Diaryoperating a reduced service but please With All Orders Over £10!rest assured we will be here when you need us. Below are the opening times Spend £10 or more on batteries or consumables and receive a stylish navy of our main Ipswich practice: blue pocket diary with our compliments. Saturday 23rd December Plus there is the added bonus of free 9am - 1pm postage for orders over £20. Sunday 24th December - Valid on orders placed before 12th Wednesday 27th December January 2018 or whilst stocks last! Closed How to order: Thursday 28th December - Call: 01473 230330 Friday 29th December Online: 9am - 5pm www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/shop Saturday 30th December In person: 9am - 1pm Visit our Ipswich Practice Sunday 31st December - (Upper Brook St) or speak to your Monday 1st January audiologist at your next appointment. Closed FREE Tuesday 2nd January 9am - 5pm WITH ORDERS OVER £10 This year we will also be running a number of outside clinics in case of Terms: Offer valid on orders placed on or before 12/01/18 emergencies over the festive period: or whilst stocks last. To qualify orders must be over £10 Thursday 28th December before the cost of postage and packaging is added. Beccles & Stowmarket Offer limited to one diary per customer. Friday 29th December Eye, Southwold & Sudbury (Home visits will also be available across Suffolk & Norfolk)

News in Brief: Jason celebrates results! Congratulations to Jason Curtis onBHTA award nomination passing his final audiology exams. In December staff from HCC will be Jason joined the team in 2015 andheading to London for the prestigious has trained at Aston University.British Health Trades Association Jason who lives in Ipswich is(BHTA) annual awards gala. We have married and also celebrated theentered the ‘Best Service Award’ and birth of this first child (Ted) this year. ‘Best Contribution to the Community Jason will be predominantlyAward’ categories and we have our based at our Ipswich Centre andfingers crossed for good news. looks forward to meeting you all The BHTA is the oldest and largest very soon.healthcare association in the UK,representing over 500 companies andover 17,000 employees. In 2012 HCCwon the BHTA Award for Excellence(Aids for Daily Living category), whichwas presented by TV presenter andjournalist Angela Rippon. Meet our new apprentice... We would like to introduce the newest member of our team, Rebecca Long. Rebecca is from Ipswich and joined us in October after deciding to change her career path after a short stay at Suffolk New College. She has been welcomed into our growing Customer Care Team on an Apprenticeship programme and will be working at our main practice in Ipswich, whilst completing a qualification in 'Business Administration'.6 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

Soundsof SuffolkOur unique ‘Sounds of Suffolk’photography competition for 2017organised with the help of our friendsat Archant Suffolk, aimed to helpencourage those with hearing lossto seek help, as well as highlight theincredible sounds that can be heardaround our county. Our judging panel which includedBBC Radio Suffolk presenter MarkMurphy and professional photographerTony Pick, had an extremely difficulttask choosing the winners from thewealth of entries that were sent in. James Stannard’s submissiondepicting the sounds of the sea rollingonto the shore at Covehithe nearSouthwold collected the top prize of£250. Second place went to StephenSquirrell for his image of FelixstoweFerry. Third place went to JosephineSweetman who captured the sound ofa marching band in Bury St Edmunds. Now on sale - 2018 charity calendar All these images and more are available in a special charity calendar in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. It costs just £5 and can be purchased from our Ipswich practice or via our online shop. The Hearing Care Centre | 7



Audiologist Jason Curtis actually have two ‘bad’ ears – it’s just that one is worse than the other. Most types ofHearing Loss: hearing loss affect both ears fairly equallyFacts vs Myths and about 90% of patients are in need of hearing aids for both ears.HCC Audiologist Jason Curtis tacklessome of the myths and misconceptions Myth #4 - Hearing loss only affectssurrounding hearing impairment… ‘old’ people. Not true. Only about 35% of people who suffer from hearing loss areMyth #1 - If I had a hearing impairment over the age of 64. Hearing loss can affectI would know about it. The truth is that all age groups.hearing loss tends be gradual, and thesigns can be very subtle at first. We also Myth #5 - My hearing loss cannot behave an in-built ability to adapt, so self- treated. In the past it may have beendiagnosing a hearing problem can be true that there was nothing that couldsomewhat difficult. be done to help your hearing loss. Today, though, almost all patients with someMyth #2 - Living with hearing loss is form of hearing loss can be helped tono big deal. This is wrong. Hearing loss some extent by hearing instruments.can have a huge impact on your everydaylife. Psychological effects like frustration, Myth #6 - Hearing instruments aresocial withdrawal and depression are big and ugly. Today hearing instrumentscommon – even for those with mild are technologically advanced and includehearing impairment. options that are so small they're hardly noticeable and they come with differentMyth #3 - I may have one bad ear, but colour options. Some devices connectthe other works fine. Many patients to smartphones, are water resistant,who believe they have one ‘good’ ear or automatically adjust as you enter different listening environments. The Hearing Care Centre | 9

“I could suddenly hear the world again”Following on from our earlier piece surrounding myths, hearing loss doesn’t justaffect those in their later years. HCC patient Robert Minns tells us how coming to terms with his hearing loss in his twenties changed his life completely...It took me a few years to fully become to concentrate on what peopleaware of my hearing loss. This was were saying. I was lip-reading everyprobably due to stubbornness and conversation.denial on my part. I was in my mid Karen recommended a very discreet20’s and didn’t believe that I could be hearing aid for both ears, whichaffected at a young age. I assumed that helped me overcome the vanity thateverybody else struggled just like me. has previously been the reason I hadI wondered why people asked why my avoided addressing my hearing loss.TV was so loud, why I asked people to In fact, the opposite happened. Theyrepeat themselves and so on. I am a became a real conversation starter asmortgage advisor so listening and having people could not believe how smallconversations with people is vital to me. and modern looking they were. The Approximately 8 years ago (and I'm biggest change however, was that Inow into my 30’s) I met Karen Finch could suddenly hear the world againby chance who very quickly realised - everything I had been missing outthat I was struggling to hear her on. I was warned they would takedespite having met me only 5 minutes some getting used to, however theypreviously. She explained that she have rarely ever been taken out of mywas an audiologist and this marked the ears and my world changed. No morestart of a journey that changed my life. making up conversations, no more I remained stubborn for a further tiredness, no more embarrassmentyear, by this time I was inventing from asking people to repeatconversations as I could hardly hear themselves. Suddenly I could hear thespeech at all. I eventually swallowed world outside, I could go to the cinemamy pride and booked a hearing test. and even go on a date!It was only then I realised just how I have been lucky enough that mymuch my hearing had deteriorated. I hearing aids have given me 6 years greatwas exhausted every day just trying service and given me my confidence10 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

Robert Minns & Karen Finchback in life. Like all good things however, The other biggest change is that thethey need to be updated. Bluetooth link will stream any telephone Karen has recently enabled me to calls directly to my hearing aids. I spendtrial the new ReSound LiNX 3D. It is a lot of time using a telephone and thisthe first hearing aid that has been is fantastic as previously I struggled todeveloped to work seamlessly with hear on the telephone. I am also ablemy iPhone. This is an amazing jump to stream music and TV directly fromforward in technology that has again my iPad with no need for additionaltransformed how I am able to carry out headphones or having to disturb others.basic tasks. All in all, having had the opportunity Anybody that wears hearing aids will to trial these new hearing aids I havehave noticed that sometimes they are decided the time is right to upgradenot always perfect in all environments. to the new technology. I simply couldThis new model enables me to control not go back to my original hearing aidsand adjust settings using an App on my despite how amazing they have beeniPhone. I can adjust to enhance speech over the last 6 years.and reduce background noise at a touch This technology is so advanced now my only worry is whether my human of a button adapting to brain will keep up. I hope you have the environment enjoyed my experience and if in doubt I am in (noisy about your hearing, go and investigate restaurant, wind, as there is a solution to suit everyone! meetings etc.) The Hearing Care Centre | 11



What is Ear Care Practitioner, Sarah NicholsMicrosuction? The Hearing Care Centre | 13HCC’s Ear Care Practitioner, SarahNichols explains the safe procedureof removing troublesome earwaxusing microsuction…Microsuction is a procedure that usesgentle suction to remove built-upexcessive wax. Firstly we examine theear to determine the extent of yourproblem using both a pair of binocularmicroscopes, and video otoscope. The removal of the wax is carried outusing a microscope (which allows greaterdepth-perception and magnification)and light which enables the ear canalto be seen clearly at all times during theprocedure. While looking down the earcanal we use a very fine sterile probe tovacuum out the wax. The most you shouldfeel is a gentle pulling sensation as the waxis removed from the canal. The techniquemeans that we can avoid touching the skinof the sides of the ear canal which makesthe process a lot more comfortable. Finally, we can check the conditionof your ear canal and ear drum, using thevideo otoscope. Microsuction is by far themost effective and safest way of cleaningblocked ears. The Hearing Care Centre offersmicrosuction daily in Ipswich and monthlyin our Aldeburgh, Beccles, Felixstowe,Sudbury and Thetford clinics.

DementiaStudy GivesMotivationto AddressHearing LossManaging hearing loss may be one way easily as hearing loss. We should gentlyto help lower your risk of dementia, but firmly push harder for them to useaccording to a new report by the Lancet hearing aids if they need them. TheirCommissions on Dementia Prevention, cognitive health may depend on it.Intervention and Care. The report Welcoming the report is The Hearingidentified nine age-related risk factors Care Centre’s Managing Director Karenfor developing dementia, with hearing Finch: “It has become increasinglyloss labelled the second most important clear in recent times that there is a linkafter good childhood education. between hearing loss and dementia in older people and it is a high priority forSo why is this important? us to get this message across. This isMany of us have will have cared for why we believe everyone should havebeloved elders, some of whom have their hearing checked at least everystubbornly resisted the necessity of two years so that we can pick up onhearing devices — “I can hear just fine, hearing loss at a very early stage,” saysdear” — and yet these elders can, as a Karen, adding that regular visits to theresult of perfectly normal age-related audiologist should be as routine as arehearing loss, unnecessarily slip intosocial isolation and cognitive decline.Dementia is on the increase and it isestimated that 850,000[1] peoplein the UK were suffering from thecondition in 2015 and that number islikely to triple in the next thirty years. Not all problems can be addressed as14 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

visits to a dentist or optician. Photo credit: ReSound The UK’s National Institute for Health [1] Alzheimer's Society report, Dementia UK.and Care Excellence (NICE), whichprovides guidance and advice to Patient Perspectiveimprove health and social care has alsoidentified social isolation and hearing By Coral Stebbingsloss as a dementia risk factor. Karen further points out that delayed Following on from the excellent servicedetection of hearing loss makes we have received from The HCC andrehabilitation more difficult because securing hearing aids for my 80 yearthe longer the loss remains, the harder old mother, as a family we decided toit is to get used to having hearing aids secure the same help, guidance andwhich will ultimately help. support for my 87 year old father. If you or a loved one would like to My father has recently has beenhave your hearing tested, contact diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a terribleThe Hearing Care Centre customer debilitating 'no cure' disease horrifyingcare team on 0800 096 2637. to watch. It is such an overwhelming frustrating experience for all concerned, but the professional team at The HCC have given such incredible support enhancing my father's diminishing cognitive perception with his new hearing aids. Hearing loss in the elderly feeds the feeling of isolation and loneliness with such patients as father. Being proactive will help us all, being educated on why and how important it is to have regular hearing checks. Wearing hearing aids won't cure Alzheimer's but it gives these lovely people the chance of more time to communicate with their loved ones before it's too late! The Hearing Care Centre | 15

Technology UpdateTechnology UpdateKaren Finch updates us on the very latest advancementsin hearing aid technology, that have caught her eye.Hands Free Calls & Biometric CalibrationFeatured In Latest Phonak Releases...Virto™ B Audéo™ B-DirectPhonak Virto B are the world’s first Featuring cutting-edgehearing aids with ‘Biometric Calibration’ technology, the new Audéoand are precisely calibrated to your B-Direct allows you to connect yourindividual ear anatomy for better hearing aids directly to any Bluetooth®hearing performance. phone*, regardless of the brand or The hearing aid modelling software operating system.measures and analyses the unique The hearing aids utilise the built-characteristics of your individual ear in microphones to pick up your voiceanatomy. Identifying 1600+ biometric for phone calls. A call can be hearddata points, it then calculates the ringing directly in the hearing aids andunique calibration settings for each with a simple push of a button, can beVirto B hearing aid. answered or rejected. This can also be Now you can enjoy an outstanding done at distance from the telephone.listening experience, unique to your Direct connectivity also extendsindividual ear with a hearing aid which is to media playing with automatictruly customised inside and out. connectivity to any TV or stereo I fitted my first pair of these aids system through a new and compact,recently and all I can say is WOW! The multimedia hub called ‘TV Connector’.cosmetics were stunning, beautiful It delivers excellent stereo soundstyling and a quality finish accompanied quality up to 15m away and doesby clear precise natural sound for my not require any additional streamingpatient. If you are interested in the device. It’s as easy as removing it from the box, plugging it in and watching TV, latest in-the-ear hearing with the sound being sent straight to systems these have to your hearing system. be the ones to trial.16 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

Technology Update Special OfferPhonak Audeo B-Direct allows hands free calls SAVE £1,480 on rechargeable aidsRechargeableRevolution Continues To kick off our 20th year in style we have the amazing Signia PrimaxIn previous editions we have looked at Cellion 7 and newly released ReSoundthe latest rechargeable hearing aids LiNX 3D available for a special price offrom leading manufacturers Sivantos £1,750 (per hearing aid), down fromand Phonak, both of which have had £2,490 when purchased as a pair!amazing results with our patients. In thepast few months other manufacturers Top end hearing aidshave brought out their own versions, for a mid range price.many of which are hybrid, allowingthe use of normal batteries as well as This represents a saving of £1,480!rechargeable technology – just in case To find out more call us on 01473you forgot to charge! These include ReSound LiNX 3D, 230330 or visit our website.Oticon Opn, Starkey Muse iQ and Fusion,Unitron Moxi Fit to name but a few. Signia Primax Cellion*with Bluetooth® 4.2 wireless technology & most older Bluetooth phones Terms: Offer available whilst stocks last. Colour choices may be limited. Pair of same hearing aids must be purchased in order to obtain the offer price. The Hearing Care Centre | 17

Technology Update by Karen FinchHear Every DayWith ClarityReSound ENZO 3D - the newesthearing aid for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss.For many people with severe-to- because sound is streamed directly to theprofound hearing loss, hearing aids hearing aids.aren’t just about amplifying sound, ENZO 3D is the only ‘Made forthey’re also about providing clarity. iPhone’ hearing aid for people with ReSound ENZO 3D uses patented severe-to-profound hearing loss.Binaural Directionality III technology to Android users can stream with thegive users a sense of where sounds are ReSound Phone Clip+. Patients cancoming from. ENZO 3D also delivers also use the ReSound Smart 3D appthe highest amplification in the industry on their smartphones to personalisewithout feedback. and control their sound experience, Speaking on the telephone is a challenge adjusting volume as well as bass, middlefor people with severe-to-profound hearing and treble. With the success of the LiNXloss. With made for iPhone® technology, 3D for moderate to severe users, theENZO 3D works like wireless headphones release of this technology in a super power format is a breath of fresh air for Adjust your those most in need. aids using the I will be looking for 2 patients to ReSound app help me trial this product, please let me know if you wish to help.18 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

Technology Update By Karen FinchOur Patients Feel EmpoweredMany of you will have heard me say technology is that one size cannot fitmany times that the way you see and all. That's why to maximise your fullhear the world is 100% exclusive to hearing and listening potential, hearingyou. Our audiology team have one goal technology should be specificallyand that’s to take you on a journey to selected and individualised for you.change the way you think about your Anything less would be to compromisehearing and improve your ability to hear. your potential. Whether the challenge is I have the pleasure of updating yousituational or biological, our wearable with information on new technologyhearing technology is designed and each edition, as we have the ability topersonalised to give your natural prescribe hearing aids from across thehearing the edge it's looking for. We are globe, from the world’s best innovatorsnot a one stop, fit the hearing aid and no of technology – Why? Because we arefollow up, numbers through the door, independent!type of company! We believe in giving To best match the technology toyou the tools to empower yourself as your hearing we've always believed it'swe all encounter times when hearing our moral duty to remain independent—proves a challenge. free to select what is right for you. That We must remember that our way we never have to compromise onsenses directly connect with our past your full hearing potential, becauseexperiences and our memories, which we don't limit your options to a fewaffects the way we experience every manufacturers or pre-selected models.situation we encounter. So the first Quite simply, we believe that to limitthing to understand about hearing your hearing would be to limit you! The Hearing Care Centre | 19

For the Love of MusicThis year audiologist Michael Shade celebrates 10 years working at The HearingCare Centre.We learn more about his story from being a semi-professional DJ to becoming an audiologist and helping our patients regain their hearing...“Music has always been my passion” who introduced me disc jockeying. Wesays Michael – and you can really tell he started playing at different bars and itmeans it. Mike spent his youth in South helped fund my living costs whilst atLondon growing up in a large family University.”and his interest in sound started at 14 Over the next 20 years Michael’swhen his father taught him the basics of passion grew and he played at musicplaying the guitar and piano. Michael also venues across the UK and Europe,joined a band and played steel pans at headlining alongside some of thethe world famous Notting Hill Carnival, industry’s biggest names.which is one of his fondest memories. “I After graduating with a BA (Hons) injust loved learning and playing different 1996, Michael decided that he wishedinstruments. I was instantly hooked.” to combine his love for music with Music helped Michael as he went a career. He joined BioAcoustics, aon to complete his Business Studies specialist distributor for Sennheiser Audiodegree, “I had a few friends at university equipment and assistive listening devices.20 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

\"I really enjoyed the technical solutions which allows him to safely removeto help those with hearing loss. I met many troublesome earwax.people in the industry, both in public and Michael is HCC’s audiologist at ourprivate health sectors\" said Michael. practice in Hadleigh. With exemplary 4 years later, with a desire to work feedback from patients, Michael’scloser with the hearing profession he professional success has continuedjoined hearing aid manufacturer Phonak, to grow throughout the years andas a Regional Manager. It was during this clinics under his responsibility now alsoperiod, where he first learnt about basic include Framlingham, Sudbury, Bury Staudiology, hearing aid programming and Edmunds and Ipswich.also met his boss-to-be Karen Finch. With his musical passion not \"During my time at Phonak I forgotten, Michael’s interest has nowsupported many audiologists. None turned to helping musicians and DJsimpressed me more so than Karen's to protect their hearing. \"This is verypractice in Ipswich, so when the important to me because I myself haveopportunity came to train as an developed mild noise induced hearingaudiologist at The Hearing Care Centre, I loss as a consequence of excessive pro-grabbed it with both hands.” longed exposure to loud music.” Michael bravely relocated from If you have ever met Michael you’llBedfordshire to Suffolk and began his probably know about his beautifultwo year training before qualifying in 6 year old daughter Olivia. Michael’sSeptember 2008. Since then he has patients love to hear about his daddy-never looked back. daughter relationship. Olivia together As an audiologist, Michael is with Michael’s three younger sisters,responsible for all aspects of hearing have had a big impact on his audiologycare. Over the past 10 years he has career. \"Family is everything andundertaken additional training to I’m lucky to be able to enjoy theirbecome a Tinnitus Lay counsellor conversations and laughter”.and a clinical Ear Care Practitioner, When the opportunity came to train as an audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre, I grabbed it with both hands. The Hearing Care Centre | 21

