Another Award For Nick Chitty at Oxford Hearing Centre

PRESS RELEASE

November 2011

OXFORD HEARING EXPERT RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE UK...AGAIN!

2009  -  2010  -  2011

The sweet sound of success is in the air again for local hearing specialist, Nick Chitty, from Oxford Hearing Centre who is celebrating after receiving a special commendation in the 2011 prestigious UK Audiologist of the Year Awards.

It is the third time Nick has been highly commended, his dedication and commitment to helping his patients overcome their hearing difficulties led to him first being awarded in 2009 and 2010.

Voted for by patients, the Awards recognize the finest standards of hearing healthcare in the UK. Created by battery manufacturer, Rayovac, in conjunction with Audio-Info’s Magazine, these awards are open to both private hearing healthcare practices, and the NHS. They give patients the opportunity to recognise those who go ‘beyond the call of duty’ to provide outstanding hearing healthcare and service.

Identified from amongst hundreds of entries from across the UK, Nick Chitty’s special commendation recognises what the judges highlighted as “continual dedication to both his profession and to his patients.”

On being given his award, Nick Chitty commented,

“I am immensely proud to have received a special commendation for the third year running! The fact that the award is voted for by patients demonstrates our continuing commitment at Oxford Hearing Centre to ensure we work to identify and provide the very best level of personal care and service to help each and every one of our patients overcome their hearing difficulties and make a fundamental difference to their quality of life. To be recognised as having contributed in some way to making that happen by the patients themselves is both a privilege and an honour.”

Richard Moss, senior partner of Oxford Hearing Centre, said;

“It comes as no surprise to hear that Nick has been commended again in this way. Locally, we are the only Hearing Centre to have been recognised by the ‘Audiologist of the Year Awards’ and I hope other people who may be worried about their hearing will come and talk to us and see just why our service is so special.

“For those who are considering help with a hearing device, it is important to understand that any hearing aid is only as good as the audiologist who fits it for you, each hearing loss is personal, and it takes a highly-skilled and trained professional to fine-tune this sophisticated equipment to ensure you get the best out of it for your life-long needs.”

Nick Chitty concludes;

“Although the latest hearing technology used at Oxford Hearing Centre is remarkable, we know that the device is only part of the solution. The finest professional aftercare and understanding of the individual’s hearing requirement are vital for the best outcome.”

Meet your Local Hearing Expert...

If anyone is having difficulty or is worried about their hearing, Oxford Hearing Centre offer a FREE 10 minute Hearing Screening, which is a great opportunity to address any hearing issues that you may be experiencing. It might not necessarily mean you will need hearing assistance, but just some good advice on how to protect your hearing and alleviate any problems.

To book your free Hearing Screening, simply phone the Oxford Hearing Centre on 01865 861861 or, simply call into the Centre at: 157 Eynsham Road, Oxford OX2 9NE.

About Oxford Hearing Centre



GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND… WHAT?!

REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE 5^th NOVEMBER,
GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND… WHAT?!

Every year, the 5^th November brings a unique array of sights and sounds as many of us enjoy the thrill of Guy Fawkes night. But while most people are aware of the harm fireworks can do if not handled properly, very few will appreciate the damage the noisiest night of the year can do to their hearing and to the hearing of their children.

Richard Moss, senior partner at the Oxford Hearing Centre, explains;

"It's quite possible for a person watching fireworks to experience noise levels significant enough to cause hearing loss and ringing in their ears – either due to a close explosion or through a cumulative exposure to noise.” 

Hearing loss through exposure to noise can be accompanied by a condition, called tinnitus, a permanent ringing in the ears for which there is no specific cure.

"We don't know necessarily who when exposed to increased levels of noise is going to end up with ringing ears and permanent or temporary hearing loss," says Richard, “Part of the problem is that it's sometimes hard to judge just how loud a sound actually is.

"A key element of impact explosions, like fireworks, is that they're very short," he explains. "Research has shown that if a sound is less than about
150 milliseconds that we really don't realise how loud it actually is. So when you hear the bang of a firework, it may be much louder than you think! This factor, coupled with the ready availability of new, more powerful fireworks means that this is a growing concern."

Aside from the instant damage experienced by some people, the cumulative amount of "continuous noise" in a Guy Fawkes night party can easily add up to harmful levels.

How to protect yourself and your children

Hearing damage on fireworks night can easily be prevented by using earplugs or specially designed headphones for young ears which the Oxford Hearing Centre are recommending for children this November 5^th.

^{“I’d like to suggest a new warning for the Fireworks Code,” said Richard;}

^{“ALWAYS WEAR HEARING PROTECTION!”.}

He sums up his message: “We obviously want everyone, especially children, to enjoy all the fun of Guy Fawkes night, but with the right protection those at risk from loud noise can avoid a lifetime of hearing damage.”

About the Oxford Hearing Centre

The Oxford Hearing Centre was formed in 1982 as a hearing aid and audiological centre of excellence. The practice is a founding member of AIHHP – The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals. AIHHP is a professional body representing the leading independent hearing aid audiologists in the United Kingdom. Full members of the association have to meet rigorous clinical standards and are subject to peer evaluation before admission.

As well as helping people to hear, the Oxford Hearing Centre provides individual and organisational guidance on hearing conservation.

The centre has been acknowledged in both 2009 and 2010 for the Audiologist of the Year Awards. The Awards are issued as a result of members of the public nominating those individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help them overcome their hearing difficulty.

Richard Moss also acts as consultant to the music industry, advising many famous professional and amateur musicians on issues of hearing protection and healthcare.

The Oxford Hearing Centre’s diverse client list covers all walks of life, from royalty to rock stars.

For more information contact:

Richard Moss, FSHAA, MRSPH

Oxford Hearing Centre

157 Eynsham Road

Oxford OX2 9NE

Tel. 01865 861 861

info@oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk

www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk