Isle of Man Schools Hear About Hearing Loss
Taking care of your hearing is a very healthy habit to get into from an early age. Too many people with hearing problems leave it too long before they get a hearing test and seek help. On average they wait around 15 years too long, doing more damage to their ears in the meantime. So teaching young people about hearing loss and early action is vital. Schools on the Isle of Man recently had a visit from their local hearing specialist at Hidden Hearing and national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. King Williams College, School Vallajeelt, Laxey and Ashley Hill Primary schools were visited by Hidden Hearing’s Guy Wolstencroft and June Bray with her hearing dog Pippa, a Golden Retriever. Guy Wolstencroft is a registered audiologist, and explained to the children the help available for people who have problems hearing. They also learnt about the workings of the ear - and what happens when this breaks down. “I told them about the dangers of listening to Ipods or other devices too loud”, explained Guy, “and the damaging effect this can have on your hearing. We also considered the long term effects of deafness and how taking care of your ears is so important when you are young.” June Bray spoke to the children about her own experience of being deaf and how Pippa can let her know when there’s someone at the door or the telephone rings. A hearing dog takes about four months to be trained at a cost of over £5,000, and the dogs are provided by UK charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Hidden Hearing is a corporate supporter. Hearing dogs change lives. They alert their deaf owners to sounds we take for granted, providing independence, confidence and security. Whenever possible, the dogs are selected from rescue centres, but they are also donated by breeders and members of the public.
