Mark Ruffalo Real Life Hero

He is an Oscar nominated actor, filmmaker and political activist. He is one of the most respected performers in Hollywood, famous for roles in movies like 'Foxcatcher', 'Zodiac' and the 'Now You See Me' movies. His name is Mark Ruffalo and he has just earned a whole new generation of fans by starring as Bruce Banner AKA The Incredible Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is currently reprising the role in 'Thor: Ragnarok' and is set to continue in the next two 'Avengers' movies. Mark Ruffalo has made a name for himself defeating super villains and smashing inter galactic baddies. However, it is not widely known that the cinematic superhero is living with his own battles off screen, which has affected his hearing, and it is something he must live with day to day.

In 2002, Mark Ruffalo was lined up to play Mel Gibson's brother in the science fiction thriller 'Signs'. It was the latest film by 'Sixth Sense' director M. Night Shyamalan. However, the actor had to drop out, to be replaced by Jaoquin Pheonix due to a health issue. Ruffalo was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. A type of brain tumour which effects between six and nine million people in America annually, amounting to around 2,000 and 3,000 cases. There are various symptoms of an acoustic neuroma. They range from sudden hearing loss, inner ear damage, tinnitus, headaches, balance problems and pressure in the ear, among other signs. Mark Ruffalo underwent surgery and fortunately the tumour turned out to be benign, but, following the operation, he was left with temporary partial facial paralysis. He eventually recovered from the paralysis, but the tumour left him deaf in his left ear. However, he has learned to live with his condition and is going on from strength to strength.

He has received Academy Award nominations and is starring in the biggest box office blockbusters around. His name has been linked with many exciting projects. These include a remake of the classic TV series 'Columbo', where he will take on the role played by the legendary Peter Falk. He was coincidently another actor who overcame a disability to succeed. Falk had his right eye removed at the age of three, due to a tumour. It didn't stop him becoming the biggest TV star in the world in the 70s and the winner of four Emmys, the television Oscar.

We at Darroch Hearing believe nothing should stand in the way of people with hearing loss living a full life and achieving everything they are capable of. We can help through our expert advice and extensive selection of hearing aid solutions, designed to improve your quality of life. Why not see for yourself?

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Experience 'The Force' With A Hearing Loop System

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and for many people, this includes a family day out to the cinema. December sees the long-anticipated release of the new Star Wars film 'The Last Jedi'. However, this can be difficult and frustrating for individuals suffering from hearing loss who must wear a digital hearing aid. But, there is an exciting new technological breakthrough designed to enhance the movie-going experience for people living with hearing loss. It is called a hearing loop system and it can change how sufferers enjoy the movies.

The hearing loop system can help people who rely on a hearing aid to watch the film. This is with a microphone which picks up the spoken word. It is then transported to a wire, which covers the entire perimeter of the auditorium by way of an amplifier. The line, otherwise known as the induction loop, serves the same purposes as a transmitter or an antenna. The hearing loop system allows sound to be transported straight to a person's hearing aid, so that they can hear the movie. It has been reported that the popular cinema chain Odeon will be fitting their cinemas across the country with the newest induction loop systems. It is an amazing discovery, which allow sufferers to listen to the movie through their hearing aid.

It is another example of how an excellent hearing aid solution can enhance and improve the lives of people living with hearing loss. We at Darroch Hearing have offer the most extensive choice of top quality hearing aids. They are a force to be reckoned with!

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Have The Latest Health Surveillance For Noise Test With Darroch Occupational Audiology

Do you work in constantly noisy conditions? Are you subjected to an equivalent continuous noise level which exceeds 85dB(A)? If that is the case then you are subject to screening audiometry, otherwise known as health surveillance for noise. It is also requited for people that are susceptible to noise levels of 80dB(A). People should be aware that screening audiometry is mandatory and is a requirement of the 2005 Control of Noise Regulations.

The purpose of the audiometry or the health surveillance for noise is to identify the early indication of hearing loss or damage. If that was not all, the process is used to determine if a person’s hearing loss stems from being exposed to loud ambient noise in the workplace.

If any hearing loss or damage has been detected, then you should have the proper remedial follow-up check in the workplace if requited, along with any personal medical referral, if need be.

