Hearing loss and me

This isn’t something I expected to write about, or perhaps not in my fifties anyway, but earlier this year I took myself off for a hearing test and came out with a recommendation for hearing aids. It wasn’t a complete shock to me as I’d taken an online test before booking the appointment, and quite honestly I’d known that I was struggling to hear for a while, as I’d regularly ask MOH to repeat what he’d said, and even then I wasn’t sure all of the time.

The catalyst (pun not intended) was at a sewing group meeting when someone shared her sad cat news, and I knew it took that second too long for the news to register and for my face and speech to react. Exactly.

I was about to discover that there’s a whole host of different types of hearing aids. The type recommended for my hearing loss was RIC, or Receiver-in-Canal which has a microphone behind the ear and delivers sound close to the ear drum. Unfortunately my local NHS trust doesn’t offer their services through independent suppliers, so my options were to proceed independently or to seek a GP referral for the NHS route. I chose to proceed independently as once the problem, or my hearing loss had been confirmed I was keen to get a speedy resolution.

Though this meant choosing a colour for my hearing aids, which wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

The samples above were the choices available, and quite quickly both black options and the dark matte grey were ruled out. This left the most commonly ordered metallic grey, and the metallic bronze. After much umming and aching, and a second visit to the shop to make sure, I opted for the bronze which the audiologist wasn’t convinced by, but as I was the one who’d be wearing them I was happy with my choice - and still am.

Though I did end up getting a referral in the end as my hearing loss was asymmetrical but more on that in a moment.

Getting used to wearing my hearing aids

A few days later I was back to collect my hearing aids, have them adjusted for me and to have my first lesson on how to put them in, take them out and to care for them. It was a lot of information, but nothing too tricky. We were off to a concert in Nottingham that evening and the audiologist recommended not wearing them for the first time there, as the whole experience might be overwhelming! I took the advice, but realised it might be the last time I’d ask MOH “what did they say” in the speaking parts - I’m sure he’s not missing that at all!

I’ve been lucky in that I haven’t found wearing them uncomfortable at all, though I did need to check how far into my ear they should go - the advice was, so that the connecting wire isn’t loose, but it’s all been good. Initially my voice felt echo-y when I spoke, but that was explained as me learning what my voice sounded like again, and the echo-yness didn’t last. I’ve got the rechargeable sort so every evening as I take them off they go straight onto the charger ready to use the following day.

I have them paired to my phone, and now I no longer miss a phone call because I don’t hear it. The times I do miss a call is when I don’t have my hearing aids in, and of course those ever increasing spam calls which I purposely miss. I can even answer my phone by tapping my ears, well the hearing aids - who knew?!

There’s other apps that connect directly to them which are also beneficial, though there was a leaning curve and many times I asked MOH “can you hear this” during that period. But hearing the doorbell is great, being able to listen to a podcast surreptitiously - and especially while gardening is also a plus. I’m less keen on Facebook and Instagram blaring reels and stories at me full blast, but I’m using other ways to mute the sounds I don’t want.

The other thing I found useful was asking my opticians to slightly change the fitting of my prescription glasses so that they are more comfortable to wear and don’t hinder my hearing, which they did at my annual check up, but I’m sure would have done on an adhoc basis if I’d thought to have asked them.

I’m still working out the best setting for ‘hearing in noise’ and if it’s best to opt for the noise filter or speech clarity, but that may take a while to get a definitive answer for me as every situation seems different, which makes sense really. We’ve been in restaurants that have been overwhelming by the commotion so the noise filter option works as well as the speech clarity, but we’ve also been in restaurants where the table next to us has been a bit loud and so the speech clarity isn’t ideal - unless of course I’m relaying the conversation to MOH!

There’s much more functionality to them that I haven’t even broached yet, but I recently learnt there’s an airplane setting so I guess I should work out what that does and how to use it soon - and if I can’t I know I can book a follow-up appointment so the audiology team can help me!

The NHS referral

Remember I said that my hearing loss was asymmetrical, well that meant that the audiologist needed to inform my GP. A follow up call was arranged where my GP tried to ascertain if there was an obvious cause for this - could it have been down to my job, unlikely as I worked in an office, could it be excessive headphone use - also unlikely as I rarely wear headphones and then the most “country” question I’ve ever been asked, and which in London could likely have an entirely different meaning - did I shoot for a hobby?! I don’t, but I can see why it was asked where I live now and how it would be unlikely to be asked had I still been living in London!

But anyway, as there was no obvious explanation as to why my hearing loss was greater in my right ear, a referral was made. Recently I’ve had the outcome of that, following an NHS hearing test. But as ever life threw a complication in its path. I was once again at a sewing group and found myself unable to hear the group chat as we sat there hand sewing, so much so that I warned the group to nudge me if I didn’t respond.

