Name: Sussex Audiology Centre - Lewes
Address: Unit 1, Artisan House, Brooks Rd, Lewes, BN7 2YJ, GB
Telephone: 0330 3203 413
Price range: ££-£££

Posted by

Paul Maloney
Manager RHAD

0330 3203 413

Incident Highlights Risks of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

This story shows how hearing loss and damage to hearing does not discriminate!

This photo shows the moment that Princess Astrid of Belgium, younger sister to the current Belgian Monarch King Philippe, damaged PM Charles Michel’s hearing by firing a starting pistol right next to him.

While it may have been initially laughed off to avoid any embarrassment, such incidents of noise exposure can result in significant permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. The OSHA and NIOSH permissible exposure limit for impulsive noise (such as a gun blast) is 140 dB SPL. Without hearing protection, sound exposures exceeding 140 dB can result in lasting damage.

Therefore, even a single exposure to a loud gun blast without hearing protection can result in permanent hearing loss.

A recent examination of impulse noise by Sondergaard, et al, found that at .5 meters (about 1.5 ft) from the blast, sound levels from a starter pistol reached as high as 166 dB. Based upon the study, the authors concluded the shooter would be required to wear hearing protection and that nearby athletes and spectators potentially be at risk for hearing damage based upon current NIOSH and OSHA sound exposure guidelines.

Noise-induced hearing loss is becoming more and more common, so hopefully this can teach us all to be more careful with our hearing. Particularly as this kind of hearing loss is permanent and the high frequency nature of the loss makes hearing speech in noise particularly difficult.

Get well soon Mr Belgian Prime Minister!

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“I’d like to start by thanking Rosanne for her expertise and service over the
years – the best hearing aids in the world are nothing without an expert
audiologist on hand to manage them.
December ‘24, I decided to upgrade my aids to Phonak Audéo I90-Sphere,
and the experience has been both amazing and quite emotional.
I am now able hear speech far more clearly, even in very noisy situations, as
never before – the “Spheric” program is unbelievably good. Birdsong is a joy,
and I can enjoy my music again but crucially, I am far more enthusiastic
about attending social occasions, family gatherings, meetings, the cinema
etc.
I’ve had them six months now and I’m still absolutely delighted. Many
thanks to Rosanne and Sussex Audiology Centre.”

Roy Groom

Patient Review

“I was nervous about getting a hearing test, but the audiologists made me feel at ease. The results were explained clearly, and I felt well cared for.”

David L, Crawley

Google Review

“The team at Sussex Audiology Centre was incredibly professional and friendly. My at-home hearing test was convenient and thorough. Highly recommended!”

Sarah M, Crawley

Google Review

“Lovely and friendly. Helped me amazingly remove my wax buildup comfortably. And offered to clean my other ear free of charge as it was only ever so slightly blocked. Highly recommend visiting here for your ear troubles.”

Scott Pullen

Google Review

Terms & Conditions

Up front payment is required at the time of booking, card payment can be taken via telephone.

If wax has not been sufficiently softened prior to the appointment the consultation fee remains payable. This will be confirmed via video otoscopy.

Appointments will not be made within 7 days to allow sufficient time for ear drops to take effect and maximise the efficacy of the appointment. Olive oil ear drops (Earol) should be applied morning and evening for the 7 days prior to the appointment unless a valid reason why this is not possible (ie. Perforated ear drum).

If the appointment is cancelled within 24 hours of the visit a £90 fee will be charged.

If the patient is not present or not able to be seen a £90 appointment fee will be charged.

Appointments will be within a 2 hour window, the audiologist will call on route to confirm arrival 30 mins prior.

Patient must be ready for their appointment, sitting upright in a chair with access to both ears. Patients in care homes must be able to sit in a non-high winged chair (normal high backed chair is suitable).

You will be required to read and sign (if able) a treatment consent form at the time of your appointment.

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Get in touch with us

“I was nervous about getting a hearing test, but the audiologists made me feel at ease. The results were explained clearly, and I felt well cared for.”

“The team at Sussex Audiology Centre was incredibly professional and friendly. My at-home hearing test was convenient and thorough. Highly recommended!”

“Lovely and friendly. Helped me amazingly remove my wax buildup comfortably. And offered to clean my other ear free of charge as it was only ever so slightly blocked. Highly recommend visiting here for your ear troubles.”

Get in touch

latest news

Starting pistol damages Belgian Prime Ministers hearing

Incident Highlights Risks of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

More News

What Are the Pros and Cons of New Generation Hearing Aids?

Can ear wax removal improve hearing loss

What is Microsuction Ear Wax Removal? Everything You Need to Know

How To Clean A Hearing Aid

How loud is too loud?

Breaking Down the Cost of Oticon Hearing Aids

Get in touch with us

“I was nervous about getting a hearing test, but the audiologists made me feel at ease. The results were explained clearly, and I felt well cared for.”

“The team at Sussex Audiology Centre was incredibly professional and friendly. My at-home hearing test was convenient and thorough. Highly recommended!”

“Lovely and friendly. Helped me amazingly remove my wax buildup comfortably. And offered to clean my other ear free of charge as it was only ever so slightly blocked. Highly recommend visiting here for your ear troubles.”

A family-founded and family-run business who have been proudly serving Sussex for over 25 years.