The COVID-19 pandemic has made this challenging since face masks are recommended in public settings and these masks muffle our voices and hide our faces. “I have found it extremely hard to understand people wearing masks because of my inability to see their mouth. I rely on watching their mouths, even if I don’t get…
As we slowly move into Autumn and Winter, along with those shorter days come the cooler nights. We will soon find the need to be building up a good fire, switching on our electric blankets, and turning on various other electrical appliances to keep us warm. Have you checked your smoke alarms are working? Can…
What is tinnitus? Tinnitus is the medical term for a ringing or other discernible noise in the ears. The sound can be different for each person: whistling clicking ringing and many others There is in fact no external sound source, making the condition very frustrating, often impacting an individual’s ability to hear external sounds. What…
With over a billion young people at risk of avoidable hearing loss due to recreational sounds, the theme of World Hearing Day 2022 “To hear for life, listen with care” signifies that to have good hearing across the life course, it is important…
In April 2021, Life Unlimited and the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP), embarked on a collaboration to improve the accessibility of cochlear implant services for people in Taranaki. Cochlear implant recipients in Taranaki previously traveled to SCIP’s Wellington clinic, supported by visiting clinics to New Plymouth once or twice a year. Life Unlimited now works…
Over 5% of the world’s population – or 466 million people – has disabling hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children). It is estimated that by 2050 over 900 million people – or one in every 10 people – will have disabling hearing loss. Disabling hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than…
John McIntosh was born with scoliosis – or curvature of the spine – although John’s never let his disability slow him down. But, he admits, as he gets older his disability is having a bigger impact on daily life.
It’s barbecue season and, this summer, national hearing organisation Hearing Therapy, is urging hosts to extend their Kiwi hospitality to guests who have trouble hearing.
Drums were an unlikely choice of instrument for a young John McIntosh. He was born with scoliosis – a severe curvature of the spine. Typical symptoms include limited mobility and heart and lung difficulties – the type of symptoms that make lugging around a drum kit challenging.
Social occasions allow us to take a break and reconnect with family and friends, but they can be stressful for those who experience hearing loss. Wellington hearing therapist, Linda Hatten, has some great tips to make social gatherings more enjoyable.