April - International Noise Awareness Day

Observed annually on April 30th, International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) highlights the impact of noise pollution on public health. Through events, lectures, and educational initiatives, INAD raises awareness about how noise exposure affects hearing, well-being, and safety.

From blasting music through headphones to attending loud concerts or working in noisy environments, everyday activities can contribute to gradual hearing loss. The risk increases with both volume and duration, yet many people don’t realize the danger until it’s too late. Simple protective measures—like earplugs, noise-cancelling earmuffs, and safe listening habits—can help prevent long-term damage. To learn more about the range of hearing protection we stock please visit our site or book a hearing protection appointment here.

Want to learn more? Read our blog on “How to Prevent Hearing Loss”, where we share expert insights, practical tips, and key statistics on hearing protection.

Take action today to protect your hearing for a lifetime. Protecting and preserving hearing health is a shared responsibility that begins with individual action. Prioritize your own hearing by getting screened, using ear protection at concerts, and adopting healthy hearing habits. Educate loved ones—teach children about noise risks, gift hearing protection, or use a sound meter app to find quieter spots. On a broader scale, advocate for policies that reduce noise pollution, create quiet spaces, and implement noise-reducing technologies to foster healthier, more peaceful communities.

Learn more about what you can do for International Noise Awareness Day here.

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Kara's Trip Away and Good News

​After I practically forced Dave to take a photo of himself in front of our new advert at Newquay Airport recently, I thought it only fitting to also take a photo in front of our other advert in the departure lounge. Unlike Dave, my travel was not for pleasure, but for business. I had been invited to a Widex and Signia event. Both manufacturers come under the WSAudiology umbrella and I was very excited to learn about their latest hearing aids. WSAudiology put on quite the event. We stayed at a lovely hotel in Manchester, and I enjoyed a full day of speeches and demonstrations of the new Widex Allure. They claim to be the most natural sounding hearing aid and certainly showed off their clear sound. I was most excited to learn that the new Widex Allures are bluetooth capable - this is something us Audiologists have been asking for for a long time now from Widex. Previously for streaming music and phone calls with Widex aids, an accessory, worn around the neck, was needed.
 
The next day of the event showcased the new Signia BCT IX ric hearing aid. The sound quality is the same as their latest technology IX range which boasts the ability to hear well in noise and tracks the conversation in a more social situation as the conversation jumps from person to person. So what is the new feature on the BCT? Well they have Classic Bluetooth connectivity. So for those patients who have been told that their current mobile phone is not compatible with the hearing aids, this aid will connect to most Bluetooth mobile phones for streaming calls and music. Signia have certainly seen a gap in the market here!
As I could not fly back until Saturday morning, I finished of my WSAudiology event with a quick shopping trip and then a visit to the hotel spa! Bliss 
 
Both the Widex Allure and Signia BCT are available now - so if you would like a demonstration, please do get in touch.

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Stress Awareness Month

Stress is a natural part of life, but too much of it can take a serious toll on both physical and mental well-being. This Stress Awareness Month, take a moment to recognize your stress triggers and explore simple ways to manage them. Healthy habits like mindfulness, regular exercise, deep breathing, and setting boundaries can help create balance and improve overall wellness. By prioritizing self-care, we can work toward reducing stress and supporting each other in leading healthier, happier lives.

Did you know that stress can also impact your hearing? Research suggests that prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol may damage sensory cells in the inner ear, increasing the risk of tinnitus and hearing loss. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, proper sleep, and a healthy lifestyle can help protect your hearing over time. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, scheduling a check-up with an audiologist can help with early detection and treatment.

This month, let’s focus on breaking the stigma surrounding stress, supporting each other, and taking proactive steps toward both mental and auditory health. A simple and effective method to reset is taking just 2 minutes to focus on your surroundings.

One exercise that has worked well for me, especially in the classroom, is the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness technique. The next time you feel the weight of anxiety or stress, try this:

• List 5 things you can see
• Identify 4 things you can feel
• Notice 3 things you can hear
• Smell 2 things around you
• Taste 1 thing (even if it’s just the air)

This practice helps bring your focus to the present moment and can be a powerful tool in managing stress. Let’s take the time to prioritize our well-being this month and beyond.
Take care and be kind to yourself!

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4 Ingredients Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients (Serves 4) 

• 100g dried apricots, finely chopped 
• 4 cups shredded coconut 
• 395g can sweetened condensed milk 
• 100g dark chocolate, melted 

Allergen Information: This recipe may contain milk, lactose, and soybeans. 
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line two large baking trays with baking paper. 
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apricots and shredded coconut. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until well combined. Using damp hands, shape 2 level tablespoons of the mixture into balls. Place them 5cm apart on the prepared trays. 
Step 3: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the macaroons turn light golden brown. Let them cool completely on the trays. 
Step 4: Dip the base of each macaroon into melted dark chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the tray and let them stand for 30 minutes or until the chocolate sets. 
Enjoy these chewy, chocolate-dipped delights 

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Dave's Brain Teaser Corner

Word Wheel Rules:
Unscramble the jumbled nine-letter word and identify as many additional words as possible using the middle letter—there are over 100 words with four or more letters.