Could you imagine living your life suffering in silence with hearing loss? Sadly this is more common than you think!
Specsavers is trying to break the stigma around hearing loss and get the word out there to get your hearing tested.
Part of their campaign included hosting a small event and giving us a taster of what it would be like to be in a loud, bustling environment, all while struggling to hear.
Upon arrival, we were greeted and told about what was in store for us that evening. We were to be fitted with a silicone based gel which was to be inserted into our ears to replicate what it would be like to lose 70% of our hearing. Our ears were checked first to ensure they were happy and healthy to go ahead. Once we were given the all clear, a protective sponge with a little piece of string was placed inside the ear to protect the drum from the silicone gel. Once in place, the blue silicone gel was squirted into the ear. It was the strangest feeling - as it was happening your hearing literally disappeared in a flash.
The process was repeated in the other ear and voilà my world became muffled and distant, it was the most surreal feeling. Not only did I lose my hearing I also felt my confidence shrink and the way I conversed with people completely changed. I focused intently on their mouths to try and catch what was being said and I feared when they would talk but look away or cover their mouth with their hands. It meant I was missing half of what was being said and just found myself nodding with agreement.
Some voices I picked up easier than others and often found myself almost staring at the person I was talking to which I can imagine was a little odd for them. When talking I couldn't be distracted, no looking around the room, checking my phone or glancing away just in case I missed something important they were saying.
What's interesting in this is how we should actually, in an ideal world, converse with each other.
While there, we were to listen to a Sommelier talk to us about the delightful wines we were sampling - well this was a complete challenge! Trying to lip read from across the room was difficult and meant missing key information about each carefully selected wine. At one point I had no idea what I was drinking other than it was a red wine.
I can honestly say that I couldn't ever imagine living my life day in and day out like that, it was exhausting to try and concentrate quite so much to hear and lip read. There is such a stigma around hearing loss and the aids to help you hear and there really shouldn't be.
Technology has come so far and hearing aids are so sleek and high-tech - the options are amazing. Don’t forget, hearing tests are FREE!
