Your Hearing Health Spring Clean Starts Here

As the weather begins to brighten and many of us start our spring cleaning routines, it's a good time to think beyond cluttered cupboards and dusty corners. Spring is also an ideal opportunity to reflect on your personal health- specifically your hearing.

Hearing health is often neglected in routine self-care, yet it plays a critical role in how we communicate, connect, and experience the world. This March, we’re encouraging a different kind of spring clean - one that focuses on your ears, your balance, and your brain health.

Here are five evidence-based ways to give your hearing a proper spring clean.

1. Book a Hearing Check – Even If You Think You Don’t Need One

In the UK, over 12 million people are affected by hearing loss, according to Action on Hearing Loss (RNID). That’s approximately one in five adults. Despite this, hearing tests are not a regular part of most people’s healthcare routine.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends early intervention for hearing loss, particularly as it is associated with cognitive decline, social withdrawal, and increased risk of falls in older adults.

At Byrom Audiology, we offer detailed hearing assessments using calibrated diagnostic equipment. These are designed to detect even subtle changes, offering you a clear picture of your hearing health and tailored recommendations, whether you're experiencing symptoms or simply due a check-up.

0114 419 1800

support-team@peterbyrom.co.uk

www.peterbyrom.co.uk

2. Address Earwax Build-Up with Professional Microsuction

Earwax (cerumen) is a natural substance with protective functions. However, excessive build-up can lead to symptoms such as reduced hearing, discomfort, tinnitus, and dizziness. This is particularly common during periods of increased allergy or sinus activity, such as spring.

Inappropriate removal methods (e.g. cotton buds) can cause further impaction or injury. NICE and the British Society of Audiology support the use of microsuction as a safe, effective method for earwax removal, particularly in clinical settings.

Microsuction is available at our Sheffield clinic and takes just a few minutes. It is performed using visual guidance and gentle suction - ideal for those who have previously experienced discomfort with irrigation methods.

3. Seek Support for Tinnitus – Evidence-Based Help is Available

Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, affects an estimated 7.6 million people in the UK. Around 1.5 million experience severe tinnitus symptoms that impact their quality of life (British Tinnitus Association).

There is no universal cure, but there are multiple clinically proven ways to manage it. NICE guidelines suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), sound therapy, and hearing aids as first-line treatments.

At Byrom Audiology, we offer a comprehensive tinnitus service including assessment, education, and therapeutic options. We also provide access to Lenire®, a neuromodulation device that has shown promising results in reducing tinnitus distress in recent clinical trials, including the TENT-A1 and TENT-A2 studies (published in Science Translational Medicine).

4. Consider a Balance Assessment if You Feel Unsteady

Balance disorders are commonly linked to inner ear dysfunction. The vestibular system, located within the inner ear, works closely with the brain and eyes to maintain postural stability. Conditions like vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can significantly affect balance and quality of life.

Falls remain the most common cause of injury-related hospitalisation in people over 65, and vestibular dysfunction is a key contributing factor (Public Health England).

We provide specialist vestibular assessments to help identify the underlying causes of imbalance. These assessments can help determine whether onward referral is necessary, or whether lifestyle or rehabilitation support may help improve symptoms.

5. Understand the Link Between Hearing Loss and Brain Health

Hearing loss is not just a matter of ear function - it has far-reaching implications for cognitive health. A landmark report from The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care (2020) identified untreated midlife hearing loss as the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia, accounting for up to 8% of all cases.

Research from University College London has found that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience accelerated brain atrophy in areas associated with memory and processing. Early use of hearing aids may help mitigate these changes and reduce social isolation.

Byrom Audiology is committed to preventative care. By monitoring your hearing over time and offering timely intervention when needed, we can help support not just your ears, but your overall cognitive wellbeing.

A Holistic Approach to Hearing Health

What ties all of these points together is the importance of early attention, proactive care, and seeking support from qualified professionals. Hearing loss and related conditions often go unreported until they begin to significantly disrupt day-to-day life - but by then, treatment options may be more limited or less effective.

Byrom Audiology provides comprehensive care from initial assessment through to rehabilitation, with nearly 40 years of combined experience and a reputation for excellence across South Yorkshire. As an independent clinic, we take pride in offering unhurried appointments, tailored advice, and access to the latest technology without any pressure to purchase products.

Whether you are due for a routine check, need help managing long-term symptoms, or are simply curious about your hearing status, we’re here to help.

Booking an Appointment

If you’d like to arrange a hearing test, tinnitus consultation, wax removal appointment or balance assessment, please contact our team.

Byrom Audiology

Tel: 0114 419 1800

Email: support-team@peterbyrom.co.uk

Website: www.peterbyrom.co.uk

We’re located in Sheffield and serve clients from across South Yorkshire and beyond.