Screening audiometry allows employers to take the necessary steps to combat hearing loss in the workplace. It can also be an important factor in reducing occupational health compensation claims involving noise-induced hearing loss.

Health surveillance for noise hearing tests will be performed in the workplace. They will be reported in accordance to the HSE categorisation scheme, as laid out in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Darroch Occupational Audiology carries out simple, non-obtrusive hearing tests for our client firms across Scotland. We utilise the most up to date automated, portable audiometric systems with sound excluding headphones. Darroch will help your staff through the hearing test, which may take between fifteen to twenty minutes. You can be assured we will oversee screening audiometry tests to HSE/ Noise at Work Regulation standards.

If you require the most efficient, professionally handled health surveillance for noise hearing tests in your place of employment, then put your trust in Darroch Occupational Audiology.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

The Inspiration Behind The Inspirational Sue Thomas FBI

There is a popular digital TV channel called Drama, so-called because it airs classic television dramas. These range from historical, period programming to well-loved cop shows. The channel is now screening a cult Canadian crime series from the early 2000s about an incredible real-life figure who broke down barriers for disabled people in the workplace. It just so happened that she worked for the biggest law enforcement agency in America. Her name was Sue Thomas and her amazing true story was the inspiration for the hit TV series `Sue Thomas FBI (Eye).

It is a police procedural series about an attractive young deaf woman who, through her exceptional lip-reading skills, is recruited for a crime fighting unit at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This was why the show had the working title `Lip Service`. In each episode, the team must solve a crime or avert a crisis, with the aid of the amiable Sue and her lovable hearing dog Levi. The stories featured in the show may be fictional but certain characters were based on real people.

The actual Sue Thomas was the first deaf person to work as an undercover FBI agent. She was born in 1950, and became profoundly deaf at eighteen months old, although the cause is not known. However, she was determined from a young age to never let her condition hold her back, and it was a belief she held onto through her life.

Sue Thomas leaned to talk through extensive speech therapy and developed the ability to read lips. After graduating with a degree in Political Science, she heard the FBI were hiring the hard of hearing. She began as a fingerprint examiner before a fellow agent discovered her extraordinary lip-reading abilities. Sue could utilise her skills to identify what suspects were saying. It was especially useful when it wasn’t possible for agents to wear concealed audio equipment like bugs, radiomics orrecording devices. Sue Thomas ended up working for the FBI for four years, from 1979 to 1983.

Her life story was later the inspiration for the hit tv show. It starred the actress Deanne Bray from `Heroes`, who is deaf in real life. She is fluent in American Sign Language and would often teach the cast and crew between takes. Miss Bray also works to improve the lives of the hard of hearing and endorse education for deaf children. She is an inspirational figure in her own right, and an advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing. She is a trail blazer, just like the person she plays in Sue Thomas FBI (Eye).

We at Darroch Hearing are committed to helping the hard of hearing improve their lives. It is achieved through our excellent evaluation and treatment procedures, as well as our exceptional range of hearing aid solutions. If you are suffering from hearing loss, you too could achieve your dreams in life, just like Sue Thomas.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Find Out Some Facts About Hearing Loss

Do you strain to hear what your friends and family are saying? Do you constantly have to ask them to repeat themselves when they speak to you? Are you struggling to listen to music and must increase the volume when you watch TV? There is a chance you could be suffering from hearing loss and may wish to know a few facts.

Hearing loss is a condition which afflicts around one and six of the UK population. This amounts to approximately ten million people. It is said more than three and a half million of working age suffer from hearing loss. There are thought to be in the region of 800,000 people in Britain who are profoundly or severely deaf.

However, people experience greater hearing loss as they get older. Studies show that there are around six and a half million sufferers of 60 years and over. This is along with the fact one in three of the population over the age of 70 suffer from hearing loss. It has been reported that around two million people in Britain who use hearing aids and devices to help improve their hearing.

Are you having problems with your hearing? Do you feel you require a hearing aid? Look no further. We have an extensive selection of various styles to choose from, to help you find the perfect device. When looking for the finest range of hearing aids available, come to Darroch Hearing.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Suffering From Ear Impaction? Choose Ear Wax Removal From Darroch Hearing Clinics

Many people in the UK suffer from a buildup of the substance called ear wax, otherwise known as cerumen. It occurs naturally to safeguard a person’s ears and protect hearing. Cerumen is useful for cleaning out the ear canal and generally makes its way out the body. Flaking away when it reaches outside the ear.

However, there are cases where cerumen can amass to excess inside the ear, causing a blockage. This can result in a condition known as ear wax impaction. It can manifest itself in a series of recognizable symptoms. For instance, sufferers may feel as if there ear is packed up and they may experience pain or itching in the ear. Their hearing will be affected and it may progressively deteriorate. People struggling with ear wax impaction may also suffer from tinnitus or a ringing in the ears and may feel dizzy, alongside other symptoms.

If you are concerned you may be suffering from an impacted ear, why not make an appointment with Darroch Hearing Clinics? Paul Darroch, our founder and experienced hearing health care expert, can carry out a free ear examination. We can check for signs of excessive cerumen, through the use of a piece of equipment known as an octoscope.

If it turns out that you are indeed suffering from an impacted ear then ear wax removal may be required. In that case Darroch Hearing Clinics can help you. There are many possible treatments for ear wax, but Paul Darroch generally endorses micro suction. It is a gentle process, carried out with a calibrated suction instrument and a magnifying loupe. We perform micro suction procedures for a very reasonable rate. We charge £45 for one ear or £65 if you need both ears worked on.

Say good bye to the discomfort of ear impaction by choosing ear wax removal from Darroch Hearing Clinics.

How is ear wax impaction diagnosed?

Your hearing health care provider, Paul Darroch can examine your ears with a special instrument called an otoscope, to see if excess ear wax is present.

How is ear wax impaction treated?

Ear wax can be removed in several ways:

·         Using olive oil to soften wax in the ear canal

·         Irrigating the ear — this involves using a machine to rinse out the ear canal with water or saline, generally after the wax has been softened by oil.

·         Removing the wax manually using special instruments — a cerumen spoon, forceps, or suction device.

Ear wax removal using micro-suction is performed with the aid of a magnifying loupe and finely calibrated suction device. Paul Darroch recommends micro-suction and offers the service at all of his clinics.

How can ear wax impaction be prevented?

Do not stick anything into your ears to clean them. Use cotton buds on the outside of the ear and never insert them into the ear canal. If you have a severe enough problem with ear wax that you need to have it removed by a health professional more than once a year, we can advise which method of prevention (if any) may work best for you.

We would advise that commercially available suction devices for home use are not effective for most people and are therefore not recommended.

Ear candles, which are advertised as a natural method to remove ear wax, are not only ineffective but can cause injury to the ear. Injuries can include burns to the external ear and ear canal, and perforation of the eardrum.

Free Ear Check

If you would like us to quickly examine your ears, there is no charge. If ear wax removal is required for blocked ears, micro suction is an affordable, gentle process. £45 one ear; £65 two ears.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Are You Powered Up?? Choose The Right Hearing Aid Battery

The battery is the life blood of a hearing aid which keeps its engine running. There are many different types of hearing aid batteries on the market. How do you find the right one to meets your needs?

When picking out the ideal battery, be aware that they come in four sizes. They have their own number and are colour coded, so you could identify the specific battery you require without any trouble. You can choose the number 675 battery which is coded blue. The number 13 is orange, 312 batteries are brown and number 10 batteries are yellow.

But how long do they last? There are lots of different variables which determine how long a battery will keep working. They can generally power a hearing aid for between four to fourteen days. However, this may differ, considering the severity of a person’s hearing loss. People need to consider the noise level they may be subjected to and how much work the hearing aid will have to do. Does the customer work in a noisy environment? Does he or she have an active social life and often go out to noisy pubs, clubs or restaurants? There is a great deal to consider.

The ideal hearing aid battery will also depend on the specific make and model of the hearing aid, as well as the size of the battery itself. These may be amongst the numerous parameters used to help people choose a suitable battery.

We at Darroch Hearing will know the correct battery size for your hearing aid. We can take all the stress out of finding a replacement should you require it. You can give us a call, text us or send us an email with your order so you will never run out. We will post out your replacement battery straight to your front door, without any trouble. You need never be deprived of this essential component in improving the lives of sufferers of hearing loss. Darroch Hearing is committed to assisting you in any way we can.

You will have all the power, when you choose the right hearing aid battery.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog