We asked our clients what effects the current lockdown restrictions are having on their day to day life and several have shared their experiences already. Here is one account from a lovely lady, Moira, which has content I think will resonate with many of us.

Keeping your distance:

“What a challenging time! I think we all know one of the most difficult situations for most hearing aid users is background noise in shops, restaurants etc., but this lock-down situation has made me realise the challenges of distance. I remember learning from the early days of losing my hearing that most people have a maximum distance to hear clearly, particularly with hearing aids, so we automatically move closer to the sound. We now have to keep the 2-metre gap. Neighbours and friends encountered on our exercise walks are all adhering quite rightly to this, but I’m just not able to hear at that distance and funnily enough a bird singing its spring heart out only makes things harder.”

Online social gatherings:

“The wonders of technology are such a blessing, being able to see family and friends, but sadly I am often unable to hear well enough to join in the online group conversations.”

Probably like most people with hearing challenges, there are days I cope and others where everything just seems like too much hard work. I have always enjoyed getting together with friends and family, but often take a back seat and just enjoy watching everyone. With the same feeling, I am trying to enjoy just seeing the lovely faces of my family on a joint chat, just like at our riotous parties – all talking at the same time!”

Hearing loss and working life:

“My husband and I are both hairdressers and have had a salon since 1974. Whilst I still do the admin, I had to stop working in the salon when my hearing started going. I have no hearing on the left side and mid-range hearing loss on the right.

We have had to close the salon for now and hope with the help of government funds, that we will be able to re-open with all our faithful staff in the not too distant future.

My husband is phoning a lot of clients, many of whom have been with us since the early days, to make sure they are okay and have help etc. He has involved social services in a couple of cases when he knows the person is alone and vulnerable.

I saw Sue Webster originally about 20 years ago and I have been supported by the Aston Hearing family ever since – in fact feel I have become one of them! I am treated like an individual and Sue actually said in the first instance that I am the only one that knows what I am actually hearing. It gave me the confidence to always ask if things could be improved and to go back if there was any problem with my aids. I now feel I am in the sci-fi era with an aid in my non-hearing ear feeding sound to the hearing ear, giving me some spatial awareness and more balanced hearing. Absolutely amazing, but as usual nothing with hearing is 100%, so I am still questioning and trying new technology with the help of Aston Hearing with improvements at every step.”

We are so grateful to Moira for sharing this with us and I am sure hairdressers are going to be so popular at the end of this lockdown!
Meanwhile we thought we would take the opportunity of seeking some top tips for styling ideas until the salons are open again. Moira has this to say.

“I have been asked if I could comment about the hair situation during this awful virus.
It seems no matter what the age or circumstances, everyone is asking what they can do with their hair. What a problem! Here are my tips:

  1. Cutting your own hair is rarely an option, I think we have all tried, and even as an experienced stylist, I have made mistakes with my own when tempted to snip!
  2. Perhaps we should be thinking along alternative lines and looking into our drawers and jewellery boxes. Boosting the hair to give height or width makes a huge difference to your look and this can be achieved with good old-fashioned grips, then maybe try an imaginatively placed brooch, flower or bow.
  3. Check your head scarves for the long, silky type. Tying these around the head with either a bow at the top, or side helps to make a different look and keeps hair out of your eyes (and roots undercover if you have a tint). If you’re a home sewer, lengths of fine fabric with a bit of edging is sufficient, or perhaps get imaginative with making flowers?

Sorry this is not the magical cure to hair problems but we are all in the same boat. Having said that, I am lucky because I married my hairdresser, but how about trying to have fun and be a bit outrageous! ”

STAY HOME. STAY SAFE. PROTECT THE NHS. SAVE LIVES.