The future of Smart UK 05.67 A 7.2017Hearing is here With ReSound LiNX 3DTM you will be able to do more and be more than you ever thought possible. Because ReSound LiNX 3D is up to 50% better at identifying speech in various environments* you can: • Hear 80% more of the sounds around you** • Understand 40% more speech in noise** All while enjoying best-in-class streaming and control with the ReSound Smart 3D app. To find out what difference ReSound LiNX 3D could make to your hearing, contact the Hearing Care Centre. Compared with other premium hearing aids. Sources: *Groth (2016), **Jespersen et al. (2016)

Charity Fundraising UpdateWhole Hog Challenge complete!A team from THCC recently tackled theWhole Hog Challenge at Wantisden Hall inaid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Theteam waded through ice cold water, ran inthick mud and climbed obstacles to raise anincredible £2,600! Thank you to everybodywho contributed towards our total. Help us fundraise in 2018! In 2018 we need your support to make our fundraising total for Hearing Dogs the biggest its ever been! Could you organise a coffee morning, bake sale, a tea dance or perhaps just a simple collection? Any help would be gratefully received. Please get in contact with us. 01473 230330 or [email protected] Christmas prize drawOur annual Christmas Prize Draw isback and this year it is better than ever! Thanks to our generous sponsors,we have some incredible prizes for youto win, including a luxury hotel stay, F&Mhamper, a case of fine wine (worth over£200), £150 Fred Olsen voucher andspa day voucher. Tickets are just £1 and will beavailable until Monday 18th December,when we will reveal 10 lucky winners! To enter our draw please visit - www.justgiving.com/hccxmasdraw17 or call into our main Ipswich practice or ask your audiologist. The Hearing Care Centre | 23

News in Brief: Email marketing To improve communication with our customers and do our bit for the environment, we ask that you notify us of your email address if you would prefer paperless communication from us. Please email [email protected] earwax? Customer Service StarHere is a rundown of our dedicated Throughout the year we run ourearwax removal clinics being held in the Customer Service Star schemecoming months: which encourages staff members to nominate their colleagues when they Ear syringing only have gone the extra mile. Each month nominated(£40 one ear or £60 both ears) employees are rewarded with a prize and at the end of the year, theSouthwold: person with the most nominations26th Jan | 23rd Feb | 23rd Mar wins a weekend break for two.Wickham Market: Going forward we would love18th Dec | 15th Jan | 19th Feb | 19th Mar to have your input too. If you have an example or a story of when anEar syringing appointments are also HCC employee has exceeded youravailable at many of our other centres as expectations, we’d love to hearpart of our weekly or fortnightly clinics. about it. Please write in via email ([email protected]) or Microsuction only via post to our main Ipswich address.(£75 one ear or £95 both ears)Aldeburgh: 31st Jan | 14thMarBeccles: 1st Feb | 15th MarStowmarket: 11th Jan | 22ndFebSudbury: 26th Jan | 9th Mar Ear syringing & microsuctionIpswich: Daily: Mon-SatThetford:21st Dec | 16th Jan | 20th Feb | 20th Mar24 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

CompetitionWin an Adnams brewerytour for two in SouthwoldOn this fantastic tour learn all about how Suffolk brewer Adnams make their award winning beers in the seaside town of Southwold and perhaps even sample a few!To be with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer this simple question. Clue: The answer can be found within this newsletter.QUESTION: Entry Form Name:What big birthday is The Hearing Tel Number:Care Centre celebrating in 2018? Address:How to enter: Postcode: Email:• Email your answer, name, address and contact number to Answer: [email protected] putting 'Competition’ in the subject line.• Alternatively complete the entry form and send to: Competition, The Hearing Care Centre, 11 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1EGTerms and conditions: Competition deadline 28th February 2018. One entry per person. Winner will be drawn and notified within 7 days of the closing date. The Hearing Care Centre | 25