It hadn’t improved after a few days, and after changing the filters so I went back to see the audiologist. They took a look at my good ear, and then at my troublesome one which again was the right ear and told me I’d now got fluid in the ear, which is relatively common and home remedies such as swallowing as you do when your ears pop on a plane usually helps. They confirmed it also wasn’t there a few months before which was good to know as my consultant appointment was fast approaching. Thankfully after another week or so that eased and my hearing improved, and I was less likely to be seen holding my nose and blowing to clear my ears. This was great news as after regaining my hearing, and realising what I was missing I wasn’t about to let it go again.

At the NHS hearing test they told me I had a retracted eardrum, and the consultant would explain fully at my next appointment a few days later, googling that left me none the wiser so I waited as patiently as I could for the next appointment. That’s where I learnt I have a “text book” case of Otosclerosis, which is basically where the “stirrup” bone in my ear has fused so it no longer moves, or amplifies sound vibrations. My consultant doesn’t recommend surgery, and agreed that hearing aids are the way to proceed - she also told me to consider the NHS route when I need to update my hearing aids, as the GP will be able to do a referral especially with this diagnosis. We’ll see when I get to that point, but it’s reassuring to know it’s an option.

And remember this pouch?

Well, it was made with my hearing aids in mind and that’s why I was so keen to finish it before our holiday back in May. It’s worked out perfectly for what I wanted, and there’s even space for my glasses too which means keeping everything handily together.

Reclaiming my hearing through wearing hearing aids has meant more than I ever realised, I’m not sure I knew before just how much I was missing - and I guess the best bit is that if there’s stuff I actually want to miss, then it’s easy to just switch off, or take them out!

In fact many people don’t even realise I’m wearing hearing aids, they’re that discreet - though since I’ve been wearing mine I’ve noticed many more people, of all ages, also wearing hearing aids which given that almost six out of ten people in the UK live with hearing loss isn’t surprising. It’s also one of those health things that people are more likely to ignore - often leaving it between seven and ten years before seeking help, which is crazy when you think of it as none of us would leave it that long before getting say an eye test. There’s research too that hearing loss impacts our lives more than we think, and the longer it’s left then clearly that impact is greater, which isn’t great for anyone.

Given my experience, which has been wholly positive, if you’re concerned about your hearing then I’d recommend getting it checked out - there’s discreet ways of doing this, with many independent providers offering online tests and free no-commitment appointments, I mean what have you got to lose?

Losing an hour (or two) to pottering

* I was invited to the Garden Press Event, a one day show which connects garden product suppliers with garden media, therefore I’m marking my blog posts from the event as 'Ad’ though as usual my views and opinions are very much my own.

One of the most enjoyable parts of gardening for me is a good potter. The ability to lose an hour (or two) to doing just that and to be productive (mainly) at the same time is a great feeling. Don’t get me wrong, seeing the results of your hard work, eating anything you’ve grown and enjoying the flowers is good, but a good potter is priceless - and good for your soul.

So whether you want to potter in the greenhouse, sowing seeds, weeding, tending or watering your plants, filling the bird feeders or however you potter, it’s time well spent, and it can be even better - and easier - with the right tools, and all the better for ones which look good too.

There were a number of brands at the show - all household names - that were displaying some gorgeous items, and I’ll share a selection of those by Burgon & Ball, Crocus and Dobbies in this post which you can expect to see in garden centres and online this season.

BURGON & BALL

I loved the bold stripes of the planters from Burgon & Ball, and I’ve got my eye on some of these more decorative items for my ‘front of house’ greenhouse when I get around to it. But also the hand tools look great and the wooden handles are always a favourite, as they feel so good in your hands (obviously without the functional gardening gloves!).

BURGON & BALL

The Crocus stand had a lot of items that caught my eye - and it’s also likely to be a dangerous place for my purse at some point. I loved the fat ball feeders and the tea light holders, which will bring immediate height and impact to any part of your garden. I’d be tempted to use these in pots around the patio so that we get to see them as much as possible.

CROCUS

CROCUS

But there was so much else - mini Victorian Greenhouses, wire cloches and the tiniest terracotta plant pots, along with the pretty yet entirely functional sieve and dibbers. It’s just as well these things weren’t for sale on the day, as otherwise I’d have been turning up to meet MOH for dinner fully laden!

CROCUS

I was also pleased to see the mushroom kits, which MOH has toyed with previously. So far we’ve resisted, but I think there is some mushroom growing in our future at some point. Though I can’t help but remember that Clarkson’s Farm episode where he is inundated with mushrooms, as of course he never does anything by halves does he?

CROCUS

And finally to the Dobbies stand which had cleverly included bird song as part of their stand - and indoors in February, before any hint of spring showing itself, that was very welcome.

DOBBIES

It’s a big year for Dobbies as they are celebrating their 160th year of helping British gardens to grow - they have released a heritage range to celebrate this which takes its inspiration from the roots of their business as a seed merchant. The print was chosen by customers from a selection of designs from an original Dobbie & Co seed catalogue dating from 1906.

They have also partnered with Alzheimer’s Research UK and are working together to protect memories for the future by promoting brain health and funding research that will lead to a cure for dementia.

Gardening is a great way to show our brains some love, and this can help reduce the risk of dementia and together Dobbies and Alzheimer’s Research UK will inspire people to keep their brain healthy through gardening and garden living.

DOBBIES

While there is no sure fire way to stop anyone from getting dementia, there are things we can do that may make it less likely that we will:

• Ask your doctor to check your heart health, including blood pressure and cholesterol and follow their advice if they are too high.

• If you have diabetes, keep to your doctor’s advice.

• Don’t smoke.

• Keep your weight healthy.

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

• Keep using your brain - through activities or social groups you enjoy.

• Stay active and try not to spend too long sitting down.

• Drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Source: Alzheimer’s Research UK

DOBBIES

You’ll see the heritage print on their limited edition collection including tote bags, cushions, candles, throws and more - and given that the design is over a hundred years old, I think it still looks quite modern - and it’s a good sized tote bag, which I used on the day and have used since too.

As I said, you really can’t beat spending an hour (or two) pottering, trust me.

Enjoying being outside, and the blue skies!

Whatever you think about Facebook it’s great for getting to know what’s going on in your local area - it’s how I learnt about this Winter Wellbeing Walk hosted by the local FarmEco Community Farm. We knew about the farm (but not that much) as it’s in the same location as one of our favourite local cafes, and also where I get my hair done and where I’ve been for a massage or two. There’s also a gym there (not tried that) and a barbers, which MOH has tried too.

We weren’t quite sure what to expect, but thought we had nothing to lose and everything to gain by spending an hour or two walking on paths we’ve not yet discovered, getting to speak to some people we’ve not met before and even better, at the end of the walk there was a promise of a cuppa and a slice of cake.

And while we know that getting outside and reconnecting with nature is good for us, it’s not always that easy to do in the winter when the weather’s not so great. I’ve spoken before about Greenwich Park being my happy place, but truthfully it can be in nature anywhere - which given that we’ve moved approximately 150 miles from my happy place, is good news!

There was a group of eight of us on this walk, which was still a little spongy underfoot - wetter in some places than others, but with walking boots on it was manageable. Given just how wet the winter has been though, it was nowhere near as wet as it could have been. Along the walk we were encouraged to forage, and pick up things that caught our eye - this is my kind of walk, I love to explore what’s around me while we walk, not just march from A to B.

At our first pause to enable the group to get back together, we spotted our first snow drops of the year behind the barbed wire fence. It’s good to see them, as it surely signals that warmer weather is on the way.

Next to it was a tree that caught my eye - pine cones on a deciduous tree, that was confusing. It turns out it’s an alder and the small pine cones are the female catkins which stay on the tree all year round. Luckily there were some on the ground, so they went into my foraging bag.

It’s obvious but the more you look, the more you see - but you really do. The tree above has clearly been in the wars with the recent wind and storms, but asking our walk leader about the tree in the centre of the photo below, and why it would be planted on a mound, it was something he’d not noticed before despite walking here for many years. I’m pretty sure he’ll be finding out now - though I think it’s likely that this was done to improve/control the soil that the tree was planted in after a quick Google.

The footpath then led us across a field of sheep who were completely nonplussed by our arrival, but also quite nosey. Eventually they moved in the same way a moody teenager would so we could pass. I’m surprised though that a number of footpaths here are diagonally across fields, some we walked across but others which were wetter we stuck to the edges. I’d have thought farmers would much prefer people to keep to the edges, but I guess if a footpath is longstanding they could have very little say in that.

In between where we live and FarmEco is the RAF’s Central Gliding School and we quite often look up and see gliders, which can be extremely calming - and with the blue skies on Friday, that’s exactly what we saw as we looked up. MOH would be keen to give this a go, but I’m happy watching from the ground thank you very much.

With my observation skills switched on, and wanting to look at the blue skies for as long as I could, I spotted a rather large on/off switch at the top of this telegraph pole - and I’ve no idea if they all have them now or not.

But what a picture, my favourite of the day.

Arriving back at the farm and entering through one of the locked side gates we headed towards the labyrinth, an area well used for workshops and classes thoughout the year, though this year the central canopy/tent has yet to go up as the ground is still too soggy. I surprised myself by knowing the answer to what is the difference between a maze and a labyrinth - I strangely remember reading it in the few days before this walk. If you want to know then a labyrinth has a singular path which leads to the centre, whereas mazes have many paths, but not all of them lead to the centre.

With its red dogwoods and tall silver birches it already felt a special place, I’m sure as the seasons progress that intensifies. It was also good to learn that these silver birches were probably less than ten years old. I was curious as that afternoon we were off to pick up our ‘free tree’ as part of our council’s scheme for residents. We could choose up to two whips from either a hornbeam, cherry tree or silver birch - I’d opted for a single silver birch, which reminds me I need to plant that soon. It’s currently in a plastic bag in the garage but I think I’ll pot it up so it has the best chance, as it’s so tiny.

Anyway, back in the polytunnel and really feeling the warmth in there, it was time for tea and cake - and to explore our foraged items, which both MOH and I had picked up along the way. Thanks FarmEco for an enjoyable couple of hours.

And yes the pine cones, and the lichen covered stick came home with us!