Page 46 • The HERALD • 30th October 2025 v KEEP ACTIVE, KEEP HEALTHY v The Podium 023 8086 9080 3 Marchwood Village Centre, Marchwood One answer to foot problems Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Understanding What Causes Hearing Loss Advice from Hythe Specsavers Hearing loss is one of the most common health concerns in the UK, a ecting around 1 in 6 adults. Yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many people believe it’s simply a part of getting older—and while age is a major factor, it’s far from the only cause. In reality, hearing loss can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle and medical conditions to noise exposure and even genetics. Understanding what causes hearing loss is the rst step towards protecting your hearing and getting the right support when you need it. 1. Ageing: As we age, the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that help transmit sound signals to the brain begin to deteriorate. is process, known as presbycusis, leads to gradual hearing decline—usually a ecting high-pitched sounds rst, like birdsong or the voices of women and children. Most people over 55 will experience some level of age-related hearing loss. 2. Noise Exposure: Repeated exposure to loud sounds—whether through work, music, or noisy environments—can permanently damage the tiny sensory cells in the cochlea. is type of hearing loss o en goes unnoticed at rst but worsens over time. If you nd yourself frequently exposed to loud noise, wearing hearing protection is essential. 3. Earwax Blockage: Sometimes, hearing loss is caused by something as simple as a build-up of earwax. is can block the ear canal and mu e sound. Micro-suction wax removal is a safe and comfortably way to restore hearing clarity. 4. Infections and Illness: Ear infections, untreated colds, or viruses like measles and meningitis can damage the ear structures or auditory nerve. Conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can also reduce blood ow to the ear, increasing the risk of hearing loss. 5. Genetics and Medication: Some people inherit genes that make them more prone to hearing loss. In addition, certain medications—like chemotherapy drugs, some antibiotics, or high doses of aspirin—can cause temporary or permanent damage to hearing. No matter the cause, the e ects of hearing loss can impact your ability to communicate, stay socially connected, and enjoy daily life. e sooner you identify a problem, the better your outcomes. At Specsavers Hearcare, we o er free hearing tests and expert support to help you hear clearly again. Dr Nel Govender, Hearcare Director at Specsavers Southampton City Centre and Hythe has over 25 years of global audiology experience. Dr Nel leads our team in diagnosing and managing all types of hearing loss with skill, care, and compassion. The Kettle is Always On Testwood Baptist Church’s monthly Bereavement Café is held in the lounge at M Johnson Family Funeral Directors, 26-28 Commercial Road, Totton. e Café is run on a ‘drop-in’ basis between 1pm and 2.30pm on the second Monday of each month and is not designed to be a counselling session. Visitors to the Café will receive a warm welcome and a supportive environment for re ection and conversation; a place to nd mutual support and encouragement. e kettle is always on with tea, co ee and a variety of cakes (including a gluten-free option) served by a friendly team of volunteers. The next Café session will be on Monday 10th November. For more information, please contact the Church on: 023 8086 0320 or visit: www.testwoodbaptist.org WIDOWED FRIENDSHIP CLUB From the Widowed Friendship Club A er losing our spouses and partners we all need help to ease the isolation and loneliness of our situation. Our Widowed Friendship Club is a local self-help group; we exist to o er each other companionship and friendly support, following bereavement. At our gatherings, we chat and organise outings such as day trips, social events, lunches and picnics. We also have non-strenuous activities and quizzes. A er the brief, but casual meeting for event planning, we play table games for fun or simply sit and chat! ere is no pressure to participate in anything, but you are invited to join into any group activities, make suggestions and perhaps organise an event of your own liking. Our friendly group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 2pm, in Hythe & Dibden Parish Hall. Our next meeting date is 11th November. Why not come along and meet us, over a cup of tea or co ee? You are assured of a warm welcome. Totton Sing For Life Choir Wessex Cancer Support has four singing groups called Sing for Life. e groups are based in Totton, Cosham, Isle of Wight and Salisbury. e Sing for Life groups are therapeutic groups for cancer patients and their families or carers to go along and sing each week with no pressure to perform, just to have fun, provide relaxation, support and meet like-minded people. e Totton choir provides two hours of escapism and meets on Wednesday at Hounsdown Community Centre from 2pm-4pm. Wessex Cancer Support o ers free emotional support services for people a ected by cancer, whilst the singing groups are free to join and attend, a suggested donation of £2.50 to help the Charity to continue to o er vital support for people a ected by cancer would be welcomed. If you would like more information and would like to join their welcoming, friendly singing group please contact Dudley, Sing for Life Choir Leader via email: singforlife.totton@wessexcancer.org.uk Totton Stroke Group Totton Stroke Group meet on Wednesdays, 1.30pm–3.30pm at Totton Community Centre. Meetings include lots of chatting in small groups, playing games, co ee, tea and biscuits, frequent music and entertainment, creative work, simple cooking and bingo. ey look forward to welcoming new members and volunteers. If you would like to attend the meetings please contact Shelia on: 0742 427 4186, Suzie on: 0773 805 4680 or Steve on: 0783 335 3351.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=