Aftercare isso ImportantHCC audiologist Melvyn Howe,explains Melvyn Howethat excellent aftercare can ensure your queries you may have and ensure you can handle the hearing aids with ease. Weinvestment in hearing instruments will continue to book appointments for as often as you require until you are confidentmaximises your hearing potential. you have achieved a full satisfactory outcome in your new hearing world.It might sound strange but when an Following on from this we provideindividual has a long-standing untreated biannual Open Day events for free hearinghearing loss, they have to learn how to hear aid servicing appointments available foragain and that process can take time. the life span of devices. Special invitations Our ears are simply the mechanism are sent either via email or post a few weeksto transmit sound through the auditory beforetheevent.Intheinterimifanyissuespathway to the brain. It is the brain that arise then we would only be to pleased tothen identifies the sounds and makes organise additional appointments.us understand what we hear. If there has We are proud to have won manybeen a long-term deprivation of sound we awards for the level of service we providecannot expect the brain to immediately our customers and hope you’ll agree that itcope with a rush of new information is what sets us apart from the rest.received from the amplification of If you'd like to find out more aboutthe hearing aids. Thus having expert how The Hearing Care Centre canprofessional guidance and aftercare is help improve your hearing, please callvitally important. The experience and 01473 230330.expertise of your audiologist during yourhearing rehabilitation visits will make thedifference between a good investmentand a bad one. At The Hearing Care Centre we provideall our patients with a tailored program tosuit their requirements. After your hearingaids have been fitted, we schedule regularfollow-up appointments to monitor yourprogress and help you acclimatise to yournew lease of sound. We will give you time to discuss any26 | www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

When your hearing aids letyou take calls hands-free,life is onIntroducing Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct. Hearing aids Phonak Audéo™that easily connect to any mobile phone* and your TV. B-Direct Answer calls with a touch of your hearing aids and use them as a wireless headset to talk hands-free. Enjoy the freedom of being able to easily connect with any Bluetooth® phone*, regardless of the brand. Use your hearing aids as wireless TV headphones and experience clear, quality, stereo sound on your TV.Call or visit us to learn more.*with Bluetooth® 4.2 wireless technology and most older Bluetooth phonesThe Audéo B-Direct hearing aid is now available atThe Hearing Care Centre. Call 01473 230330 to nd out more. @PhonakGB @PhonakUK @PhonakUK

The Hearing Care Centre Ltd 11 Upper Brook St, Ipswich IP4 1EG Telephone: 01473 230 330 Freephone: 0800 096 2637Private | Independent | Local | Hearing Aid Audiologists 25 Local centres in... 14 - HOVETON (WROXHAM) Cecil Amey Opticians, Ward House 2 - ALDEBURGH Aldeburgh Hospital, Park Road 15 - IPSWICH EAST Two Rivers Medical Centre, Woodbridge Road East 3 - ATTLEBOROUGH Cecil Amey Opticians, 11 Church Street 16 - NEEDHAM MARKET The Country Practice, Barking Road 4 - BECCLES Beccles & District Hospital, St Mary’s Road 17 - NORWICH Cecil Amey Opticians, 22 Haymarket 5 - BURY ST EDMUNDS Mount Farm Surgery, Lawson Place 18 - SOUTHWOLD (REYDON) Sole Bay Health Centre, Teal Close 6 - CARLTON COLVILLE Rosedale GP Surgery, Ashburnham Way 19 - STOWMARKET StowHealth, Violet Hill Road 7 - DEREHAM Cecil Amey Opticians, 3 Church Street 20 - SUDBURY Community Health Centre, Church Field Road 8 - EYE The Health Centre, Castleton Way 21 - THETFORD Healthy Living Centre, Croxton Road 9 - FELIXSTOWE Grove Medical Centre, Grove Road 22 - WATTON Cecil Amey Opticians, 13 High Street 10 - FRAMLINGHAM The GP Surgery, Pembroke Road 23 - WICKHAM MARKET Wickham Market Medical Centre, Chapel Lane 11 - HADLEIGH Health By Design, 14 High Steet 24 - WOODBRIDGE Framfield Medical Centre, Ipswich Road 12 - HALESWORTH Cecil Amey Opticians, 49 Thoroughfare 25 - WYMONDHAM Cecil Amey Opticians, 8 Market Street 13 - HARLESTON Cecil Amey Opticians, 33B Thoroughfare Home visits also availablehearingcarecentre.co.uk